Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

Henz Hartmann contributed to psychoanalytic theory through his focus on what aspect?

1. The significance of ego strength

2. The significance of object relations

3. The significance of defense mechanisms

4. The significance of childhood trauma

The correct answer is: The significance of object relations

Henz Hartmann made significant contributions to psychoanalytic theory, particularly through his emphasis on object relations. In psychoanalysis, object relations theory focuses on the relationships established between individuals and their significant others (objects) during early development. Hartmann expanded on this concept by exploring how these relationships shape the individual’s psychological health and interpersonal dynamics. His work illustrated that the way individuals internalize relationships with primary caregivers impacts their future interactions, social functioning, and emotional well-being. Hartmann's perspective highlighted the importance of early experiences and emotional attachments, suggesting that the quality of these object relations has a profound effect on the development of the self and the capacity for relationships later in life. While the other aspects mentioned in the options—such as ego strength, defense mechanisms, and childhood trauma—are indeed important in the context of psychoanalytic theory, Hartmann’s primary focus was the nature of these object relationships and their significance in development, solidifying his legacy in the study of human behavior and interpersonal relationships within the framework of psychoanalysis.