Improving relationships with others is a goal associated with which therapeutic approach?

The focus on improving relationships with others aligns closely with object relations theory, which emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and their impact on an individual's personality and behavior. This therapeutic approach posits that early relationships, particularly with primary caregivers, play a significant role in shaping one's relational patterns throughout life.

By exploring these formative connections and how they influence current relationships, therapy grounded in object relations theory aims to enhance the ability to form healthy, fulfilling relationships in the present. It seeks to understand how past experiences affect ongoing interactions with others, fostering growth in both understanding and emotional connection.

In contrast, the other therapeutic approaches primarily focus on different aspects of psychology. For instance, ego psychology centers on strengthening the ego to manage internal conflicts and cope with reality, while drive theory emphasizes biological drives and instincts. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is more concerned with identifying and altering negative thought patterns and behaviors rather than focusing explicitly on interpersonal relationships. Thus, object relations theory distinctly prioritizes the therapeutic goal of improving relationships with others.