In order to present the newer perspectives in object relations theory, Grotstein first reviews the most widely accepted conceptualizations of object relations, both past and present. Starting with Freud, Abraham, Klein, and Bion, he summarizes and to some extent interprets their contributions. The British object relations school is then reviewed, including the work of Fairbairn, Winnicott, and the Hungarian school. Also discussed are the interpersonal school of Sullivan, the classical analytic school, and Kohut's self-objects. A summary of the five major uses of objects is set forth: 1) for Kleinians, internal objects are fantasies created by the infant from instinctual sources; 2) members of the British object relations school consider the concept of internal object relations as distortions of the ego or self created by a