Discussion of “Early Object Relations into New Objects”

Of the Range of Topics Discussed in Dr. Downey's Paper, “Early Object Relations into New Objects,” I will consider only one: a comparison of environmental influences with therapeutic influences in creating psychological change in children. Anna Freud considered this topic briefly in Normality and Pathology of Childhood (1965) and, by implication, in “An Experiment in Group Upbringing” (1951). She also included discussion of the issue in several subsequent papers as well. (A. Freud, 1974, 1976, 1978)

“An Experiment in Group Upbringing” is unusual in the writings of Anna Freud in its demonstration of the possibility of personality change under the influence of a caring milieu. Though not the intention of the paper, it does, by implication, open a window to the therapeutic possibilities of non-interpretive environmental interventions. “Environment” is, of course, a term which is understood here and in “An Experiment in Group Upbringing” as encompassing not only the material aspects of life—food, shelter, safety, recreation and so on—but also, and primarily, the provision of interested, responsive, committed and consistent persons. The issue raised by Anna Freud and expanded upon and discussed by Dr. Downey concerns the therapeutic potential of such care and the evidence of its effects on the concentration camp children cared for at Bulldogs Banks. There is no question about the necessity of such care for normal development; normality depends upon the ongoing provision of age appropriate caretaking as is available in the lives of most healthy children.