Donald Winnicott (1896-1971) was a well-known British psychoanalyst known for his research and development of the early mother-infant relationship. He is considered one of the exponents of the British theory of object relations.
Winnicott was born in London, England, to a lawyer father and a homemaker mother. He was interested in medicine and psychology from an early age and received his medical degree from the University of London Medical School in 1920.
After graduating, Winnicott worked as a Xi physician at St Mary's Hospital in London and began her psychoanalytic training. In 1926, he became a full member of the British Psychoanalytic Association (IPA).
Winnicott made important contributions to the study of early mother-infant relationships. He believes that babies need enough love and support from their mothers in the first few months of life to build a sense of security and self-awareness. If the baby is not satisfied during this period, it can lead to serious psychological problems.
Winnicott came up with the concept of a "transitional object" to describe the objects on which a baby depends when separated from its mother. The transition object can be anything such as a stuffed animal, a lullaby, a saliva towel, etc. Transitioning objects can help babies feel safe and comforted in their mother's absence.
Winnicott also introduced the concept of the "false self" to describe the self formed by those babies who were not fully satisfied in the early mother-infant relationship. The false self is a defense mechanism that can help babies feel safe in their interactions with their mothers.
Winnicott's scholarship has had a profound impact on psychoanalytic theory and practice. His research provides a new perspective for us to understand the importance of early mother-infant relationships and a new approach for clinicians.
Winnicott's major publications include:
Playing and Reality (1971).
The Maturational Process and the Facilitating Environment, 1965
The Child, the Family and the Outside World (1964).
Winnicott died in London in 1971 at the age of 75.