Exploring the unexpected: Transference phenomena in a research setting

Abstract

This paper describes two events illustrating transference phenomena occurring in a longitudinal research study using laboratory-based video recording and home-based observations to explore social relationships between same-aged babies. One event concerned the mothers’ attachment to the researcher and to the project, with consequent reactions to the project's ending. The other concerned two mothers’ responses to a video recording of the interaction between their babies when their mothers were out of the room. The mothers’ comments suggested that they were reacting not only to their babies’ activities but also to infantile aspects of themselves. These events prompted the mothers to reflect on their relationships with their babies, and enabled the researcher to gain greater understanding of the psychological work required of the mothers in separating from them. Similar transference phenomena could occur in clinical situations using video. This paper suggests the value of working with patients’ transference to the video material and to the total clinical situation.

Keywords:

• Infant friendships
• baby–baby interaction
• transference
• separation and individuation
• video recording as research methodology

This paper is a slightly modified version of a paper written as a ‘Work Discussion Paper’ submitted in fulfilling requirements for the Observation Course at the Tavistock Clinic in 1983. Many thanks are due to Sheila Miller for supervision at that time, and to the Margaret Lowenfeld Trust for financial support for the research.

This paper is a slightly modified version of a paper written as a ‘Work Discussion Paper’ submitted in fulfilling requirements for the Observation Course at the Tavistock Clinic in 1983. Many thanks are due to Sheila Miller for supervision at that time, and to the Margaret Lowenfeld Trust for financial support for the research.

Notes

This paper is a slightly modified version of a paper written as a ‘Work Discussion Paper’ submitted in fulfilling requirements for the Observation Course at the Tavistock Clinic in 1983. Many thanks are due to Sheila Miller for supervision at that time, and to the Margaret Lowenfeld Trust for financial support for the research.