Object-relations theory is based on psychoanalytic concepts with four stages of development:

1. Fusion with mother
2. Symbiosis period
3. Separation-Individuation period
4. Constancy of self and object

The psychosocial perspective is comparable with the psychosexual view of development.

In object-relations theory, there is an emphasis on early development as a decisive factor influencing later development.

Children who do not experience the opportunity to differentiate self from others may later develop a narcissistic character disorder.

Object-relations theorists focus on matters such as symbiosis, separation, differentiation, and integration.