The Relational Paradigm in Contemporary Psychoanalysis: Toward a Psychodynamically Informed Social Work Perspective

The social work literature rarely considers critiques and reformulations of psychoanalytic theory, even if these have brought about major shifts in contemporary understanding. I describe the emergence of the relational paradigm and show how overlapping perspectives deepen conceptions of personality development; problems in living; health, well‐being, and the good life; and the therapeutic endeavor. I consider the strengths and limits of the relational paradigm and its relevance for social work theory, research, and practice. I emphasize the need to establish critical perspectives that guide evaluation of constructs in view of the fundamental concerns of the profession.