ABSTRACT
Relational-cultural theory (RCT) builds upon basic concepts drawn from psychodynamic relational theory, interpersonal theory, object relations theory, self-psychology, ego psychology-all subsumed in this chapter under the rubric of relational theories. The early roots of the relational-cultural perspective can be found in the work of Melanie Klein and Karen Horney, two female psychoanalysts writing and practicing in 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. Neo-Freudians revised Freud's theory that presented a picture of human beings motivated by id-driven drives and needs in which the primary goal of behavior is the attainment of gratification and the reduction of tension. Ego psychology represented a more optimistic, growth-oriented view of human functioning than did earlier deterministic theories such as Freudian psychology. Self-psychology, like other relational theories, rests on premise that people have powerful tendency to repeat basic patterns from their early years into the later stages of life. In recent years, psychologists have begun to develop measurement tools based on relational theory for evaluation and assessment purposes.
