文章初步比较了马勒的分离-个体化理论、斯特恩的婴幼儿心理发展层阶理论以及鲍尔比的依恋理论,认为：连接和分离是人类心理发展的两个侧面,一方的发展会促进另一方的发展。因此,“斯特恩理论的连接”与“马勒理论的分离”是相反相成、相互促进的,它们在心理发展效用上是等价的;依恋理论侧重于依恋和连接,但安全型依恋可以促进分离和个体化的发展。通过临床案例讨论,发现斯特恩理论的临床应用相对有限;分离-个体化理论和依恋理论虽然在很大程度上提高了精神分析的临床解释力,但需更进一步临床实践研究。

An initial comparative study conducted on Mahler’s theory of separation-individualization, Stern’s layered model of development, and Bowlby’s attachment theory reckons that connection and separation are two sides of psychological development in mankind; the development of one side will bolster the development of the other side. Therefore, the connection from Stern’s theory and the separation from Mahler’s can complement and reinforce each other. They are equal in the utility of psychological development. The attachment theory focuses on attachment and connection, but secure attachment could promote development in both separation and individualization. Through the discussion on clinical cases, it is shown that clinical applications of Stern’s theory are relatively limited, but the theory of separation-individualization and the attachment theory to a great extent enhance the explanatory power of psychoanalysis, that the clinical applications are yet to be studied further.