Endormissement et fonction de l'objet transitionnel chez le jeune enfant entre 12 et 24 mois: Une étude transculturelle

Abstract

Summary The concept of Transitional object developed in the theory of Winnicott (1951-53) continues to be a subject of controversy. Psychoanalysis contrasted the «breast» as a first possession of the «nonself» by the child with the transitional object that Winnicott instituted in its place. The transitional object is considered to be a psychic necessity by most child psychologists and psychoanalysts and a cultural necessity by certain practitioners of early childhood and transcultural researchers. Other psychologists grant it a fetish value expressing a flaw in the psychic construction of the child. The result of an epidemiological comparative survey between a group of children from Lyon and another group of child from Reunion Island concerning the child's sleeping pattern and bedtime routine demonstrate that the transitional object is not significantly protective with regard to sleeping disorders. The hypothesis suggested is that the transitional object is a substitute for the mother and perhaps the breast in its double function. Its use varies according to mothering methods and confirms its absence of a universal character, on the other hand, expressing a cultural dimension.