Talk:Transitional object

Merge proposal
It seems there are only subtle differences between a Transitional object, Comfort object, Security blanket or Sotorial device, so it seems sensible to pull all the text into one article. I'm not a fan of the current style of this page - but it is the best candidate for a "master article". Snori (talk) 13:26, 28 March 2008 (UTC)


 * Perhaps comfort object would be a better destination, since it is a general phrase which includes the other specific terms. BitterGrey (talk) 01:59, 7 May 2008 (UTC)

I think the originator of the term 'transitional object' might prefer not to merge the later terms into the article - useful as they are as popular referents. Obscuring the differences confuses the 'object' with Winnicott's emphasis on the transitional process. (Playing and Reality p. 14 " It is not the object, of course, which is transitonal. The object represents the infant's transition...") Clearview8 (talk) 09:07, 6 May 2008 (UTC)


 * I sympathize with Clearview8 in that the categories are easily obscured. A remedy would be to add some 'acid test' to the article that can be used to determine if a comfort object is a transitional object or not.  This clarification would add value to Wikipedia, whether or not the articles are merged. BitterGrey (talk) 01:59, 7 May 2008 (UTC)

what does this article offer other than an explanation of the propositions of 'Donald Woods Winnicott'? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 123.200.243.250 (talk) 09:03, 13 December 2008 (UTC)

I do not believe they represent quite the same thing. The differences are subtle, but I believe clear. A comfort object brings peacful and comforting thoughts to the child - This can continue into adulthood quite easily without harm. Many adults still have a treasured stuffed toy in their bedroom for example as it helps them feel safe during stressful times and is a reminder of when they felt safe and loved as a small child. A Transitional objects takes the temporary place of the mother-child bond for when the mother cannot be there, so a transitional object replacing the mother-child bond might be viewed with more concern if required into adulthood. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.214.143.224 (talk) 16:26, 8 July 2009 (UTC)


 * To try to answer both comments, I agree that the three objects ideally aren't the same thing. The combined article would need to describe the differences as well as the similarities.  Unfortunately, these differences aren't well-defined.  Winnicott didn't want to limit the concept, and so didn't present a test to separate transitional objects from anything else.  (According to at least one author, Transitional objects don't even need to be objects.)  For example, if one were to declare CNN to be his transitional object, would he be able to sue the cable company, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, if they cut his cable service?
 * While they are ideally not the same, the definitions are fuzzy enough so that there is considerable overlap. The main effect would be that we would have one well-differentiated article as opposed to three poorly differentiated articles.BitterGrey (talk) 04:29, 9 July 2009 (UTC)


 * A great idea. I agree that the subtle differences can be described in the article.  Lova Falk     talk   11:21, 20 June 2010 (UTC)