rap

Mahler’s Third Subphase – Rapprochement

16 to 24 months

• Infant now a toddler — more aware of physical separateness, which dampens mood of elation

• Child tries to bridge gap between himself and mother — concretely seen as bringing objects to mother

• Mother’s efforts to help toddler often not perceived as helpful, temper tantrums typical

• Characteristic event: rapprochement crisis: wanting to be soothed by mother and yet not be able to accept her help

• Symbol of rapprochement: child standing on threshold of door not knowing wich way to turn in helpless frustration

• resolution of crisis occurs as child’s skills improve and child able to get gratification from doing things himself