Donald Winnicott was a British psychoanalyst who introduced the concept of transitional objects. According to Winnicott, transitional objects serve as a bridge between the inner and outer reality of an individual in an intermediate area of experience, neither simply an inner fantasy nor merely an external possession. In the context of mourning, a transitional object can help a person deal with grief and loss. (Winnicott, 1971)
Mourning is a process that involves the acceptance and understanding of loss. It is a time when individuals may feel overwhelmed by a range of emotions and may struggle to come to terms with their feelings. During this time, a transitional object can provide comfort and support.
Transitional objects can take many forms, but they are typically objects that provide comfort and familiarity to an individual. Examples of transitional objects include stuffed animals, blankets, or even photographs. In mourning, a personally meaningful object may serve as a physical representation of the connection between the individual and the person or thing that was lost.
For example, a person experiencing the loss of a loved one might cling to an item of clothing that belonged to the deceased. The clothing can function as a meaningful link because it is a physical representation of the connection between the individual and the person who has passed away.
In the context of mourning, transitional objects can help individuals cope with the emotions associated with grief and loss. These objects can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity during a difficult and emotionally challenging time.
In conclusion, Donald Winnicott's concept of transitional objects can be helpful for individuals experiencing grief and loss. Transitional objects can provide a bridge between the inner and outer reality of an individual and can serve as a physical representation of the connection between the individual and the person or thing that was lost. By helping individuals cope with grief and loss, transitional/linking objects can make the process of mourning more manageable and give symbolic insight into what lost object we seek in our mourning journey.
Winnicott’s transitional object and Volkan’s linking object are related points of reference, but they are not interchangeable terms. Not every keepsake is a linking object in Volkan’s sense. What matters is the particular use of the object, including whether it permits a relationship to change or holds mourning in suspension. (Volkan, 1972)