The theory associated with a reciprocal relationship between the organism and its environment, and central to mental health, is:

The theory associated with a reciprocal relationship between the organism and its environment, and central to mental health, is:

• A. Object Relations Theory
• B. Ego Psychology (Heinz Hartmann)
• C. Behaviorism
• D. Humanistic Psychology

Answer: (B)

Ego Psychology highlights the ego as an adaptive mediator that maintains mental health through a dynamic, reciprocal relationship with the environment. This view, advanced by Heinz Hartmann, sees the ego as an organized, autonomous system that tests reality, regulates impulses, and develops coping strategies in response to external demands. Mental health arises when the ego effectively balances inner drives with what the outside world requires, shaping and being shaped by the environment in return. This emphasis on how the person and surroundings continuously influence each other best fits the description. Object Relations Theory centers on internalized relationships and objects, not the broad reciprocal interaction with the environment. Behaviorism focuses on external stimuli and reinforcement without the central organizing role of the ego. Humanistic psychology stresses personal growth and subjective experience rather than the specific mechanism of organism–environment reciprocity.

Ego Psychology highlights the ego as an adaptive mediator that maintains mental health through a dynamic, reciprocal relationship with the environment. This view, advanced by Heinz Hartmann, sees the ego as an organized, autonomous system that tests reality, regulates impulses, and develops coping strategies in response to external demands. Mental health arises when the ego effectively balances inner drives with what the outside world requires, shaping and being shaped by the environment in return.

This emphasis on how the person and surroundings continuously influence each other best fits the description. Object Relations Theory centers on internalized relationships and objects, not the broad reciprocal interaction with the environment. Behaviorism focuses on external stimuli and reinforcement without the central organizing role of the ego. Humanistic psychology stresses personal growth and subjective experience rather than the specific mechanism of organism–environment reciprocity.