This essay aims to explore the context, references and influences of the article ’Transitional Objects and Transitional Phenomena’ by Donald Winnicott, published in 1953.
I am going to evaluate of the main ideas and arguments inside and outside the context.
To begin with, Donald Winnicott (1896-1971) was an English paediatrician who studied psychoanalysis under Melanie Klein, a highly influential psychoanalyst in the 20th century. Winnicott became a child analyst in 1935 and a full member of the British Psychoanalytic Society.
In the piece that I am going to examine, he introduces and develops the concepts of –what he calls-transitional objects and phenomena as a result of his close observations during clinical study. To me it seems that he only gives brief insights of his personal understanding which leaves much room for interpretation. He approaches his concepts in different ways using simple language.

First of all, what is a transitional phenomena? What is a transitional object? Winnicott introduces the term transitional phenomena to describe the intermediate area of human experience between inner reality and the outside world. I will explain this in more detail. When a baby is born it eventually starts placing ist hands, fingers or fist into its mouth for many reasons (eg. In satisfaction of the instincts of that zone). According to Winnicott, the pattern of transitional phenomena begins to show at about 4-6-8-12 months. The infant may get in touch and even obsessed