Regression is a concept very frequently used in psychoanalysis and contemporary psychology. Galimberti (1999) writes that the term regression is a return to previous stages of psychic development that manifests itself in the ways of thinking, in current relationships and in the structuring of each person’s behavior.
The term has been developed in the psychoanalytic field by Sigmund Freud. In this Psychology-Online article we will discover what is regression in psychologywith examples and insights into the symptoms of this psychological defense mechanism.
What is a regression in psychology
The basis of regression psychology has been Sigmund Freud. He has identified the defense mechanisms and psychological strategies that protect an individual from distressing thoughts when he or she implements ineffective methods.
The concept of regression in psychology is the slide, active or passive, to more immature levels of defense or functioning; or also as the search for gratifications typical of previous development phases. It’s about a inherent defense mechanism consisting of return to an earlier stage of development or of the Ego in response to a frustration of satisfaction
This mechanism implies the return to a more obsolete functioning or psychic state, to primitive defensive modalities or the return to the first relational objectsexperienced as reassuring in the face of anguish created by current difficulties or conflicts.
History of the concept of regression in psychology
The concept of regression was introduced into psychoanalytic theory as part of topical theory, but different meanings were attributed.
Meaning of dreams and hallucinations
According to Freud, regression in psychology is a mechanism that produces and explains the phenomena of sleep and sleep. In the interpretation of dreams, Freud returns to the concept of regression to support his hypotheses relating, on the one hand, to dream work and, on the other, to the pathological processes of psychoneuroses.
Freud formulates the following definition of regression: the fact that in the dream the representation returns to the sensory image from which it was born at any moment. Therefore, the neurologist uses this concept to explain the tendency to satisfy desires during sleep through hallucinatory and visual experience.
Meaning of backward movement
Freud also attributed to the term regression the meaning of backward movement, in a systemic or topical sense. He postulated that in normal psychic functioning there was a predictable sequence of mental events:
- Of perception (conscious system).
- To the (preconscious system).
- To oblivion (unconscious system).
Drive regression
With the discovery of infantile sexuality and the theory of libido, the concept of instinctual regression was added. This type of regression refers to the fact that in the presence of frustration, libidinal desires aim to achieve a perceptual identity with memories of previous gratification.
Freud uses this same concept to examine libido development, in terms of the organization of childhood sexuality and its implications for psychopathological processes in adults. In the three essays on sexual theory, he states the following: “All factors that hinder sexual development manifest their action insofar as they cause a regression, a return to a previous phase of development.”
He also postulates that in the first phases of existence, regression in psychology is the reaction to needs and frustrations with the attempt to experience pleasant perceptions, already experienced previously.
Examples of regression in psychology
Regression is a defense that occurs when, in the face of difficulties, or when faced with a situation that we consider much greater than our capabilities, our mind launches the mechanisms that we used in the past in similar situations. Indeed, stress and trauma They can induce the person to put into practice the typical mechanisms of regression to escape from the problems of the present.
When we have a regression according to psychology
Let’s take a work situation as an example. Let’s imagine that we go through a difficult period of work, where relationships with our colleagues or our boss are delicate or that we make a mistake or finish a poorly done project. This constant demand can make us feel insecure. In this case, a regressive reaction can manifest itself in the continuous request for confirmation from our employer or from our colleagues.
Another example of regression in psychology is when we have a fight with our partner. We can begin to cry and shake without realizing that we are going backwards. By staying in the relationship, regression can occur even when one of the two cannot handle an adult relationship. Thus, completely unconsciously, he performs some action that will put the couple in crisis.
How regression manifests itself in psychology
Regressive behavior can be simple or complex, temporary or permanent, harmful or harmless to the person displaying the behavior and to those around him. Thus, regression in psychology can manifest itself in the following ways:
- Mild forms of regression: These may include thumb sucking, chewing on a pen cap, or sleeping with a stuffed animal.
- Moderate forms of regression: May include rocking and crying in the fetal position, wetting the bed, or firing off in an outburst of anger. Most people don’t know that they are regressing, while people on the outside assume that their behavior is simply inappropriate and immature. In this article, we tell you.
Often, the behaviors associated with regression are related to the psychological phase in which the individual has regressed. For example, an individual who regresses to the oral phase might suck on a pen, eat impulsively, vomit, or become verbally aggressive.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Salem Center (2021). The regressione negli adults: come, when and perché. Retrieved from: https://www.centrosalem.it/regressione-adulti/
- Galimberti, U. (1999). Encyclopedia of psychology. Milan: Garzanti Editore.
- Petrarch, A. (2021). Regressione, perché access davanti alle difficoltà? Retrieved from: https://www.amletopetrarca.com/regressione-perche-accade-davanti-alle-difficolta/
- Petrini, P., Renzi, A., Casadei, A., Mandese, A. (2013). Dictionary of psychoanalysis. With elements of psychodynamic psychiatry and dynamic psychology. Milan: Franco Angeli.