Hello, I am João Barros, psychoanalyst, and I am here to talk about two fundamental concepts in psychology: fixation and regression. These terms may seem complicated, but don’t worry, let’s explore them clearly and accessible. Fixation and regression are mechanisms that play an important role in the development of personality and the formation of pathologies.
What is fixation?
Fixation refers to the process by which a person clings to a stage or phase of psychosexual development, unable to advance to the next. This may occur due to traumatic experiences, frustrations or excessive satisfaction at a given step. For example, someone who has had a very happy and safe childhood can be fixed at this stage and have difficulty dealing with the responsibilities of adulthood.
Imagine a friend who never wants to grow and continue to be treated as a child. He can refuse to assume responsibilities, such as paying bills or working, because it makes him feel comfortable and safe. This is a form of fixation, where the person cannot advance to the next stage of development.
What is regression?
Regression, on the other hand, is the process by which a person returns to an earlier stage of psychosexual development, usually as a way of dealing with stress or anxiety. This can be seen in children’s behaviors, such as crying, tantrums or refusing to cooperate. Regression is a form of defense, where one tries to escape the responsibilities and pressures of adulthood.
A common example of regression is when someone is facing a difficult problem at work and begins to behave in a childish way, such as tantrums or refusing to cooperate. This is a way of escaping responsibility and stress, but does not solve the problem itself.
Connections with everyday life
Fixation and regression are not only theoretical concepts, but also have practical implications in our daily lives. For example, someone who has settled at a stage of development can have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships as it may be very dependent or possessive. Regression, on the other hand, can lead to problems at work or other areas of life, as the person is not willing to assume responsibilities or deal with challenges.
Imagine a co -worker who always refuses to accept criticism or feedback. It can become defensive and aggressive, which is a form of regression. This does not help solve the problem, but to perpetuate negative behavior.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment of fixation and regression usually involves psychoanalytic therapy or other forms of therapy. The goal is to help the person understand the reasons behind their behavior and develop strategies for dealing with healthier stress and anxiety.
In addition, prevention is also important. This may include practices such as meditation, physical exercise or cognitive behavioral therapy. These practices can help reduce stress and anxiety, making the person less likely to return to an earlier stage of development.
In short, fixation and regression are important concepts in psychology that may have significant implications on our daily lives. By better understanding these concepts, we can develop strategies to deal with stress and anxiety more healthily and prevent more serious problems in the future.
