The human being is a complex being, full of contradictions and paradoxes. On our journey through life, we face desires, fears, and anxieties that lead us to adopt behaviors that often do not reflect our true feelings or intentions. One of the most interesting concepts in psychoanalysis is reactive formation, a defense mechanism by which people adopt behaviors opposed to their unconscious desires. In this article, we will explore what reactive formation is, how it works and why it is important to understand this concept to get to know each other better.
What is reactive training?
Reactive formation is a psychological defense mechanism by which a person adopts a behavior opposite to his unconscious desire. This means that instead of directly expressing a feeling or impulse, the person denies it and acts contrary. For example, someone who is afraid of being rejected can become excessively critical or distant to avoid proximity to others. This opposite behavior serves as a barrier to protecting the person from discomfort or anxiety associated with their royal desire.
It is important to note that reactive formation is not necessarily a conscious process. Often people are not aware that they are adopting behaviors opposite to their unconscious desires. This can lead to internal and external conflicts, as manifest behavior can be shocked by one’s true feelings.
Examples of reactive training in everyday life
Reactive training is present in many everyday situations. For example, a person who has an unconscious desire to be the center of attention can behave over a modest or humble way to avoid being perceived as egocentric. Another example is someone who is afraid of being vulnerable in relationships and, therefore, adopts a distant behavior or “tough” to avoid injury.
These examples illustrate how reactive formation can influence our social interactions and our relationships. By better understanding this defense mechanism, we can begin to identify behavioral patterns that may be preventing us from achieving our goals or living more authentically.
Causes and consequences of reactive formation
Reactive formation can be caused by a variety of factors, including traumatic experiences, fears and anxieties, and social pressures. When a person feels that a desire or impulse is unacceptable or dangerous, they can adopt opposite behavior as a way of protecting itself. However, this defense strategy can have long -term negative consequences, such as the repression of legitimate feelings and desires, difficulty in forming intimate and authentic relationships, and a sense of disconnection with their own desires and needs.
In addition, reactive formation can lead to a vicious cycle of denial and repression, where the person feels increasingly uncomfortable with his own feelings and desires. This can result in a sense of unhappiness and widespread dissatisfaction, as one is not allowing their true feelings and desires to emerge.
Overcoming reactive formation
Overcoming reactive training requires self -knowledge, courage and a willingness to confront your own fears and anxieties. This may involve a process of introspection and exploitation of their own feelings and desires, as well as the search for support of reliable therapists or friends. By better understanding our behavioral patterns and the reasons for which we adopt certain behaviors, we can begin to release reactive formation and live more authentically.
One of the most important steps to overcome reactive formation is to recognize and accept their own feelings and desires, even if they are considered “unacceptable” or “dangerous”. This can be a challenging but also liberating process, as it allows people to live more authentically and connected with their true desires and needs.
In short, reactive formation is a complex defense mechanism that can influence our lives in a deep way. By better understanding this concept and how it works, we can begin to identify behavioral patterns that prevent us from achieving our goals or living more authentically. With self -knowledge, courage and support, it is possible to overcome reactive formation and live a fuller and more satisfactory life.
