Posted by gardenergirl on December 10, 2004, at 8:51:38
In reply to Re: is this regression? » gardenergirl, posted by Shortelise on December 9, 2004, at 21:14:19
> What if my reaction as a child was to retreat? What if I didn't fight back at my mother when she hurt me? Would this then be regression?
Well, not knowing enough about you and your usual way of functioning, it's kind of hard to answer that question. I guess I would view this not as regression per se, but as a maladaptive response that worked for you in childhood, but now can be more problematic. I wouldn't say you are regressing, but rather this is part of who you are and what you do. And that this is something that is fodder for therapy. Perhaps it could be considered regressing if your usual way of functioning involves you being more assertive and confronting conflict. Then, if you retreated in a given situation, I would want to look at it to see if retreat was a wise and appropriate choice or if it is somehow related to old ways of acting or old feelings.
>
> I'm not meaning to argue. I'm asking what you think - you and anyone else who cares to comment! I find this interesting.I don't think you are arguing at all. This is a tough question, and in some ways, it depends on how you define regression. There are lots of healthy reasons to regress as well as more defensive ones.
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:424337
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20041210/msgs/427143.html