Resistance Mechanisms

Introjection, Projection and Retroflexion

Resistances are interruptions in the cycle of experience. Introjection occurs when the individual "swallows" mandates, beliefs or norms from the environment without assimilating or questioning them ("men do not cry", "I must be perfect"), acting as if they were his own.

Projection is the opposite: the subject rejects his/her own aspects (generally negative) and attributes them to the environment or to other people ("you hate me" instead of "I hate you").

Retroflexion involves doing to oneself what one would like to do to others or to the environment; for example, biting one's lips or somatizing (gastritis, tension) instead of expressing anger outwardly.

Confluence, Deflection and Other Mechanisms

Confluence is the loss of boundaries between the self and the environment; the person does not distinguish where he/she ends and others begin, seeking total acceptance and fearing conflict or difference.

Deflexion consists of "cooling down" direct contact, diverting energy through verbosity, nervous laughter, avoiding glances or talking about irrelevant topics so as not to face the real situation.

Proflexion is doing to the other what one would wish to be done to oneself (e.g., flattering to be flattered).

Finally, Egotism is an excess of observation of oneself, blocking spontaneity by rational control.

Summary

Resistances interrupt the cycle of experience. Introjection assimilates external mandates without questioning, Projection attributes one's own t