We’ve been taking a fascinating look into the human condition; specifically, how we tend to use self-deceptive processes to cope with the distress of life. In prior posts, it was determined that we practice denial in various forms (simple, minimization, and transference). In such instances, to one degree or another, we are attempting to reject the impact reality is having on our world. All of this is complex enough, but when we shift our focus onto another form of self-deception, namely, repression, we come to find a even greater degree of complexity to how we cope with distress. God’s Word is clear, we are not to live in these self-deceptive modes (i.e., Ephesians 5:11, James 5:16, II Corinthians 7:10). So, as followers of Jesus Christ, it is in our best interest to be aware of when we might be duped into such modes, and how to overcome life’s distress using God’s mechanisms for coping.
In today’s post we wrap-up our focus on repression by looking at one other factor involved in this self-deceptive mode of coping. Our tendency toward a certain type of repressive behavior (inhibitive or elaborative) appears to be predicated, in large part, on operant conditioning (positive or negative reinforcement). In this regard it is important to note, that, both healthy and unhealthy means of coping can be positively reinforced. For example, let us say I am stressed because I am late for a meeting, and happen to get away with driving fast and running a red light or two. My distress is lowered as I walk into the meeting less late than what I would have had I not driven this way. Thus, the effect of my behaviors could be considered positive because they lowered my overall level of distress. But my driving fast and running red lights would never be considered positive behavior.
The more positively a particular behavior is reinforced, the greater the likelihood the behavior will be repeated as a means of coping. While repression is mostly viewed as being negative, as it is maladaptive and can produce pathology, our inclination to engage in it can be attributed to the fact that repression often proves successful at lowering our level of distress. However, the success of repression is short-lived. Even when negative behavior proves successful at reducing our distress, the net results are always negative. For instance, getting drunk as a means to cope with distress will most likely prove successful. Alcohol numbs our painful emotions for a time, which lowers our distress; thus, the behavior will be positively reinforced. However, getting drunk has negative consequences; therefore, it is considered to be a negative mode of coping. Alcohol is a poison, and drinking poison is generally not found to be a positive thing. Drinking alcohol impairs perception and judgment, which all too often results in serious consequences. Depending upon the degree and frequency of reinforcement, getting drunk as a means to resist distress can lead to attachment, which opens the door to addiction. So, in the short run, getting drunk might very well prove effective at numbing painful feelings and lowering distress. But, in the long run, this method of coping only serves to avoid dealing with issues. The more we do so, the less we are likely to find healthy resolutions. Therefore, repression could never be considered a viable solution. Rather, it complicates our life, which inevitably increases our distress.
In my next post, we’ll move-on to the final leg used in self-deception – rationalization. Portions of this post were excerpted from my book, The Conditioned Mind. To learn more about the ways we practice self-deception, and how to overcome the crippling effects of such acts, click the book tittle above.
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