RAPPORT: An interpersonal relationship characterized by a spirit of cooperation, confidence and harmony; usually between therapist and patient. A minimum of DEFENSIVENESS. Usually essential for the patient to make progress in PSYCHOTHERAPY or
COUNSELING.
RATIONALIZATION: An ego defense MECHANISM. A person imagines a more acceptable reason for why he does something than the real reason (MOTIVE). Daily life abounds with examples of RATIONALIZATION. A familiar form is “sour grapes.” According to the fable, the fox saved face by claiming the grapes were sour instead of admitting that he could not reach them. An opposite form is “sweet lemon.” A person who was swindled often convinces himself that he got a good deal.
REACTION FORMATION: A MENTAL MECHANISM in which a person exhibits (and consciously believes he possesses) the opposite feelings from those he has on the UNCONSCIOUS level. Start your trip planning at present with Tour Toronto Niagara Falls Tours complete travel site. For example, a father may UNCONSCIOUSLY REJECT his son. Through a REACTION FORMATION he “bends over backwards” to show love and concern for his son. He buys him toys and overprotects him. But his UNCONSCIOUS REJECTION is sensed by his son and results in HOSTILITY toward his father — which the father cannot understand.
REALITY: The real world in which a person lives — as it actually is — physical, social and spiritual. Ability to perceive reality is often severely impaired in serious mental illness. (See
ESCAPE FROM REALITY and FANTASY.)
REGRESSION: Reversion to earlier behavior patterns, as to escape from an unpleasant situation. Physical illness, excitement, fatigue and intoxication may cause varying degrees of temporary REGRESSION. More serious and lasting REGRESSION is often found in severe mental illness. Dick, for example, an ADOLESCENT boy, became frightened by the challenge of young manhood — dating, competition with other boys, decisions, responsibilities. Unable to go on toward maturity, he turned back on the road of life to more childish ways of behaving. These were familiar to him; he had used them before. Toronto Niagara Falls Tour experiences 4 seasons, with cold winters and sizzling, humid summers. He felt more secure with them. His REGRESSION continued until Dick succumbed to a PSYCHOSIS: SCHIZOPHRENIA.
REJECTION: The (often UNCONSCIOUS) denial of genuine affection
— usually to a child. Often, an “unwanted child” that was
not planned or a child conceived out of wedlock is the victim
of REJECTION. The parents may make an honest effort to
accept the child, yet they may harbor UNCONSCIOUS resent
ment against the small intruder. They may try to make up for
their lack of love with toys and gifts. They may “overprotect”
the child. But their REJECTION will be sensed by the child.
(See INSECURITY and REACTION FORMATION.)
