The concept of psychological regression: Metaphors, mapping, Queen Square, and Tavistock Square.

Abstract

The term "regression" refers to events in which an individual changes from his or her present level of maturity and regains mental and behavioral characteristics shown at an earlier point in development. This definition has remained constant for over a century, but the implications of the concept have changed systematically from a perspective in which regression was considered pathological, to a current view in which regression may be seen as a positive step in psychotherapy or as a part of normal development. The concept of regression, famously employed by Sigmund Freud and others in his circle, derived from ideas suggested by Herbert Spencer and by John Hughlings Jackson. By the 1940s and '50s, the regression concept was applied by Winnicott and others in treatment of disturbed children and in adult psychotherapy. In addition, behavioral regression came to be seen as a part of a normal developmental trajectory, with a focus on expectable variability. The present article examines historical changes in the regression concept in terms of mapping to biomedical or other metaphors, in terms of a movement from earlier nativism toward an increased environmentalism in psychology, and with respect to other historical factors such as wartime events. The role of dominant metaphors in shifting perspectives on regression is described.

Examining Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy as a Treatment for Adopted and Foster Children

“…However, if the evidence for these posited phenomena is weak, the metaphors they provide may not be fruitful ones. Historically, the concept of regression has been accepted enthusiastically by authors like Winnicott, Balint, Bettelheim, and Laing but has been criticized extensively by others (see Mercer, 2011). Experimental work like that of Barber (1962) concluded that ''age regression'' is not a real possibility.…”

Holding therapy in Britain: historical background, recent events, and ethical concerns

“…The concept of regression has a long British history (Mercer, 2011b). Herbert Spencer, in 1898, discussed normal progression and considered some form of regression to be a possible cause of mental illness.…”

“…3As of this writing, the 2010 authors have not yet responded to comments on their work in the same journal (Mercer, 2012). …”