Autonomy and Resistance: Exploring the Disdain for Being Directed by Others
In these challenging times, understanding and managing psychological reactance has become more important than ever. This phenomenon, the feeling or need to rebel when one feels a threat to their freedom or choices are being limited, affects us all on small and large scales.
During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, people are being asked to wear face masks, practice social distancing, and stay at home. While these measures may feel restrictive, it's our responsibility to make decisions that help protect those around us. Refraining from arguing with one's spouse or boss, despite feeling annoyed, can prevent relationship damage.
The word "no" is one of the first things a child learns to say and understand. As adults, we sometimes struggle to say it, especially when it comes to our own needs. Balancing what's best for oneself and others is crucial, even when it's not convenient. Retraining one's brain and managing emotions requires discipline and practice.
Recognizing when one's rebellious self is acting against one's best interest or harming others is important. A behavioural therapist explains how we can let our ego drive itself without harming our own well-being or others. Some people have a better tolerance and understanding of their brain's psychological reactance, while others make choices based on ego and strong emotions, which can lead to self-sabotage or unsafe behaviour.
Examples of self-sabotage or unsafe behaviour include picking a fight with one's spouse, acting passive-aggressively at work, or refusing to wear a face mask during the pandemic. Acting out against small requests, such as unloading the dishwasher, can damage relationships.
Reframing psychological reactance takes time, practice, discipline, and deep breaths. Reframing resistant thoughts and understanding the true nature of a request is part of taming one's inner rebel. The goal is to make the inner rebel work for oneself rather than against oneself.
The coronavirus pandemic has given the need to rebel a modern, urgent twist. It's one's responsibility to make decisions that help protect those around them. The behavioural therapist who explained how we can let our ego drive itself without harming our own well-being or others is not named in the search results provided.
The pandemic has been tough on everyone. But by understanding and managing our psychological reactance, we can navigate these challenging times with more grace, resilience, and compassion.
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