Regression as a psychological defense and its role in the cultural context

The article examines one of the protective mechanisms of the human psyche, namely regression, from a cultural point of view. When analyzing psychological defenses, it should be remembered that they are able to work against the person himself, creating a distorted picture of reality for him. In addition, in the process of applying these protections, they acquire a self sufficient value, while they often lose their protective role. Regression is a return to childhood behaviors. Since regression has many concrete mani festations and takes on a variety of guises, it inevitably finds reflection in the cultural context. Thus, drunkenness and sexual promiscuity are regressive behavior, but both of these phenomena have cultural signifi cance. The craving for weapons is also a regressive phenomenon, and this generates significant consequences for culture. Regression can be traced in the fact that many people consider a car not as a vehicle, but as a source of pleasure when driving fast. And it also matters precisely as a cultural phenomenon. Finally, regressions to the experience of normative age crises, in particular, to the crises of three and seven years, are of great cultural importance. Many phenomena of human childhood acquire general cultural significance precisely due to regression.