Undoing is a defense mechanism in psychology where an
individual tries to negate or undo a previous action or thought by performing a
new behavior that is the opposite of the previous one. It is often used to
alleviate feelings of guilt, anxiety, or shame caused by a particular thought
or action. For instance, if someone engages in dishonest behavior, they may try
to undo it by performing an act of honesty or charity.
An example of undoing in a religious context is a person who
regularly attends religious services but also engages in immoral behavior. To
counteract their immoral actions, they may engage in religious rituals or acts
of penance to undo their wrongdoing and restore a sense of moral purity.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA),
undoing is classified as a defense mechanism that falls under the category of
"unconscious strategies that distort reality in order to reduce anxiety,
guilt, or shame" (APA, 2017, p. 652). It is considered a maladaptive
coping mechanism because it does not address the underlying issue and can lead
to repeated negative behaviors.
Reference
American
Psychological Association. (2017). APA dictionary of psychology (2nd ed.).
American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/15916-000
Resources
A- Z List of Defense Mechanisms with descriptions
Psychotic Defense Mechanisms described
Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales
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