Internalized and Re-enacted: Understanding the Dynamics of Psychological Experience

In the field of psychology, the concepts of internalization and reenactment are pivotal for understanding how individuals process their experiences, particularly in relation to trauma, relationships, and identity formation. These phenomena reflect the intricate ways in which past experiences shape present behavior and emotional responses. This article explores the definitions, implications, and therapeutic approaches surrounding internalization and reenactment, supported by empirical evidence and theoretical insights.

Understanding Internalization
Internalization[1] refers to the process by which external experiences, beliefs, and attitudes are absorbed into an individual’s internal framework. This concept, rooted in the work of developmental psychologists like Sigmund Freud and Anna Freud, posits that individuals adopt the norms and values of their environment, integrating them into their self-concept. This process can occur through various mechanisms, including modeling, social learning, and familial influences.[2]

Case Study: Internalized Criticism
For instance, a child raised in a critical environment may internalize negative messages about their self-worth. Over time, these internalized beliefs can manifest as low self-esteem, anxiety, and self-destructive behaviors in adulthood.[3] The internalized criticism not only shapes their self-perception but also influences their interactions with others, often leading to maladaptive relational patterns.

The Process of Re-enactment
Re-enactment, on the other hand, involves the unconscious repetition of past experiences, often in relationships or therapeutic contexts.[4] This concept is closely tied to the notion of transference in psychoanalysis, where patients project feelings and dynamics from past relationships onto their current experiences, particularly with the therapist.[5] Re-enactment allows individuals to relive unresolved conflicts, providing an opportunity for insight and healing.

Case Study: Trauma Re-enactment
Consider a survivor of childhood abuse who unconsciously seeks out relationships that mirror their traumatic experiences. This individual may find themselves drawn to partners who are emotionally unavailable or abusive, perpetuating a cycle of pain and distress. The re-enactment serves as an attempt to gain control over the original trauma, but without conscious awareness, it often leads to further suffering.

The Interplay Between Internalization and Re-enactment
The interplay between internalization and re-enactment is crucial for understanding the complexities of psychological functioning. Internalized beliefs and feelings can significantly influence how individuals reenact their past experiences.[6] For instance, someone who internalizes the belief that they are unworthy of love may unconsciously engage in self-sabotaging behaviors in romantic relationships, repeatedly choosing partners who reinforce this belief.

Therapeutic Implications
In therapeutic settings, addressing both internalized beliefs and reenacted behaviors is essential for facilitating healing. Techniques such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based approaches can help individuals uncover and work through these dynamics.

Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on bringing unconscious patterns to awareness, allowing patients to recognize how their internalized beliefs and reenactments impact their present experiences. By exploring transference and re-enactment within the therapeutic relationship, individuals can gain insight into their behavior and work toward healthier relational patterns.[7]

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses internalized beliefs directly, helping individuals challenge and reframe negative thought patterns. By identifying cognitive distortions linked to past experiences, clients can develop healthier beliefs about themselves and their relationships.[8]

Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Mindfulness-based interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), encourage individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment.[9] This awareness can help individuals recognize patterns of internalization and reenactment, fostering a greater understanding of their emotional responses and behaviors.

Conclusion
The concepts of internalization and re-enactment offer profound insights into the ways individuals navigate their psychological landscapes. By understanding how past experiences shape present behavior, therapists can guide clients toward greater self-awareness, healing, and personal growth. Recognizing the interplay between internalized beliefs and reenacted behaviors is crucial for fostering healthier relationships and enhancing overall well-being. Through therapeutic intervention, individuals can break the cycles of internalization and reenactment, paving the way for a more fulfilling and authentic life.

[1] Loewald, Hans W. “On internalization.” The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis 54 (1973): 9.

[2] Behrends, Rebecca Smith, and Sidney J. Blatt. “Internalization and psychological development throughout the life cycle.” The psychoanalytic study of the child 40.1 (1985): 11-39.

[3] Ghoul, Assia, Erika Y. Niwa, and Paul Boxer. “The role of contingent self-worth in the relation between victimization and internalizing problems in adolescents.” Journal of adolescence 36.3 (2013): 457-464.

[4] Tonnesmann, Margret. “Adolescent re-enactment, trauma and reconstruction.” Journal of Child Psychotherapy 6.1 (1980): 23-44.

[5] Weiss, Heinz. “Reporting a dream accompanying an enactment in the transference situation.” The International Journal of Psychoanalysis 83.3 (2002): 633-645.

[6] Webster, Penny. The Therapist as a” bad Object’: The Use of Countertransference Enactment to Facilitate Communication in Therapy. Diss. Rhodes University, 2004.

[7] Zerbe, Kathryn J., and Dana A. Satir. “Psychodynamic improvement in eating disorders: Welcoming ignored, unspoken, and neglected concerns in the patient to foster development and resiliency.” Journal of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychotherapy 15.4 (2016): 259-277.

[8] Berger, Elizabeth U. Toward an Integration of cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic treatment for survivors of sexual trauma: a critical review of the literature. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 2015.

[9] Foster, Durwin Bruce. Integral therapeutic enactment. Diss. University of British Columbia, 2003.