Compensation in psychology - concept, types and basic principles

Compensation

- a protective mechanism of the psyche, consisting of an unconscious attempt to overcome real and imagined shortcomings[1].
The term was introduced by Sigmund Freud, and later, understood as a life strategy, it became one of the central concepts in Alfred Adler's individual psychology. Typically, compensation manifests itself in the form of additional efforts applied to activities, as if “compensating” for a person’s shortcomings. For example, playing sports for a disabled person will be compensation. If the efforts spent on compensation turn out to be inappropriately large, then this is already called hypercompensation
.

Literature

Belyaev, I.
A. Limitation and compensation of the abilities and needs of an integral human being / I. A. Belyaev // Bulletin of the Orenburg State University. - 2009. - No. 2 (96), February. — P. 24-30.

Defense mechanisms of the psyche

Primary

This page was last edited on November 27, 2022 at 12:19 pm.
The human psyche experiences enormous stress every day, which is provoked by external factors. Because of this, individual defense mechanisms are developed, one of which is compensation in psychology. This concept was first introduced into science by Freud, and then Adler examined it. This term refers to a complex, multi-complex process of restructuring impaired or incompletely developed human functions.

Let's find out the meaning of the term

From Latin - “compensation”. Compensation in psychology is the reanimation of the destroyed balance of mental and psychophysiological processes by reviving the opposite reflex or stimulus. The term “defense mechanisms” was introduced by the Austrian psychologist S. Freud in 1923.

Many experts believe that compensation in psychology is an autonomous model of protection from existing complexes. The individual will try to fill with triumph the area in which he felt inferior. From the position of compensation, the immorality of adolescents and their behavior with hostile illegal actions aimed against the individual are also analyzed.

Another demonstration of the defense mechanism will be the replenishment of unfulfilled desires and unrealized events through over-realization in other areas of life. For example, a frail, physically undeveloped person who is unable to fight back “with his fists” gains moral pleasure by humiliating his pursuer with the help of his sharp mind and erudition. People who use compensation as the most appropriate type of psychological defense, as a rule, are dreamers who are in search of an ideal in different areas of life.

This is nothing more than a protective mechanism of the psyche, which independently eliminates or replenishes negative character traits of a person. By resorting to this method, a person either compensates for negative characteristics or develops new ones. Let's say a short person suffering from this complex directs all his efforts to the status growth of his personality. Achieves this goal thanks to his high motivation.

General definition and essence

For self-defense, the human psyche is forced to develop special mechanisms that allow it to withstand influences from the outside world. The stability of the nervous system, personality integrity, balance and self-confidence largely depend on this ability. Psychologists use the term “compensation” to define this behavior. It refers to a complex set of responses that occur when the balance and harmonious interaction of a person with the environment is disturbed.

Each individual has a certain set of ideas about himself, realistically assessing both advantages and disadvantages. Positive aspects usually suit everyone; they try to develop and preserve them. But you constantly want to hide the disadvantages (and often fictitious ones) from others, eliminate them, and turn them into advantages.

There are many examples of such behavior. For example, short men prefer tall girls, compensating for their physiological characteristics. People who have lost loved ones or are simply lonely in life try to take out their love and care on animals, getting dogs or cats.

An obvious example of compensation is the replacement of food consumed . Adhering to a diet and certain food restrictions, those losing weight try to make up for the lack of nutrients with other, less calorie dishes.

Experts also highlight another concept. Overcompensation is a more exaggerated manifestation of the desire to hide one’s inferiority and rise above others. This is often a poorly controlled process; examples include:

aggression from a weak and passive person;
sexual promiscuity of people who are afraid of serious relationships;
demonstrative inadequacy of a person experiencing self-doubt.

The development of compensatory mechanisms depends on the living conditions of the individual, character traits, and psychological characteristics. This is an internal defense mechanism that helps eliminate factors that cause negative emotions.

Compensation can occur in various life situations. It should be understood that each person individually determines for himself what seems to be a problem. Perhaps, in the eyes of other people, some shortcomings do not look like disadvantages at all, and even if they are present, they feel normal.

The essence of compensatory behavior in management

Management psychology, as a branch of practical psychology, studies the laws of management psychology, which manifest themselves in interaction, in interpersonal relationships and in group communication and act like any law. Personnel management should be based on principles such as methodicality and psychology [1, p. 4]. In philosophy, development is characterized as “an irreversible, directed, natural change in material and ideal objects” [3, P. 561]. The consequence of these changes is a qualitatively new state of the object. Likewise, compensatory changes in personality become the result of development.

If a person develops a quality or trait that was initially well developed in him, this is called compensation. Compensation is divided into direct and indirect. Direct compensation is a process in which a person strives for success in an area where he feels a certain uncertainty and lack. Indirect compensation suggests that success is achieved in a different, new area. The use of the law of compensation is characteristic of an adult and mature person. This type of psychological defense is most common in a professional environment: compensatory behavior is characteristic of people who are aimed at achieving a specific status. Status is one of the needs of the individual, because a person’s work in production is multi-motivated, and a person strives to satisfy not only his economic needs at work [2, pp. 297-309].

The purpose of compensatory behavior is to help the individual maintain self-esteem at a normal level. To achieve this, you should learn to switch your attention from a lack or negative experience to already developed qualities, to experiences that evoke associations with positive emotions. If the compensatory mechanism is very well developed, even negative experiences can motivate a person to self-development, a multifaceted process of personality formation.

Nathan Rothschild once said: “Whoever controls the information controls the world.” Already now you have everything to start: information, faith, action. Be firmly confident in your capabilities and get results. Be yourself, that is, an individual: manage events, use your capabilities. Avoid useless criticism of yourself and others. Understand what values are significant to you and defend them. Write down the goals you set for yourself. Act in the present tense, observing the seven principles of success: 1) do not be afraid to do the right thing; 2) rely on yourself: 3) be honest; 4) listen to reason; 5) remain calm; 6) do not focus on the mistakes of others; 7) Make success your strategy.

Level system and types

Compensation in psychology, as a complex process, is carried out at several levels simultaneously. This is due to the fact that a person is an integral part of society, develops and reveals his essence under the influence of outside influence.

Experts distinguish the following levels:

biological (bodily);
psycho-emotional (the most complex in content, carried out by involving unconscious processes in the work, allowing to reduce anxiety and internal tension);
socio-psychological (implemented through interaction with the public, often depending on the specifics of external assistance, the reaction of others to deviations from the norm, for example, disability);
social (restructuring and adaptation in society are determined by traditions, established national and religious customs in society).

In pedagogy, another concept is known that describes defense mechanisms - pseudocompensation . At a certain stage of development, it is most often observed in a child, but in adulthood such compensatory processes also occur.

We are talking about the so-called blackmail of others with supposedly poor health, illness, or depressed functions. In most cases, this causes sympathy and allows you to get concessions.

In addition, one of the main types of compensation is the so-called decompensation. It occurs during age-related crises, after stressful and psychogenic situations, somatic disorders, and traumatic brain injuries.

Overwork also leads to breakdown and depression of the nervous system, during which a person loses concentration, memory and attention deteriorate, and the attitude towards loved ones changes. Psychologists call this an unconscious “flight into illness . Carrying out usual functions, for example, homework by a child or job responsibilities by an adult employee, becomes difficult for them and at a certain stage seems pointless. Such sensations are especially intensified if something fails. The personality psyche goes into a protective mode until it receives approval and praise from others.

The concept of compensation is used by psychologists when conducting special therapy and providing assistance in social adaptation.

It is very important to detect problems and disorders in a timely manner so that a person can live a normal life without feeling inferior.

Kinds

Compensation in psychology is the replenishment, smoothing and formation of destroyed or underdeveloped functions, the reorganization of preserved options for the renovation of disturbed ones, the acquisition in the process of formation and learning of ways of activity and behavior that will contribute to getting used to society and merging with it.

There are two types of it:

Systemic. When one component has lost its function, and the rest take over it. For example, restoration of speech in the event of its local absence or impairment is at the biological level.
Intersystem. Here there is a breakdown in the functioning of the entire system, and the remaining components take over its functions. The functional system is rebuilt, and new elements from other nervous structures are included in the interaction.

Damage to any organ or function in tandem with the body’s ongoing vital activity indicates the well-coordinated work of compensatory mechanisms. In this situation, life continues in new uncomfortable conditions simultaneously with the compensation process.

Defect concept

Psychologists often have to work with people with severe mental disorders caused by congenital or acquired defects. This term refers to a certain deficiency that leads to a failure in the development of a child or even an adult.

The main forms of defects are considered to be:

visual and hearing impairment;
problems with the musculoskeletal system;
intellectual problems;
difficulties with speech (alalia, dyslalia, aphasia);
complex defects (deaf-blindness, etc.).

The structure of violations consists of positive and negative signs. The first include the ability to adapt, adapt to the environment, establish contacts with others and feel confident, acquire skills and knowledge. The second group consists of certain symptoms that confirm the presence of damage to organ systems. The organization of compensatory functions is based on this.

Psychologists have formulated the basic principles of compensation for such defects :

at the intrasystem level (due to the involvement of intact elements of damaged organ systems in the work);
on the intersystem (there is a restructuring of structures and the involvement of third-party elements that must perform slightly different functions).

Full personality development is impossible without correction . In modern psychology, it means a distraction from shortcomings, measures aimed at the maximum possible correction of violations using special techniques.

Unlike compensation, correction is effective when some function is impaired, but not when it is completely lost. It is completely pointless to correct something that does not exist, so you have to make up for the lack with existing advantages. Moreover, the more complex the defect, the more organ systems are involved in the restructuring processes. The end result of working with the patient is maximum rehabilitation and adaptation to society.

In a properly developing organism, compensatory processes are activated automatically. However, in difficult cases you cannot do without the help of experienced specialists.

Examples of psychological defense

Compensation is considered merely as a mechanism of self-preservation of the nervous system. Problems can begin from early childhood, when the child’s behavior and habits do not correspond to the standards and principles of behavior accepted in society. This happens, for example, when changing place of residence and study; in adolescence, it is more difficult for an individual to adapt to new conditions.

In order to feel on an equal footing with others, to become approved and full-fledged, in demand and significant, a person has to adapt or express a clear protest. In both cases, a defensive reaction manifests itself.

Therefore, compensation is often called the reaction of pretense . People put on masks, hide their true habits and preferences, and experience self-doubt and isolation. Against this background, a functional disorder appears, associated with the need to hide or fake emotions.

In addition, pretense occurs against a background of fear. It can be caused by various reasons:

fear of offending;
appear uncultured or uneducated;
show true emotions;
hear ridicule directed at you.

In the mind of a particular person there are a lot of reasons and only understandable reasons for putting on a mask: to smile when you are sad, to laugh, to speak when you have an insane desire to remain silent, or to be sad in a cheerful environment.

Pretense sooner or later leads to fatigue and a desire to relax. The body experiences stress, and strong psycho-emotional stress also affects health. A vertical dependence is built - from feelings and mood to illness and poor health.

Defense mechanisms in the form of compensation are not the most effective means of achieving success in life. It is better to fight fears than to obey them.

Psychologists are convinced that those who have anticipated their fears and learned to manage them become independent from them. This means that there is no longer a need to overcome imaginary or real shortcomings.

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Psychological compensation - (from the Latin “compensation, balancing”) is a complex process of replacing or restructuring impaired functions. The restructuring of impaired functions is based on the mechanisms of adaptation of human psychophysical systems to changing conditions of the internal and external environment.

In this case, adaptation is associated with the processes of achieving equilibrium of these systems with the environment. To achieve this, either a person’s internal psychological connections or social connections with the outside world are rebuilt. Changing existing connections provides:

1) restoration of adequate functions of the brain and organs (biological adaptation);

2) restoration of the functions of the corresponding psychological systems (psychological adaptation);

3) restoration of communication functions, educational activities (social adaptation). Restoring these functions positively changes the personality as a whole, and helps to balance its states and properties, and ensures the optimization of its activities in accordance with the requirements of the environment.

Compensation develops in the case of activation of protective forces and mobilization of the body's potential resources, increasing resistance to the pathological process. Therefore, it depends on the degree of preservation of these properties, and they, in turn, depend on the duration of the disease or the effect of unfavorable factors. Psychological influence helps to release potential capabilities, emotionally activates the individual, motivates him to change his attitude towards the existing anomaly, and indicates ways of joint activity. The role of psychological support in restoring functions is played not only by the psychologist, but also by peers, parents, and teachers.

Another process is the replacement of lost functions, which is carried out not with the help of the resources of the affected system itself, but with the help of other systems that take over the function of the first. These may be: 1) other areas of the brain associated with the affected area; 2) other HMFs associated with impaired HMF; 3) external instrumental devices that artificially enhance reduced function (hearing, vision); 4) special teaching aids, correctional materials and methods. Here, compensation is associated with correction, which can replenish the impaired function using special methods of training and education.

There is also pseudocompensation or false compensation, when the affected function is temporarily compensated and then decompensated again. Pseudo-compensation also occurs in cases where a child refuses to perform normal activities, in which a deficiency of this function may manifest itself. If he carries out this activity (for example, educational), then the hidden insufficiency of the function becomes obvious, which is associated with the lack of its true compensation. Decompensation is the reverse process of compensation and is associated with a repeated violation of a previously restored function.

Overcompensation is associated with excessive replacement or strengthening of a disturbed function, when its insufficiency is converted into redundancy. Compensatory redundancy of a function, as well as insufficiency, is manifested by its violation, which also contributes to the occurrence of deviations in development, but opposite in its properties (hyperfunction).

Questions and tasks

1. What is psychodiagnostics in special psychology?

2. What types of psychoprophylaxis do you know?

3. What are the criteria for mental health?

4. How is psychological correction implemented?

5. What is compensation, decompensation, overcompensation?

InterpretationCompensation (in psychology)
Compensation, in psychology, restoration of disturbed balance of mental and psychophysiological processes by creating an oppositely directed reaction or impulse.
In this very general sense, the concept of K. is widely used in relation to various mental processes and functions. The concept of K has received particular development in a number of areas of depth psychology. In individual psychologyA. Adler (Austria) K. is credited with the role of the main factor in the formation of character and the development of a certain line of behavior (“life style”); K. is considered by Adler as overcoming certain inferiority traits inherent in a person through the development of opposite character traits and behavioral characteristics (for example, a feeling of self-doubt can be compensated by the development of increased self-confidence, etc.). K. G. Jung (Switzerland), considering the psyche as an autonomous system, calls K. the principle of mental self-regulation, the mutual balancing of conscious and unconscious tendencies: thus, the one-sidedness of the conscious attitude leads, according to Jung, to the strengthening of opposing unconscious aspirations, expressed, for example, in dreams that sharply contrast with conscious ideas.═ D. N. Lyalikov. Great Soviet Encyclopedia. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. 1969-1978.

See what “Compensation (in psychology)” is in other dictionaries:

COMPENSATION - (from Latin compensatio compensation) in psychopogy, restoration of disturbed mental balance. and psychophysiological processes by creating an oppositely directed reaction or impulse. In this most general sense, the concept of K. is broad... ... Philosophical Encyclopedia
compensation - According to Z. Freud, a reaction of the body and psyche that counteracts traumatic excitations by withdrawing active energy from all mental systems and creating a corresponding energy filling around the traumatized elements.... ... Great psychological encyclopedia
Compensation - (from the Greek compensare to compensate) a theoretical construct of individual psychology by A. Adler. A person’s desire to eliminate an inferiority complex from consciousness through the targeted development of physical or mental functions, leading to ... ... Psychological Dictionary
COMPENSATION - (from Latin compensa tio compensation) English. compensation; German Compensation. 1. In sociology, balancing failures and failures in k.l. area (or role) achievements and advancement into another. 2. In psychology, restoration of disturbed balance. 3 ... Encyclopedia of Sociology
Compensation (psychology) - This term has other meanings, see Compensation. Compensation is a protective mechanism of the psyche, consisting of an unconscious attempt to overcome real and imagined shortcomings.[1] The term was introduced by Sigmund Freud, and later... ... Wikipedia
Compensation - I Compensation (from the Latin compensatio compensation) 1) in civil law, one of the ways to terminate obligations (by offsetting counterclaims (See Offsetting counterclaims)); 2) in Soviet labor law, payments to workers and employees ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
COMPENSATION - (from Latin compensare to balance) 1) compensation for losses, incurred losses, expenses, repayment of debt, remuneration; 2) psychol. the concept of individual psychology, according to which, thanks to ideas or actions that lead the individual to... ... Professional education. Dictionary
COMPENSATION - (from Latin compensa tio compensation) English. compensation; German Compensation. 1. In sociology, balancing failures and failures in k.l. area (or role) achievements and advancement into another. 2. In psychology, restoration of disturbed balance. 3 ... Explanatory dictionary of sociology
Bibliography L.S. Vygotsky - Bibliography of works by L. S. Vygotsky 1915 1. The tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, W. Shakespeare // Family archive of L. S. Vygotsky. Gomel, August 5 − September 12, 1915. Manuscript. 1916 2. Literary notes... ... Wikipedia
Bibliography of L. S. Vygotsky - This page is an information list. See also the main article: Vygotsky, Lev Semenovich Lev Semenovich Vygotsky (1896 1934) Soviet psychologist, founder of the cult ... Wikipedia

Content:

Compensation - what is it?

In psychology, compensation is one of the methods of psychological defense in which a person replaces shortcomings with something. They come in three types:

Visible. These are the shortcomings that clearly catch your eye. These include: absence of limbs, various neoplasms on open parts of the body, scars, consequences of burns, etc. Most people form an opinion about themselves based on what society says. And if we take into account the fact that society is rarely tolerant and tactful, we can conclude that such people almost always live in a state of stress.
Invisible. Such disadvantages include disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, which negatively affect the functioning of the body as a whole and the psychological state.
Imaginary or fictitious. A person invents shortcomings for himself or they are the result of psychological trauma that happened in childhood. So, for example, someone considers himself very ugly, although in fact his appearance is no worse than that of the people around him.

Compensation is required for each of the listed types of deficiencies. It is interesting that it can be connected both with the deficiency itself and with the aspirations that replace it. In the first case, Paralympic athletes can be used as an example, and in the second, blind musicians, etc.

Alfred Adler was the first to talk about compensation mechanisms. According to him, compensation for inferiority is a normal phenomenon in the life of every person. Inferiority, as Adler believed, is of three types:

Physiological - absence of body parts, hearing, vision, etc.
Socio-cultural - these are age, gender, political and economic differences that can make you feel inferior.
The original one is biological inferiority, which throughout the history of mankind has encouraged people to develop science, technology, art and other areas.

Sigmund Freud did not agree with Adler's words. He said that inferiority does not always deprive a person of a happy life. As an example, he cited people who, even in the absence of any parts of the body, or, for example, vision, did not lose self-confidence, did not feel discriminated against or offended by fate. Freud believed that it is easier to find someone who is prone to narcissism than those who consider themselves inferior people.

Trying to object, Adler argued that the inferiority complex is only an idea that can explain the psychological processes occurring in the body. There is no need to talk about actual usefulness here, because it is relative. For each individual, nation and culture, the concept of a full-fledged personality may change.

In fact, inferiority is a so-called motivator that prompts us to action and activates the compensation process.

General definition and essence

aggression from a weak and passive person;
sexual promiscuity of people who are afraid of serious relationships;
demonstrative inadequacy of a person experiencing self-doubt.

The development of compensatory mechanisms depends on the living conditions of the individual, character traits, and psychological characteristics. This is an internal defense mechanism that helps eliminate factors that cause negative emotions.

Level system and types

Experts distinguish the following levels:

biological (bodily);
psycho-emotional (the most complex in content, carried out by involving unconscious processes in the work, allowing to reduce anxiety and internal tension);
socio-psychological (implemented through interaction with the public, often depending on the specifics of external assistance, the reaction of others to deviations from the norm, for example, disability);
social (restructuring and adaptation in society are determined by traditions, established national and religious customs in society).

We are talking about the so-called blackmail of others with supposedly poor health, illness, or depressed functions. In most cases, this causes sympathy and allows you to get concessions.

It is very important to detect problems and disorders in a timely manner so that a person can live a normal life without feeling inferior.

What is the point of the theory?

It lies in a person’s readiness and desire to overcome his inferiority with the help of overcompensation. There is a possibility of several outcomes for this type of defense, the outcome will depend on the level of development of the sense of community.

A child who grew up in a healthy psychological family and was not deprived of love, care and attention will gain a developed sense of community. In adulthood, he will improve himself in order to benefit society.

If a sense of community is not developed, overcompensation will be aimed at achieving dominance and power, with the goal of subjugating society through the use of aggression and other anti-moral norms of behavior and means. As an example, A. Adler presented the activities of A. Hitler and N. Bonaparte.

Let's give an example of compensation in psychology. “Since I can’t draw, I’ll put all my efforts into a new business where it works out better, and I’ll start studying chemistry.”

Defect concept

The main forms of defects are considered to be:

visual and hearing impairment;
problems with the musculoskeletal system;
intellectual problems;
difficulties with speech (alalia, dyslalia, aphasia);
complex defects (deaf-blindness, etc.).

Psychologists have formulated the basic principles of compensation for such defects :

at the intrasystem level (due to the involvement of intact elements of damaged organ systems in the work);
on the intersystem (there is a restructuring of structures and the involvement of third-party elements that must perform slightly different functions).

In a properly developing organism, compensatory processes are activated automatically. However, in difficult cases you cannot do without the help of experienced specialists.

Examples of psychological defense

In addition, pretense occurs against a background of fear. It can be caused by various reasons:

fear of offending;
appear uncultured or uneducated;
show true emotions;
hear ridicule directed at you.

Defense mechanisms in the form of compensation are not the most effective means of achieving success in life. It is better to fight fears than to obey them.

Psychologists are convinced that those who have anticipated their fears and learned to manage them become independent from them. This means that there is no longer a need to overcome imaginary or real shortcomings.

Examples of compensation

The simplest and most understandable example of compensation is connected, no matter how funny it may sound, with food. When a person does not consume certain foods, for example, while on a diet, the body demands to replace them with something else, something that contains the nutrients it needs. So, if you really want ice cream, you lack calcium and tryptophan. You can get them from chicken, rabbit or turkey. An irresistible desire to eat chocolate indicates a magnesium deficiency. You can replenish it with buckwheat, pine nuts, and lettuce.

Let's move on to examples related to people. Imagine a skinny teenage boy. People laugh at him because of his appearance. But he doesn't rush to the gym to pump up. Instead, he does what he does best: play chess. And he will definitely achieve success in this direction. But physical defects will still remind you of themselves, which will ultimately lead to the development of neuroses.

Let's take the same frail teenager. In the previous example we were talking about compensation. If overcompensation turns on, he will direct all his strength to eliminate the deficiency, will intensively engage in sports, wrestling, in order to then take revenge on those who teased and offended him.

Compensation is cases when, instead of establishing relationships with others, a person gets a dog. Having a pet is, of course, good. But if you communicate only with him, then over time you can lose your communication skills with people and end up alone.

Another example of compensation is career. It replaces family, entertainment, and friends. There is some benefit to this. A person achieves success and recognition in society. But look from the other side. Over time, the body of workaholics simply gets tired. And no job or career will give you a feeling of real happiness.

Read also

Conflict - concept, essence and methods of resolution Communication - concept, types, functions, means, goals Intelligence - concept, signs, how to develop, assessment Memory - types and types, properties, individual characteristics Sources used:

https://wiki2.org/ru/compensation_(psychology)
https://sprint-olympic.ru/uroki/psihologija/128796-kompensaciia-v-psihologii-poniatie-vidy-i-osnovnye-principy.html
https://studopedia.ru/3_203200_psihologicheskaya-kompensatsiya.html
https://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/bse/97512/compensation
https://nauka.club/psikhologiya/kompensatsiya.html