Psychological gain

Psychological gain is the non-obvious benefit, relief, or protection that a particular pattern provides despite its costs.

Definition

Psychological gain does not mean that a person consciously chooses to suffer. It means that even a difficult pattern can fulfill a function: protect against shame, risk, conflict, responsibility or loss of control. Recognizing the gain helps you change the pattern without brutally taking away your only defense strategy.

Key ideas

Missing key ideas.

Practice and life

With a pattern you can't change, ask: what does this give me immediately? What does it protect me from? What healthier way can fulfill this function?

Common misunderstanding

It is a mistake to use psychological gain to blame a person. It is also a mistake to ignore the pattern's functions and focus only on its cost.

Questions for self-reflection

No questions for self-reflection.

Sources

No sources.