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JAA 18(2):260-285 (1990)

The Evolutionary Functions of Repression and the Ego Defenses

Author: Randolph M. Nesse MD

Abstract

Recent advances in basic evolutionary biology have transformed ethology, but have had little impact on psychoanalysis. As evolutionary approaches to human behavior begin to focus on the specific behavior regulation mechanisms that have been shaped by natural selection, psychodynamic mechanisms become natural objects of inquiry. The capacity for repression is at the core of psychodynamics, and must be explained first. It is a first-class evolutionary mystery because it distorts reality, it contributes to maladaptation, and because existing explanations have been outmoded by advances in evolutionary theory.
The evolutionary biologists Trivers and Alexander have each proposed that repression conceals motives from the self, and thus better conceals them from others so that selfish motives can be covertly pursued. This startling idea becomes plausible when viewed in the light of modern studies of animal relationships and communication. Several other functions of repression also enhance fitness by deceiving the self to better deceive others, but repression may function more generally by distorting reality whenever accurate perception would be maladaptive. Although repression sometimes assists short-term strategies of manipulation (cheating), it more often assists long-term strategies that depend on maintenance of secure relationships.
This position is largely consistent with existing psychoanalytic theory. The specific ego defenses can be understood as specialized capacities for deceiving others. The
* Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Michigan Medical School.
Presented in part at the American Academy of Psychoanalysis Annual Meeting, May 7, 1988, Montreal, Canada and the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting May 9, 1988, Montreal, Canada.
Development of this manuscript was assisted by comments from colleagues in the University of Michigan Evolution and Human Behavior Program and in the Psychiatry and Evolutionary Biology Study Group.
Page 260
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JAA 18(2):260-285 (1990)

The Evolutionary Functions of Repression and the Ego Defenses

Author: Randolph M. Nesse MD

Abstract

Recent advances in basic evolutionary biology have transformed ethology, but have had little impact on psychoanalysis. As evolutionary approaches to human behavior begin to focus on the specific behavior regulation mechanisms that have been shaped by natural selection, psychodynamic mechanisms become natural objects of inquiry. The capacity for repression is at the core of psychodynamics, and must be explained first. It is a first-class evolutionary mystery because it distorts reality, it contributes to maladaptation, and because existing explanations have been outmoded by advances in evolutionary theory.
The evolutionary biologists Trivers and Alexander have each proposed that repression conceals motives from the self, and thus better conceals them from others so that selfish motives can be covertly pursued. This startling idea becomes plausible when viewed in the light of modern studies of animal relationships and communication. Several other functions of repression also enhance fitness by deceiving the self to better deceive others, but repression may function more generally by distorting reality whenever accurate perception would be maladaptive. Although repression sometimes assists short-term strategies of manipulation (cheating), it more often assists long-term strategies that depend on maintenance of secure relationships.
This position is largely consistent with existing psychoanalytic theory. The specific ego defenses can be understood as specialized capacities for deceiving others. The
* Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Michigan Medical School.
Presented in part at the American Academy of Psychoanalysis Annual Meeting, May 7, 1988, Montreal, Canada and the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting May 9, 1988, Montreal, Canada.
Development of this manuscript was assisted by comments from colleagues in the University of Michigan Evolution and Human Behavior Program and in the Psychiatry and Evolutionary Biology Study Group.
Page 260
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