Dublettenkämpfung

Dublettenkämpfung, also known as double opposition, is a psychological defense mechanism used by individuals to cope with conflicting desires, emotions, or impulses. It involves the creation of a second, opposing idea or feeling to cancel out a previously held or expressed thought or emotion. This mechanism can help individuals maintain a sense of cognitive consistency and avoid feelings of guilt or anxiety associated with conflicting desires.

The process of dublettenkämpfung typically involves the adoption of a new, opposing idea or behavior, which serves as a means of undermining or negating the original thought or feeling. For example, an individual who desires to pursue a particular goal may create a opposing idea, such as "this goal is not as important as I thought," in order to undermine their initial motivation.

Dublettenkämpfung is a form of defense mechanism that can be both adaptive and maladaptive, depending on the context. In some cases, it can help individuals maintain a sense of control and stability in the face of uncertainty or conflicting desires. However, it can also lead to feelings of confusion, ambivalence, and indecision when taken to an extreme.

Research on dublettenkämpfung has primarily focused on its role in psychoanalytic theory and cognitive psychology. Sigmund Freud's ideas on the role of defense mechanisms in maintaining mental health have influenced contemporary research on dublettenkämpfung. Studies have shown that dublettenkämpfung can be a common coping strategy for individuals dealing with conflicting desires, and that it can have both positive and negative consequences for mental health.