ADULT DEFENSIVE ORGANIZATION AS RELATED TO ADAPTIVE REGULATION OF SPIRAL AFTEREFFECT DURATION

Abstract

Microgenetic defense indices of introjection (identification with female or childish roles), projected introjection, repression, projection, reaction formation, introaggression and isolation were found in a group of 63 male conscripts, aged 20 to 31 years. These indices were closely related to dimensions of regulation in the duration of perceived spiral aftereffect, the respective dimensions being those of change (decrease-increase) in duration over ten consecutive trials and the magnitude of duration at the end of these trials. The results agreed with the predictions made and supported the developmental-adaptive frame of reference adopted.