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Regression I. Experimental approaches to regression
The concept of regression is considered with an emphasis on the differences
between the positions of Freud and Jung regarding its significance. The paper discusses
the results of experimental analyses of individual experience dynamics (from gene
expression changes and impulse neuronal activity in animals to prosocial behaviour in
healthy humans at different ages, and humans in chronic pain) in those situations
where regression occurs: stress, disease, learning, highly emotional states and alcohol
intoxication. Common mechanisms of regression in all these situations are proposed.
The mechanisms of regression can be described as reversible dedifferentiation, which is
understood as a relative increase of the representation of low-differentiated (older)
systems in the actualized experience. In all of the cases of dedifferentiation mentioned
above, the complexity of the systemic organization of behaviour significantly decreases.