---
title: "Acting out"
chunk: 2/2
source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acting_out"
category: "reference"
tags: "science, encyclopedia"
date_saved: "2026-05-05T15:21:26.696443+00:00"
instance: "kb-cron"
---

== Analysis ==
Freud considered that patients in analysis tended to act out their conflicts in preference to remembering them –repetition compulsion. The analytic task was then to help "the patient who does not remember anything of what he has forgotten and repressed, but acts it out," in other words to replace the present activity with the past memory.
Otto Fenichel added that acting out in an analytic setting potentially offered valuable insights to the therapist; but was nonetheless a psychological resistance inasmuch as it deals only with the present at the expense of concealing the underlying influence of the past. Lacan also spoke of "the corrective value of acting out", though others qualified this with the proviso that such acting out must be limited in the extent of its destructive/self-destructiveness.
Annie Reich pointed out that the analyst may use the patient by acting out in an indirect countertransference, for example to win the approval of a supervisor.

== Interpretations ==
The interpretation of a person's acting out and an observer's response varies considerably, with context and subject usually setting audience expectations.

=== Parenting ===

Early years, temper tantrums can be understood as episodes of acting out. As young children will not have developed the means to communicate their feelings of distress, tantrums prove an effective and achievable method of alerting parents to their needs and requesting attention.
As children develop they often learn to replace these attention-gathering strategies with more socially acceptable and constructive communications. In adolescent years, acting out in the form of rebellious behaviors such as smoking, shoplifting and drug use can be understood as "a cry for help." Such pre-delinquent behavior may be a search for containment from parents or other parental figures. The young person may seem to be disruptive—and may well be disruptive—but such behavior is often underpinned by an inability to regulate emotions in some other manner.

=== Addiction ===
In behavioral or substance addiction, acting out can give the addict the illusion of being in control. Many people with addiction, either refuse to admit they struggle with it, or some don't even realize they have an addiction. For most people, when their addiction is addressed, they become defensive and act out. This can be a result of multiple emotions including shame, fear of judgment, or anger. It's important to be patient and understanding towards those with addiction, and to realize that most people want to break free from the symptoms and baggage that come with addiction, but don't know how or where to start. There are many preventative measures and programs than can help those who personally struggle with addiction, or for those who have a friend or family member who has an addiction.

=== Criminology ===

Criminologists debate whether juvenile delinquency is a form of acting out, or rather reflects wider conflicts involved in the process of socialization.

== Alternatives ==

Acting out painful feelings may be contrasted with expressing them in ways more helpful to the patient, e.g. by talking out, expressive therapy, psychodrama or mindful awareness of the feelings. Developing the ability to express one's conflicts safely and constructively is an important part of impulse control, personal development and self-care.

=== Parent training programs ===
Parent training programs are used to assist parents in dealing with acting-out behavior. It aims to instil good parenting skills, positive reinforcement, consistent but non-harsh discipline, and monitoring the child's whereabouts and behavior. Before treatment begins, parents are interviewed, and the child undergoes an observation assessment by an independent therapist.
After these assessments, the treatment program begins, carried out with families in a clinic playroom, twice a week. It consists of two phases. In the first phase, the parent is taught to be a more effective reinforcing agent. For example, they are taught to use praise statements when the child produces desirable behaviors (a matter of positive reinforcement. The second phase of the treatment program comprising training the parent in the use of 
use appropriate commands and time-outs to decrease noncompliant behavior.

== See also ==

== References ==

== Further reading ==
Franz Alexander, 'The Neurotic Character'. International Journal of Psychoanalysis XI, 1930.

== External links ==
Schellekes, S. About acting out at https://www.hebpsy.net, 2007.
Acting out Psychological Term From http://www.betipulnet.co.il

=== Psychology ===
Acting Up is Not "Acting-Out" Dr George Simon at CounsellingResource.com
"Projective Identification, Countertransference, and the Struggle for Understanding Over Acting Out" Robert T. Waska, M.S., MFCC, Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research 8:155-161, April 1999
Sophie de Mijolla-Mellor, 'Acting out/Acting-in'

=== Self-help ===
Acting out More complete explanation from a psychological perspective.
Acting out Understanding acting out from outsiders and insider's perspectives, suggestions for developing positive potential from acting out traits.

=== Parenting ===
Acting out Archived 2006-05-08 at the Wayback Machine