retroflexion

- turning back against oneself mobilised energy (e.g. masochism or somatisation) or doing to oneself what one would like others to do us (e.g. boasting). Retroflection may express the internal struggle between top-dog and under-dog.

Definition excerpted with permission from Ginger, Serge International Glossary of Gestalt Psychotherapy (Seven languages including English. Order from FORGE at 183 rue Lecourbe; 75015 Paris, France) Paperback 1995.