Regressive experiences in Vietnam veterans: Their relationship to war,post-traumatic symptoms and recovery

Regression has been commonly associated with war and postwar symptomatology. Posttraumatic symptoms have been considered regressive when manifested by chronic dependent behavior or outbursts of primitive, aggressive behavior. Recovery from regressive symptoms may in itself induce regressive experiences since recovery necessarily leads to another change in ego boundaries; rigid or fused boundaries becoming realigned, intact, and flexible. Recovery therefore requires a stable and trusting therapeutic relationship to gradually permit such changes. Psychological treatment of Vietnam veterans often has occurred in phases with immediate management of regressive symptoms occurring during early phases and induction of regressive states has often occurred during late phases to facilitate integration of split-off traumatic experiences and emotions.