ABSTRACT
This chapter describes diagrammatically the process whereby a person’s wellbeing is instinctively restored, as far as it is possible, after that person has perceived a threat to his or her wellbeing. The fear system, which has an intrapersonal goal, is functional at birth as also is the careseeking system, which has an interpersonal goal. The system for interest sharing with peers psychotherapists and other practitioners consider is first seen around three years of age. Once the threat is experienced the fear system becomes highly activated, more so than the attachment system. Once the interaction with the caregiver is effective and the goals of careseeking and caregiving are met, exploration and the other affected systems are restored to their original state. Changes in activation of the exploratory system immediately after experiencing a threat, most frequently reduces the level of exploration. Affectional sexuality is usually adversely affected when the level of exploration is low and so is the system for empathic caregiving.
