ABSTRACT
Affectively and physiologically charged survival reactions; pre-symbolic and implicit experiential conclusions of self, others, and the quality of life; and even explicit script decisions, all produce distinct relational attachment patterns that are maintained by several psychological functions. The psychological function of self-regulation is a biologically determined, correcting process. The human brain’s hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is involved in the emotional and physiological homeostatic process of self-stabilization, self-soothing, and internal regulation. One psychological function of life script is the compensation for relational needs that were consistently unsatisfied in significant primary relationships. Self-regulation involves the reduction of intense affect and the calming of overstimulating physiological reactions in the absence of need fulfilling contact with significant other. Each psychological function may need to be separately investigated and its importance understood and even appreciated by both client and therapist as new thoughts and attitudes, new behaviors and physical movements are explored in the psychotherapy.
