| Abstract: | The negative therapeutic reaction (NTR) is a unique case of negativism in which the patient demonstrates an inability to tolerate success in treatment. This results in the deterioration of the patient's condition shortly after progress is achieved. The NTR is distinguished from either a regression that accompanies a transference neurosis or a form of negative transference in psychotherapy. It is suggested that the patient perceives her/his progress and approval by the therapist as a severe threat to the patient's autonomy. The fear of fusion with the therapist propels the patient into an extreme negativistic position that is expressed by her/his deterioration. The case is presented of a 48-yr-old female who reacted to improvement in treatment with a negative refusal to consolidate these gains and translate them into a more effective adjustment. (42 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
