Evolutionary Function and Therapeutic Implications of Reactions to Success and Failure

Abstract

We examine the impact of winning/success and defeat/failure, on individual and family functioning. Defeat, at both the individual and family level, triggers an array of psychological and physiological reactions that, while adaptive on the one hand, may trigger or perpetuate problems. We explore these mechanisms along with broader evolutionary forces operating on the family. A number of therapeutic interventions are offered, designed to deactivate the mechanisms triggered by failure/defeat, disrupt maladaptive cycles, and overcome resistance to change.

Keywords:

• Involuntary defeat strategy
• optimal family functioning
• social rank theory
• attachment theory
• levels of adaptation
• maladaptive cycle
• cycle of adaptation

Acknowledgment

I would like to thank my wife Valerie Sloman for her many helpful comments and suggestions.

Disclosure statement

There was no funding received for the research and it does not represent a conflict of interest.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.