Expressions of unconscious emotional conflicts or feelings in actions rather than words. The person is not consciously aware of the meaning of such acts. Acting out may be harmful or, in controlled situations, therapeutic (e.g., children’s play therapy). Refers especially to acting out of transference wishes and emotions.
In psychology, manifesting conflicts in overt behavior rather than controlling them through suppression or other defense mechanisms is a characteristic of antisocial personalities.
To express negative feelings by behaving in a socially unacceptable way.
A type of defense mechanism, in which a person expresses powerful inner feelings through behavior rather than words. When a child is troubled or in a stressful situation, acting out may seem disruptive, but it can be a way of dealing with feelings too painful or confusing to handle otherwise.
Expressing oneself through actions rather than speech.
Impulsive actions, which can serve as expressions of an individual’s unconscious desires, are commonly referred to as “acting out.” This term is frequently employed by psychotherapists to characterize behavior exhibited during therapy sessions when patients engage in actions instead of verbalizing their fantasies, desires, or beliefs. Acting out can also manifest as a response to everyday frustrations, often taking the shape of antisocial and aggressive conduct directed either inward or outward towards oneself or others.