Glossary / Lexicon

Counterregulation refers to the "what the heck" effect that occurs when people indulge in a behavior they are trying to regulate after initial regulation failure.

Counterregulation in psychology refers to the phenomenon where individuals engage in behaviors that offset or compensate for a previous behavior or experience. It is a term used to describe the body's natural response to negative outcomes, such as overeating after dieting, or overspending after strict budgeting. In essence, counterregulation is a means of restoring a perceived balance or equity.

One common example of counterregulation is seen in the context of dieting. Many individuals who embark on strict diets experience intense cravings for unhealthy foods and a heightened sense of hunger. This may lead to overeating, bingeing, or even abandoning the diet altogether. In this case, counterregulation occurs when the individual overcompensates for the previous period of dietary restriction by consuming more calories than they typically would.

Another example of counterregulation is seen in the context of addiction. Individuals who are recovering from substance abuse may experience a heightened desire for their drug of choice, particularly after periods of abstinence. This may lead to relapse, as the individual seeks to counteract the negative feelings associated with withdrawal.

Counterregulation can also occur in response to positive experiences. For example, individuals who experience positive emotions or events may engage in behaviors that offset or dampen those feelings. This may occur in the context of social comparison, where individuals seek to diminish the positive experiences of others in order to restore a sense of balance or equity.

Similar terms to counterregulation include rebound effects, compensation, and homeostatic regulation. Rebound effects occur when individuals experience an opposite reaction to a previous behavior or experience. For example, an individual who has been sleep-deprived for several days may experience a period of heightened sleepiness following a period of rest. Compensation refers to the act of offsetting a negative experience with a positive one. Homeostatic regulation refers to the body's natural process of maintaining a sense of balance or stability.

In summary, counterregulation is a term used to describe the body's natural response to negative outcomes. It can occur in response to a wide range of experiences, including dieting, addiction, and social comparison. Similar terms to counterregulation include rebound effects, compensation, and homeostatic regulation.