What is “Acting Out”?
Acting out is a psychological defence mechanism where a person expresses unconscious feelings or conflicts through impulsive behaviours rather than putting them into words. Instead of reflecting on or verbalizing difficult emotions, the individual acts on them, usually in ways that are disruptive, self-defeating, out of control, or unhealthy. In psychodynamic therapy, acting out is viewed as a substitute for more direct communication, with the action itself carrying symbolic meaning about what the person cannot yet articulate.
The Lonely Vigil, Painting by William Herbert Dunton, 1913
From a clinical perspective, acting out is usually in response to intense internal conflict. For example, instead of expressing anger toward an authority figure, a patient may suddenly skip sessions, engage in reckless behaviour, give someone the silent treatment, or pick a fight with a loved one. The defence protects the person from the anxiety of confronting emotions directly but can also cause new difficulties in relationships and functioning. Because of its impulsive nature, it can interfere with the therapeutic process if not carefully addressed.
George Vaillant classifies acting out as an immature defence. According to Vaillant, immature defences are those that often provide short-term relief from emotional discomfort but tend to undermine long-term progress. Unlike mature defenses such as humour or sublimation, acting out can be damaging to both the individual and their environment, as it overlooks self-reflection and problem-solving. Recognizing this helps therapists understand where acting out fits in the overall prevalence of defences in the patient.
Man on the Bridge, Painting by Károly Ferenczy, 1912
Within the therapeutic setting, acting out may appear as missed appointments, sudden withdrawals, silence, or even confrontational behaviours directed toward the therapist. Rather than seeing these behaviours as obstacles, psychodynamic practitioners interpret them as a form of communication. They may represent transference feelings, unresolved trauma, or struggles with dependency and autonomy. The therapist’s role is to help the patient gradually bring the underlying emotions into awareness and to use words rather than actions.
Ultimately, working with acting out involves creating a safe therapeutic frame where behaviours can be understood rather than punished or dismissed. This can allow the patient to gain insight into their inner world through linking impulsive actions to unconscious conflicts. Over time, the reliance on acting out can subside as healthier and more mature defenses develop, which support greater emotional regulation and self-understanding. This process reflects the main psychodynamic goal of turning unconscious acts into conscious meaning.