15167: Laleau: 15165: Haitian Times: RE: 15163: Acessrachael: Haitian Psychology

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: NLaleau@aol.com
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The kind of independence Haitians have might be called
"counterdependence." It
happens where there is such a horror of constraint that a person is
incapable
of dependence, even when it might be a good idea. It's similar to
"counterphobia"--where persons can't tolerate their own internal fears,
and
constantly challenge those fears--skydiving, rock climbing, etc. Not all
people
who do these activities are really fearless--many are constantly riddled
with
fear, but actively go against it. Some psychologists say this is neurotic.
It
may also be admirable. The difference between being neurotic and being
admirable is very slim--perhaps awareness of what one is doing and making
an
informed choice of how to act is the difference. nlaleau