“You ever saw a student rehearsing before a presentation? Or An individual checking himself before entering an office? ”

This might be Anticipation in action.

What’s Anticipation?

The Maximilian English dictionary defines anticipation as an act of doing something in preparation of a situation or experience that is more likely to happen.

When the anticipated fails to occur, Disappointment happens ((for positive anticipated experiences) or Relief (For negative experiences).

Some of the anticipatory emotions include; Fear, anxiety, hope, excitement and trust.

But here we’re talking about anticipation as a defense mechanism.

What’s Anticipation Defense Mechanism. 

Defense Mechanisms are employed to deal or minimize discomfort or future anxiety.

One such defense mechanisms is Anticipation.

London based psychtriast, Robin Skynner considered anticipation as one of the mature ways an individual deals with real or perceived stress.

This involves;

1. Anticipating an event.

2. Preparing how you will deal with it.

The second mechanism is kinda of turning an anxiety into a preparation while the first involves rehearsal of scenarios.

This defense mechanism is highly connected to the Brain’s reward system.

Anticipation and Cognitive Psychologist.

Studies by Cognitive Psychologist show that our brains are always predicting about the future to avoid uncertainty and maintain balance.

Individuals use information from the past and present to predict and prepare for future events. But our experiences are Personal hence our predictions are not all similar. Exposed to similar situations, one may have different predictions hence different level of anticipations.

Also an experience that threatens one’s stability may be normal to another individual.

Examples;

• In finance, saving is a form of anticipation where we protect ourselves against future uncertainties and threats such as emergencies.

• An individual preparing for a high stake meeting rehearsing or writing key notes to enhance confidence.

• A student tucking in and checking his uniform before entering a staffroom.

• Individuals who grew up in homes that made them to walk on egg shells tend to develop a hypervigilant mindset just as an armor against potential social injury.

• In a conversation, over explaining can be adopted to avoid a potential future threat eg; of not being believed or punishment.

• Being curious about an individual, potential partner or new place to avoid a potential future Anxiety and current discomfort such as The fear of the unknown.

• A individual approaching a girl rehearsing what to say to her. He also prepares himself against potential rejection.

Maladaptive Anticipation.

While anticipation is considered as a mature way of coping, sometimes it can be maladaptive for instance; When driven by fear, anxiety or avoidance.

Anticipation and Hypervigilance.

Children who were raised in abusive environments that made them to walk on egg shells developed hyper vigilant nervous systems against future threats.

This was developed as armor against future perceived social injuries and harms to selves eg; Punishment, Judgement, criticism, shame , rejection etc.

This hypervigilancy is a form of anticipation of a perceived threat.

Effects of Anticipation.

• It helps to Protect the mind from unpleasant surprises.

• It helps give us a sense of control against future uncertainties.

• Anticipation is driven by Prediction based on past experiences and might not be a true painting of what awaits. The rejection being anticipated might not be true.

•Anticipation may lead to excessive worrying and rumination hence stealing time away from the present moment.

• Over focus on potential negative outcomes may lead to hypervigilance and heightened anxiety.