“It was a very productive day”, “I want to hear constructive criticism” - these expressions are familiar to everyone and understandable to everyone. Is the meaning of their opposite – destructiveness – known? This is how they talk about something destructive, dangerous, leading to regression, degradation, disintegration of society and personality. Let's get acquainted with the concept of “destructiveness”, define what “destructive” is in all popular phenomena.
Definition of “destruction”
If we consider the concept from a biological point of view, then destruction is the process of destruction of cells in the body, ending with their death. This is either a completely normal and natural process in which dead cells are resorbed and replaced by new ones, or it is a pathology accompanied by inflammation and tissue death, in which the risk of death is high.
In biology, there are 4 forms of destruction. This is cell death, degradation of the intercellular substance, necrosis, as well as cadaveric tissue decomposition. All of these types of destruction, except the last one, can occur both in a healthy body and in cases of deviation from the norm. For example, cell death and necrosis of the uterine lining are sometimes observed in girls and women of childbearing age.
Why are people drawn to destructive relationships?
There are no absolutely cloudless bonds. In any relationship there is room for quarrels and disagreements, misunderstandings and resentments. Relationships are, first of all, a huge work of two, where each spouse makes his contribution to building a healthy and happy union.
Destructive relationships between a man and a woman are characterized by two significant differences, namely: the person invariably experiences discomfort and does not deserve such treatment from the abuser (an individual who commits any kind of violence against a dependent partner).
So what is a destructive relationship? This is when quarrels between spouses are common, for example, over dirty dishes. In a healthy relationship, the husband will explain that he couldn’t wash the dirty dishes because he was in a hurry and that in the evening he will definitely improve, because he loves the woman, respects her and cares for her. In turn, the spouse, having listened to her significant other, can wash the dishes herself, because she understands that her beloved will come late and will be tired. In a toxic relationship, the husband will answer that the woman’s responsibilities include all household chores. And the wife will either have to silently wash the dishes, or take a defensive position that threatens a scandal.
It is generally accepted that the abuser is usually a man. In fact, aggressive actions can occur in both genders. Although situations are better known when the suffering party is a woman, and the tyrant is a man.
The abuser and his victim equally experience difficulties with self-realization in the outside world and with the manifestation of their own aggression. At the same time, people playing the described roles are very vulnerable and can easily transform into one another. That is why individuals who were previously in the position of a victim often become aggressors.
There are several variations of toxic relationships. First of all, this is the addiction of one partner, for example, alcoholism, gaming or workaholism. It is quite difficult to build a healthy relationship with an overly absorbed person. Often, such couples are created on the principle of adding a codependent (an individual for whom the partner becomes a “drug”) to an addict. In such relationships, in fact, there is one, burdened with mania, a full-fledged personality, and another with a rather painful self-esteem. At the same time, the codependent plays the role of a rescuer in such bonds, and his mania is a connection with a partner based on addiction. He asserts himself due to a sense of his own importance in the life of his companion, because he is afraid to take responsibility for his own existence. The phrase: “He can’t live without me” characterizes a codependent relationship.
Another variation of a toxic relationship is a relationship where one spouse is catching up, and the other is emotionally unavailable. Here we observe a situation where one partner is constantly catching up, and the second seems to be slipping away. Psychologists call the second one counter-dependent. This is a person who avoids attachment by any means, usually due to a traumatic experience in the past. If an individual has not been able to resolve his old problems, then it is extremely difficult for him to create close and deep relationships. Only “catching up” individuals, who sometimes even pursue their partner, can coexist with such individuals for a long time. People who take the position of “catching up” do not know how to value themselves and also have low self-esteem. At the same time, the counterdependent, as well as the “catching up” person, are not capable of healthy relationships. If suddenly the object of the “catching up” person’s passion flares up with love for him, then he will change his own role and begin to run away on his own.
Many people are afraid to take responsibility for their own lives and make decisions on their own, but there are individuals who prefer to have someone else lead their lives. This type of relationship is created by the follower and the manipulator. Moreover, with such a connection, both partners engage in manipulation, only one does it openly, and the second does it by allowing himself to be controlled. However, we must understand that manipulators are often not harmless. They are capable of completely enslaving a partner and, in essence, parasitizing on the guilt of the slave, keeping him in captivity. They have the power to force their partner to stop communicating with friends and quit work. In such a relationship, both participants are very insecure individuals. The manipulator feels his own importance only due to the feeling of power, and the slave is simply afraid to fight back, as well as to regain control over his own existence.
In addition to the above reasons, people can have destructive relationships in the family due to the need to feel needed. Everyone wants to be needed, but some people, especially those who did not receive enough parental love in childhood, have a heightened need to feel needed. Often such individuals fall into the hands of domestic tyrants, who completely enslave them. If they manage to create an alliance with an adequate person, then they will strive to dissolve in their roommate, losing their individuality.
Cell death through apoptosis
Renewal of tissues and organ systems is impossible without the formation of new cells, replacing old cells that do not work as efficiently as before. The natural process triggered by a special biological program in which this renewal occurs is called apoptosis. The phenomenon of apoptosis has been studied by scientists since ancient times and with great persistence, since by identifying the causes of programmed cell death and its course, there is a possibility of creating a drug that can prolong human life.
Since apoptosis is a destruction that involves the process of renewal of groups of cells and the entire organism, without cell death it is impossible to update the main representative of connective tissue - blood. Cell destruction is accompanied by the opposite process – regeneration. Neutrophils are renewed every day. Skin cells also die by the millions. The enterocytes that form the walls of the small intestine are also regularly renewed.
It is not always only old cells that are susceptible to death. There is such a thing as intercellular interaction, the essence of which is the dependence of one group of cells on another. For example, removal of the testes leads to the destruction of prostate cells. Removing the pituitary gland from the brain leads to the destruction of adrenal cells. The destruction process starts when the cell stops receiving signals in the form of trophic factors.
Thermal destruction
In principle, the splitting of compounds under the influence of heat should not differ from hydrocarbon cracking, the chain mechanism of which has been established with absolute certainty. In accordance with the chemical structure of polymers, their resistance to heat, the rate of decomposition, as well as the characteristics of the products formed in the process are determined. The first stage, however, will always be the formation of free radicals. An increase in the reaction chain accompanies the breaking of bonds and a decrease in molecular weight. Termination can occur through disproportionation or recombination of free radicals. In this case, a change in the fractional composition, the formation of spatial and branched structures may occur, and double bonds may also appear at the ends of macromolecules.
Necrosis. Cell death
The process of apoptosis is characterized by the fact that the cell first shrinks, fragmentation of its nucleus occurs, and then it breaks up into several apoptotic bodies, which are subsequently either digested by macrophages or absorbed by healthy cells. The process of inflammation is not typical for apoptosis.
A completely different picture is observed with necrosis. Cell destruction in this case is not a natural process, but is caused either by a lack of oxygen and nutrients, or by traumatic external influences (infections, chemical burns, frostbite). A cell that dies by necrosis at the first stage swells due to watering. Next, the cytoplasm inside it is oxidized, all internal components gradually dissolve, and poisons are formed. Afterwards, the cytoplasm ruptures, the dead substance is poured into the intercellular space.
Necrosis is characterized by the fact that it affects a huge number of cells, causing massive tissue destruction. In the affected areas, an inflammatory process begins, which covers increasingly larger spaces. Modern medicine copes with mild stages of necrosis using antiseptics, antibiotics and various procedures. Unfortunately, in severe cases, the patient can only be helped by amputation of the affected area.
Basic theories explaining the phenomenon
Destructive behavior is characterized by the presence of deviations, or deviations, which are divided according to the following criteria: the norm violated, the goals and motivation for committing the act, the result obtained. From Freud's point of view, the most important criterion for destructiveness is the result that can lead to the release of internal tension through catharsis that does not imply destruction.
A well-known specialist in the field of psychology, E. Berne, says that destructive activity, depending on the state of the psyche, can be directed inward or outward:
- External forms of manifestation of destructiveness are considered to be the mental or physical destruction of a person, violation of social rules or foundations (extremism, terrorism), deliberate destruction of nature, destruction of global monuments, art and literature.
- Internal forms of destructiveness are suicidal tendencies, addictions, non-chemical addictions of a pathological nature.
E. Fromm also studied the phenomenon of destructiveness; he believed that a destructive person is, first of all, an aggressive person. Aggression can be benign, that is, serving as a natural tool of life, or malignant, non-adaptive, causing social and biological harm.
In his theory, the meaning of the word “destructive” is close to “non-constructive”; it characterizes individuals who do not have the potential for self-realization. Fromm says that a destructive person runs away from freedom, trying to overcome his own inferiority with the help of destructive principles, exposing more talented people to physical or moral influences.
In the psychology of destructive behavior, a special place is occupied by the concept developed by N. Farberow. He says that a destructive personality is incapable of critically assessing the consequences of his actions and perceives reality distortedly and often hostilely.
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Such a person’s self-esteem is often greatly inflated, which is why the level of self-worth interferes with the ability to properly build communications with people. Farberow was able to substantiate not only the destructive craving of some individuals for the abuse of various psychotropic substances, but also developed an entire system of suicide prevention, which is still successfully used in the United States.
Which organs are susceptible to destruction?
Every cell of the human body exists within the framework of a program that includes the process of self-destruction. It occurs sooner or later in every cell that forms tissue, in any organ, and is safe if it is natural.
However, destruction is often a pathological process that leads to disruption of the functioning of organs and all vital functions in general, presenting in some cases a mortal danger. The pathological process of destruction most often affects the lungs, eyes, female genital organs and, much less frequently, the thyroid gland.
Oncology
Many pathologies are accompanied by tissue destruction. These diseases include cancer. One of the special cases is Ewing's tumor (sarcoma). This is a round cell bone neoplasm. This tumor is sensitive to radiation. Compared to other malignant neoplasms, this pathology occurs at a fairly young age: between 10 and 20 years. The tumor is accompanied by damage to the bones of the extremities, but can also develop in other areas. The neoplasm includes densely arranged round cells. The most characteristic symptoms include swelling and pain. Sarcoma tends to spread significantly and in some cases covers the entire central part of long bones. On an x-ray, the affected area does not appear as extensive as it actually is.
Using MRI and CT, the boundaries of the pathology are determined. The disease is accompanied by lytic bone destruction. This change is considered the most characteristic of this pathology. However, in some cases, “onion-like” multiple layers of bone tissue formed under the periosteum are also observed. It should be noted that previously these changes were classified as classical clinical signs. Diagnosis must be made on the basis of a biopsy. This is due to the fact that a similar X-ray picture can be observed against the background of other malignant bone tumors. Treatment involves the use of various combinations of radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. The use of this complex of therapeutic measures allows eliminating pathology in more than 60% of patients with a primary local form of Ewing's sarcoma.
Lungs. Tissue death
An infectious disease such as pneumonia, which consists of inflammation of the lung tissue, can result in more serious problems for human health, leading to extremely negative consequences. If the patient does not receive professional medical care, then pneumonia develops into gradual destruction of the lungs, which in 10% of cases ends in death.
The destruction of lung tissue is preceded by the first phase of lung destruction - massive pneumonia, characterized by high body temperature, pain in the affected part of the lungs, wheezing and shortness of breath. During the change of phases, the symptoms are temporarily weakened, the patient feels normal.
If pneumonia develops further, then the second stage appears - directly destructive changes in the lungs. At this time, their cells die through necrosis, and purulent cavities are formed. Against the background of a high febrile temperature, the patient begins to cough up a foul-smelling purulent substance, which, however, allows him to feel better. If surgery and drainage are not performed at this time, rupture of the lung tissue will become inevitable.
Types of destructive behavior
How to love yourself - what does this mean in psychology, acceptance of your personality
Destructive behavior in psychology is the desire to commit actions aimed at damaging something. These actions can be of different nature. One of the most common types of such behavior is destructive conversation (the desire to offend, humiliate, and morally destroy the interlocutor by all means). Experts identify several groups of destructive tendencies:
- Destruction of oneself;
- Moral destruction of other people;
- Destruction of the surrounding world;
- Complete disregard for social norms and attitudes.
The intensity of the desire for destruction does not depend on age. This tendency is equally common among young people and older people. Men are more prone to such behavior compared to the fairer sex. A negative attitude towards the world around us often develops under the influence of stress or an existential crisis or professional burnout. The craving for destruction can be caused by the loss of a job, the death of a close relative, or other serious psychological trauma. Cholerics are more prone to outwardly directed destructive behavior. Melancholic people more often demonstrate a tendency towards self-destruction.
Communicating with a person who openly demonstrates a desire to morally destroy others and is prone to conflict is difficult. If possible, it is better to keep communication to a minimum. If this is not possible (for example, the immediate supervisor is a destructive person), it is necessary to use various methods of psychological protection against manifested aggression.
Vandalism and alcoholism of young people are a typical manifestation of dangerous tendencies towards destruction
Attention! The extreme form of destruction is murder, the extreme form of auto-destruction (self-destruction) is suicide. It is known that disruptive behavior among youth and adolescents is often associated with what they watch on television and see in computer games. Japanese video products pose a particular danger to young minds, since Japanese culture is characterized by a subconscious desire for destruction.
Thyroid. Fibrous thyroiditis
In relation to the thyroid gland, the destruction process occurs without destruction of the cells that form the gland. Instead of the death of the cells that make up the thyroid tissue, they are transformed into connective tissue, which is denser and tougher, which compresses the adjacent muscles and blood vessels. One possible cause of tissue changes is a viral infection. It is worth noting that fibrous thyroiditis is quite rare in medical practice and mainly affects women.
Destruction of the thyroid gland manifests itself in painful sensations when swallowing, similar to the feeling of a lump stuck in the throat. Gradually, the symptoms intensify: the fibrous tissue enlarges so much that it compresses the digestive organs and vocal cords, leading to difficulty breathing and loss of voice. Thyroiditis is treated through surgery and medication.
How to make business relationships constructive
By applying certain rules and methods of business communication, team members will interact as a single organism. A clash of opinions and such a destructive conflict will become a thing of the past - this is the “tank” method, a method of war that brings destruction to minds, families and businesses. To peacefully find a productive solution, both parties must act as follows:
- discuss only this problem, and not individual personality traits;
- remember that partners are not each other’s enemies;
- restrain yourself from manifestations of anger, unbridled anger, desire for revenge or punishment;
- forceful methods of struggle can only do harm;
- when defending your own point of view, it is important to take into account the interests of your opponent;
- interaction should be friendly and open;
- opponents need to tune in to understanding and interaction.
By strictly observing these rules and adhering to the framework of business communication, you can always find a way out of the situation. If one of the participants in the confrontation commits a gross violation, the entire process may get out of control and turn destructive. This will not benefit either side, and the contradictions may only intensify.
Destruction of the uterus
In this case, destruction does not represent cell death as such, but rather the process of removing diseased tissue by various methods. The uterine mucosa is susceptible to the appearance of pathological foci on it, which are removed by destroying the cells that form them.
Various methods can be used for intervention: cauterization and freezing, the use of chemicals, radio waves, laser. In relation to the uterine mucosa, destruction is a process that activates the inflammatory process, ensuring accelerated regeneration of the affected area. It usually takes from 4 to 6 weeks.
About the reasons for disagreement
Dispute is a destructive conflict. Constructive dialogue can only occur during normal social interaction. The impetus for confrontation can be a variety of motives and reasons:
- economic;
- value-based;
- national-ethnic;
- political;
- religious;
- personal;
- other.
One of their parties experiences unfair actions - this is the object. The other side - the subject - commits actions that cause a conflict situation. Usually the cause of the confrontation is a subject who performs various actions in relation to the “suffering” party, giving an inadequate reaction in response.
Destruction of the vitreous body
In ophthalmology, the vitreous body is a clear liquid that occupies the entire space of the eyeball between the lens and the retina. Due to age-related changes and progressive myopia, this fluid may become cloudy, which leads to the appearance of “flying floats” - hardened fluid that follows the patient’s eye movements.
Such destruction of the eye does not have extremely negative consequences and, in principle, cannot be treated. The cloudy liquid remains in the visual organ, without causing much discomfort to the person. If you are diagnosed with such destruction, how to treat it? The ophthalmologist usually prescribes drops, special procedures, vitamins and eye exercises, and ends there. In particularly advanced cases, the vitreous body is removed and replaced with saline solution. Such surgery is dangerous, so surgery is prescribed only in serious cases.
Why Conflict is Sometimes Beneficial
The emergence of controversial situations in any team, in the family or at work reveals contradictions and discrepancies between external, spoken factors and non-verbal, hidden information. Here are some cases when this can happen:
- the education or life experience of the team leader is lower than that of the employees;
- the intellectual level of the group varies significantly;
- lack of knowledge of business communication methods;
- setting for personal opposition;
- desire for forceful methods of communication;
- mismatch of goals.
Destructive processes do not bring joy, but sometimes they are useful: in a conflict situation, internal contradictions in the team, hidden discord and discontent come to the surface. If you apply business communication methods, any conflict situation that destroys relationships can be translated into a constructive conversation. A destructive dispute is a struggle for power, it is anger, loss of face, tension, lack of solutions to the problem.
General conclusion
Destruction is a process of cell death that has two variations: apoptosis (natural, programmed death) and necrosis (cell death due to external influences). The pathological condition is characterized by damage to entire tissues and an inflammatory process.
Destruction of cells and tissues, as a consequence, is observed in pneumonia and changes in tissue quality in fibrous thyroiditis. Destruction can also be a process of intentional destruction of cells in various pathologies by cauterization, freezing or a chemical substance.
