Abstinence (psychoanalysis)

Abstinence in psychoanalysis means not doing something you really want to do or not indulging in something that you enjoy. It's like when you really want to eat a whole box of cookies but you don't because you know it's not good for you.

But in psychoanalysis, abstinence is more about not giving into certain behaviors or desires in order to help you work through your feelings and emotions. It's like when you feel angry or sad and you want to lash out or run away, but instead you try to stay calm and figure out why you're feeling that way.

Psychoanalytic abstinence can also mean refraining from certain sexual thoughts or activities in order to better understand your emotions and motivations related to sex. It's like when you feel a strong urge to do something sexual, but instead you try to figure out why you're feeling that way and what it means for you.

Overall, psychoanalytic abstinence is about self-control and self-reflection in order to better understand and process your emotions and behaviors.