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Clarifying Theory

Similarities and Differences in Rackets and Games

Pages 280-283
Published online: 28 Dec 2017
 
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Clarifies differences between rackets and games. Games are considered to be ulterior, exploitative designs for seeking out, justifying and maintaining unpleasant feelings and beliefs in order to support one's environment and ensure its predictability. Rackets, more general and pervasive processes, originate out of existential level feelings and beliefs, whereas games are primarily psychological and social level devices. Games, “racketeering,” and internal processes are employed in rackets. Games involve a switch, while rackets and internal processes do not. All serve to protect against spontaneous feelings and actions experienced as painful and anxiety provoking in childhood.

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Author information

Vann Joines

Vann Joines, M.Div. is a Clinical Teaching Member of ITAA and is President of Southeast Institute in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.