The restriction of possible state space exploration by constraints imposed upon the system either from outside or self-generated, i e unavailable possibilities This helps to preserve stability or the 'status-quo' but may also prevent better optima from being reached
the process by which characteristics take a narrow path or developmental course Apparently, preservative forces help to protect a person from environmental extremes (See 79)
the conversion or transformation of libido as it performs various mental activities Transfer of psychic intensities or values from one content to another Replaces "sublimation " Canalization sets up a gradient so instinctual energies can do productive work It does so via the symbol, which offers a steeper gradient than the natural one The transformation of instinctual energy is done via an analogue of the object of the instinct: a psychic mechanism imitates the instinct and thereby captures its energy (like a power station at a waterfall) The first achievement of this by primitive man is magic Compare with psychization, which transforms an instinctual or sensory datum, rather than energy, into an experience
the strongly pre-determined process of pre-natal growth in the womb which gives clear genetic instructions for the zygote to differentiate into the embryo