Which term refers to the increase in anxiety and lack of differentiation across a society?

The term that refers to the increase in anxiety and lack of differentiation across a society is societal regression. This concept is rooted in systems theory, particularly in the context of family therapy and societal dynamics. Societal regression indicates a movement away from individual autonomy and differentiation, leading to greater dependency on group norms and collective emotional responses.

In periods of societal regression, stressors such as economic hardship, political strife, or social upheaval can amplify collective anxiety. This environment reduces the ability of individuals and families to maintain their personal identities, fostering conformity and emotional distress. This is particularly relevant in family therapy, as increased anxiety can lead to dysfunctional interactions not just within families, but also at broader societal levels.

The other terms relate to specific processes or dynamics that do not encompass the collective societal aspect described in the question. For example, the family projection process focuses on how parents project their emotional problems onto their children, which is a narrower scope compared to societal regression. Similarly, transgenerational dynamics address the transmission of patterns and issues across generations rather than the societal level of anxiety. Exoneration typically pertains to legal contexts and does not relate directly to emotional states in a societal sense. Thus, societal regression captures the essence of increasing anxiety and lack of differentiation across