1. refers to an adaptation to reality by modifying one’s own behavioral patterns – as opposed to adaptation via altering one’s environment. Autoplastic behavior can be negative and psychologically harmful, as in the development of neurotic behavior, or positive and psychologically healthy, as in the tendency toward more adaptive thinking, problem solve, and take action following a psychotherapeutic intervention. Also known as autoplastic development. 2. May also refers to surgical repair using tissue from another part of the patient’s body – as in the case of burns patients. Compare with alloplasty.
AUTOPHONY, AUTOPLASTY: “A person showing signs of autophony may walk to work as opposed to attempting to fix a broken car.”