What are Mastery Theory and Repetition Compulsion?

Have you ever wondered why someone might repeatedly find themselves in the same type of painful relationship, workplace, friendship, or emotional situation, even when they desperately want something different? Perhaps they continually choose emotionally unavailable partners. Maybe they repeatedly find themselves feeling rejected, overlooked, or responsible for other people's emotions. They may leave one unhealthy work environment only to enter another with remarkably similar dynamics. Sometimes, a person can clearly recognize a pattern and still feel confused about why they continue repeating it.