Compensating to Restore and Maintain Balance

As nature tends to seek balance, so do we naturally work to maintain our psychological equilibrium. 
We attempt this through compensatory actions and often do so unconsciously or automatically.
Example: One who grows up in a disturbingly chaotic environment may be inclined to compensate and seek wellbeing by exerting similar amounts of control and order on their world. 
Example: One who grows up in neglect or deprivation, may seek to restore much needed balance through the acquisition of objects or attention.
Problems can result when these tendencies cross over into the realm of over-compensation, which in turn can lead to dysfunction.