Character styles of survival and defense

Schizoid structure:
A schizoid structure is characterized by emotional detachment and an expressed need for autonomy. Individuals with schizoid traits often struggle with forming deep emotional bonds, which can lead to feelings of isolation and a tendency towards loneliness. The relationship may be emotionally distant, and it is difficult to engage in intimate, emotionally rich interactions. The delicate balance between the need for independence and the desire for emotional intimacy becomes the central theme of their relationship dynamics.

Characteristics: Emotional detachment, tendency to be solitary, difficulty in forming deep emotional bonds.

Relationship dynamics: Individuals with schizoid traits may struggle with intimacy and emotional commitment. Their partners may experience feelings of distance and find it challenging to connect on a deep emotional level. Balancing the shizoid need for autonomy with relationship demands for emotional connection becomes a key aspect of managing relationships.

Oral structure:
The structure of the oral character revolves around early experiences related to feeding and dependency. Individuals with oral personalities may exhibit increased need for external validation and support, often seeking security in relationships. This can lead to challenges in meeting their needs, as the fear of rejection and abandonment becomes significant. Balancing dependence and self-sufficiency is crucial for those with oral character traits.

Characteristics: Increased need for external validation, fear of rejection and abandonment.

Dynamics in relationships: Individuals with oral personalities may seek constant reassurance in relationships, which can potentially lead to challenges in confirming their needs. The fear of abandonment can make them dependent on others for emotional support, creating a delicate balance between dependency and self-sufficiency.

 

Psychopathic structure:
It is characterized by neglect of others and a lack of empathy. Individuals with psychopathic personalities may exhibit manipulative behavior, superficial charm, and a propensity for exploitation. They can fight against the creation of true emotional bonds by giving priority to their needs and desires over the needs and desires of their partners. The challenge lies in maintaining empathy and accountability in the context of the relationship.

Characteristics: lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, disregard for others.

Dynamics in relationships: Individuals with psychopathic traits can struggle to create genuine emotional connections. Their partners may experience a lack of empathy and witness manipulative behavior. The abandonment and emotional dependency may be particularly challenging in relationships with some individuals with psychopathic traits.

Masochistic structure:
The masochistic character structure is associated with experiences of shame and guilt. Individuals with masochistic traits may exhibit self-sacrificing behavior, often putting the needs of others above their own. This can lead to an unbalanced dynamic of power within the relationship, with the potential for the lover to become abusive over time. Exploring healthy modes of self-expression and setting boundaries becomes crucial for those with masochistic traits.

Characteristics: Self-sacrificing behavior, putting the needs of others above one’s own.

Dynamics in relationships: Individuals with mazoholic personalities can behave in a sacrificial way, which potentially leads to an unbalanced power dynamic within the relationship. Their tendency to give priority to their personal needs can, over time, result in resentment. Investigating healthy forms of expression and establishing clear boundaries is a key aspect of growth for individuals with masochistic traits.

Rigid structure:
The rigid character structure is characterized by perfectionism, cruelty and a strong desire for control. Individuals with a rigid personality find it difficult to adapt to change and can be overly critical of themselves and others. At the same time, their need for control can lead to a struggle for power and a reluctance to compromise. Finding flexibility and accepting resilience becomes a key aspect of growth for those with a harsh character trait.

Characteristics: Perfectionism, cruelty, strong desire for control.

Dynamics in relationships: Individuals with rigid personalities may have difficulty adapting to change and may be critical of themselves and others. In addition, their need for control can lead to a struggle for power and a reluctance to compromise. Finding flexibility, accepting resourcefulness and allowing spontaneity become important components for those with such rigid character traits.

Symbiotic structure:
The symbiotic character structure revolves around a deep fear of separation and union with significant others. Andndividuals with symbiotic personalities may struggle with establishing healthy boundaries, often merging their identity with that of their partner. This can lead to challenges in maintaining a sense of self within the relationship. Balancing relatedness with autonomy becomes a central theme in managing relationships for those with symbiotic character traits.

Characteristics: Deep fear of abandonment, willingness to merge their identity with another significant person.

Relationship dynamics: With symbiotic personalities, it can be difficult to establish healthy boundaries within the relationship, often merging their identity with that of their partner. Maintaining a sense of self becomes key to avoiding dependency and to maintaining a balanced relationship with autonomy. Psychotherapeutic inquiry can help in managing this complex dynamic.

Character styles and an understanding of these character structures provide a nuanced perspective for individuals seeking personal growth and improved relationship dynamics. Psychoanalytic inquiry can offer a path to self-awareness, leading to positive changes in behaviors that can underlie the development of fulfilling and harmonious relationships.

*Keywords: character-based styles of survival, gestalt psychotherapy, somatic experiencing therapy, Zagreb psychotherapist

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