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Modes of Functioning“Emotional dynamics” is my term for the emotions that underpin and drive any particular state of mind. I illustrate the manner in which particular emotions feature in the loop of projection and introjection [¹]. Or, as I usually think of it, I describe the emotional dynamics of the loop. The loop functions at the unconscious level of mind, coloured by subconscious preferences. The loop of projection and introjection usually operates in two different modes, depending on whether narcissism or jealousy is currently dominant. The key to understanding these ways is that pride and narcissism work in tandem when I am focused on being an individual, and jealousy and guilt work together when I have a social orientation. The reason for this pairing is that narcissism is the basis of individuality, whilst jealousy is the basis of social relationships.[²] |
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| Mode A | |
| Mode B | |
| Mode C | |
| References |
When my sense of individuality is dominant I use pride to generate projection of desire and attitude and image, and narcissism for introjection of emotion and attitude and image. However, when I am socially-centred I use jealousy to initiate introjection, and guilt for projection.
When I project or introject an image it is usually more in terms of the manner of handling emotional issues, character traits, bearing and poise rather than in visual signs.
The two main modes of projection and introjection are as follows.
When individuality is dominant in me then I admire idealists (since I am one myself ) and desire compatible friends, people who can handle emotion in the manner that I do. My sense of idealism is focused on ethics, New Age spirituality, and left-wing politics.
1). First I project my image onto an acceptable person, thereby creating a subconscious montage (the combination of my image and the image of the other person) – this action arises from pride.
2). Then I introject the montage so as to satisfy my needs – this action arises from narcissism.
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When a social focus is dominant in me then I desire role models or partners, people with bearing and poise that I would like to emulate.
3). First I introject the image of a person who is a role model and blend it with my image, so that it suits my needs – this action arises from jealousy.
4). Then I project the montage onto other people that I admire or would like to have as a partner – this action arises from guilt.
This variation is a common variation on mode B. This variation functions when sexual transference is currently influencing the person [³]. In this sexual variation, I find pleasure in the company of women who resemble, in some ways, my mother. This mode operates when jealousy and aspects of bonding are dominant.
5).
First I introject
mother’s image and blend it with my ideals of feminine
beauty, to create a subconscious montage – this action arises
from jealousy.
6).
Then I project that montage onto suitable women of comparable age
to mother, in order to get pleasure from the feminine sexuality and
character of others – this action arises from guilt.
These positive patterns illustrate how I relate to compatible friends and associates. Negative patterns are formed in similar ways when I dislike a person.
What I suggest by these patterns of projection and introjection is that usually a person never sees other people as they really are, but only as pegs on which to hang his own particular psychological and existential needs.
| References |
[¹]. See previous article, the Structure of Projection and Introjection. [1]
[²]. I have three articles on Emotion on the Home page. [2]
[³]. See my article on Transference. [3]
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