=20
Medically Unexplained Psychologising of ME (MUPs)
=20
In this essay I will explore some psychic phenomena that might be =
relevant to psychologising of illness.
=20
Generalisations cannot practically be made, MUPs is not just =
heterogeneous from a psychic viewpoint - it is likely to be individual. =
So I can only explore my impressions and I hope you will read my =
theories as falling somewhere between the Origin of Speciousness and A =
Tale of Two Settees.
=20
Use of some terminology has been unavoidable but I include a few =
definitions and illustrations as =91Asides=92 that I hope will help make =
the essay accessible to PWME.
Best Wishes,
Peter Kemp
=20
PWME =3D Person (or People) With ME
=20
Medically Unexplained Psychologising of ME - MUPs
=20
*Aside =
1------------------------------------------------------------------------=
-
AN ILLUSTRATION OF =91PROJECTION=92
Jack thinks that it would be very bad to be envious; this might be =
something his parents taught him. He notices envy in other people and =
condemns them for being envious. The envy that he so often notices =
might be real or not, it does not matter because it is HIS envy he is =
seeing. He is Projecting his envy onto other people to try and hide and =
control it within himself.
=20
WITHDRAWAL OF PROJECTION
Projection is an unconscious process, people are not aware when they are =
doing it, but if they can become aware of the true source of a problem =
there may be an opportunity for growth.
=20
One day Jack says to Jill, =91I think you are envious of Mary=92s little =
lamb=92; and Jill says, =91actually, I love Mary so much I gave her that =
lamb. I think you are envious because I get on so well with Mary.=92 =
Jack=92s theories fall apart and his projection is laid bare. If he is =
honest and humble enough he can then discover his own envy and stop =
projecting it. It may help if Jill points out =91what=92s wrong with =
being envious anyhow? It is part of how I know what I like and what I =
want=92.
=20
Through this uncomfortable experience Jack stops projecting envy and =
finds that natural feelings of envy can help him to make decisions about =
what he wants in life.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------=
--*
=20
Projected Fear
PWME represent =91ideal=92 subjects for the projection of all sorts of =
fears, Fear of losing control, Fear of weakness, Fear of illness, Fear =
of physical inadequacy, and perhaps worst of all, Fear of fear. For =
some MUPs I suspect that subtler projections and issues arise, such as =
Fear of being wrong and Fear of being misunderstood. All these fears =
have their roots in the psyche and are most troublesome when their =
origins are unconscious and when strongly denied. This may result in =
odd behaviour that may nevertheless be easily justified, but the =
justifications do not reveal the true motives behind the behaviour, =
instead they contribute to their concealment.
=20
To confront fear it must be acknowledged but if it originates from an =
intense inner conflict it might be that the ego is not ready to =
withstand it. In these circumstances an internal struggle is maintained =
to repress some aspects of a complex in order to protect the ego. =
Enacting these conflicts in the world is a common way of reinforcing =
defences and avoids addressing the conflict directly. Unfortunately, =
this never resolves the issue at its source and means that substitute =
conflicts must constantly be found. As such projecting Fear may be =
predisposing and initiating; and because projection is an avoidance =
strategy, it is likely to be a maintaining factor in MUPs.
=20
Withdrawal of Projection
For some people in whom contact with PWME arouses issues with fear, the =
psyche may seize this as an opportunity for growth. If someone projects =
fear onto another they may sometimes be able to compare their projection =
with the actual person. If discrepancies are found then the projection =
might start to weaken, then the projector has an opportunity to =
challenge and eventually withdraw the projection.
=20
For example; a person fearful of losing control might project this onto =
a PWME; if they then realize that the PWME is actually coping well (with =
what for many people is a terrifying aspect of disability), the =
projector may think something like; =91I thought he was weak, but I =
could not cope so well with such a loss of control=92. This represents =
a stage of withdrawal of a projection as the projector has discovered =
that the source of the fear is within himself. Such situations might be =
considered MUPs based on transient / opportunistic factors; and is I =
suspect, a very common occurrence. Some MUPs might be able to relate to =
this if they find they vacillate between impatience and respect towards =
a PWME. This could be a sign that projections are weakening and the =
source of fear might be discoverable.
=20
Victim Role and Rebelliousness
MUPs may assume a victim role when PWME decide they do not like their =
ideas. When PWME have been ill for a few years, they have probably been =
given so many =91good=92 suggestions that they may lose patience. Some =
such suggestions are not wholesomely motivated examples of Christian =
kindness. Instead, they originate from fear of helplessness. Even the =
most puerile suggestion can give the =91suggester=92 some sense of =
control over fear of being helpless. But if a PWME rejects these the =
MUPs might feel victimized (and they are, to the extent that the PWME =
has deprived them of a defence).
=20
MUPs that promote psychological research and interventions sometimes go =
rather further than people who simply recommend =91Yak=92s milk =
yogurt=92; and sometimes appear to actively court controversy in the way =
they promote their theories. This suggests that among other =
psychological processes there may be a desire to be rejected and to =
become a victim.
=20
Rejection and criticism result in a feeling of victimization which may =
provide psychic rewards and become a maintaining factor. MUPs may =
include in their persona the progressive thinker, dissenter, radical and =
challenger. Inspection of such notions among active MUPs appears to =
show that they operate within systems that ensure they are safe and =
encourage their activities; so they appear more like conformists playing =
at dissention, contriving a =91victim=92 role.
=20
The victim role is revealed when MUPs complain about patients. Some =
MUPs also complain about patient activists and patient support groups. =
To these MUPs, patients that oppose their ideas might reinforce a belief =
that they are acting honourably and bravely, challenging convention and =
standing-up to wicked bullies to promote the truth.
=20
A MUPs persona of being a victim might appear ridiculous but is probably =
not in the sense that they may be experiencing some unconscious =
persecution; in the form of guilt. This common human experience results =
in a frequently seen phenomenon. Films, TV programmes and stories, both =
fiction and non-fiction carry stories of people who are =91wrongly =
accused=92. This theme is common because almost anyone can identify =
with it as it connects to profound aspects of the psyche.
=20
Being unjustly accused is a desirable occurrence - provided that people =
have the opportunity and resources to defend themselves (else they are =
simply Scapegoats). It is desirable because it provides the chance to =
suppress by denial and misdirection, deep inner guilt. The guilt may =
originate from aggressive feelings towards the parents - Good Breast / =
Bad Breast (Klein); and Oedipus / Electra (Freud/Jung). Also present =
may be denied anger at very critical or weak parents. These and other =
troublesome psychic factors can make a victim role an attractive =
defence; and this is aside from the fact that people who are falsely =
accused are =91outside the law=92 - so to speak; so their defensive =
behaviour is pre-justified.
=20
So false accusations give an opportunity to be aggressively =
self-righteous, all other sins and crimes sink into the background, =
suppressed by the noble fight to achieve justice.
=20
If the Freudian or Kleinian developmental stages mentioned above =
interact with a critical complex the result can be deep and painful =
guilt. The crushing fear and powerlessness created by this type of =
complex make them very difficult to confront - quite simply, the =
conflict destroys the courage needed to address the complex; making it a =
self-perpetuating feature of the psyche. One way of controlling such =
powerful conflicts without addressing them directly is by enacting them =
in the world through projections.
=20
*Aside =
2-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARCHETYPE AND COMPLEX
=20
An ARCHETYPE is a symbol of some aspect of being human. Some important =
archetypes are Mother, Father, Child, Self, Masculine, Feminine.
=20
Around these symbols gather ideas that represent aspects of the =
archetype. i.e., the Mother COMPLEX might include; =91nourishment, =
nurture, protection, boundaries, discipline, control=92 etc.
=20
A complex can become one-sided if only certain aspects seem acceptable. =
A one-sided Mother complex might acknowledge =91nourishment, nurture, =
protection=92 but deny or repress =91boundaries, discipline, control=92.
=20
A person with such a one-sided Mother complex which becomes significant =
in an interpersonal relationship (regardless of whether man or women) =
may find that they cannot establish boundaries or discipline or have any =
control.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------=
*
=20
Rebellious Child
Associated with unconscious guilt is likely to be the rebellious child. =
MUPs may enact a characterisation of this aspect of the child complex =
which may have been suppressed in favour of the obedient child; or may =
never have had an opportunity to be satisfactorily expressed if parents =
were over-indulgent. The suppressed or undeveloped side of a complex =
does not disappear or remain completely powerless nor unexpressed. To =
put it crudely, it leaks out and as Freud and others recognised, it =
manifests itself in 'Freudian slips' and other unconscious behaviour =
including projection.
=20
MUPs could cope with the rebellious child by projecting the =
characteristic onto PWME and then =91deal with it=92 there. This would =
provide 2 opportunities for the MUPs psyche, and these are likely to be =
attractive maintaining factors.
=20
First is an opportunity to gain control of the =91child=92, enact =
parental control and superiority and enforce the parent=92s will. This =
would be an expression of the internal struggle to contain the =
rebellious aspect of the child complex.
=20
Second, the MUPs may attempt to relate to the =91child=92 in their =
projection. The MUPs may seek a point of contact through which they can =
start to understand the =91child=92 and through which relationship can =
be established. Because the process is unconscious, based on a =
projection and lacks a Mediator to relate the conflicting sides this =
would almost certainly lead to failure. Either of these enactments =
would almost certainly be a useless and confusing experience for the =
PWME.
=20
*Aside =
3--------------------------------------------------------------------
MEDIATOR
When opposing sides of a psychic conflict are exaggerated; i.e., one =
side is very =91good=92 and the other very =91bad=92; they are unlikely =
to be managed or related without the help of a Mediator. In the example =
of the Child Complex opposing sides might be the Obedient Child and the =
Rebellious Child. In the richness of human experience there would also =
be within the complex other characterisations of the Child - for example =
a playful or mischievous child. These other aspects of the complex may =
be able to relate to both sides of the conflict so encouraging and =
developing them would reduce the power of the conflict. A benevolent =
Parent characterisation might be help to start this process - but the =
final goal would be a self-balancing complex rich with possibilities and =
choices.
------------------------------------------------------------------*
=20
If a MUPs doctor is enacting a one-sided complex through interaction =
with a PWME, they are likely to be entering into a confusing =
relationship with an aspect of their own psyche; and will find, as =
expected, they cannot control it. So rather than resolving the MUPs =
conflict, interaction with their projection reinforces the need for =
repression and projection.
=20
In these interactions the rebellious child can slip into the proceedings =
and can be observed when MUPs fail to conceal contempt for PWME by =
casting aspersions, usually in an indirect but unmistakeable manner. =
This behaviour may be =91justified=92 by assertions of an intent to help =
but these barely conceal the urge to attack PWME. This is an =
unconscious expression of frustration and suppressed rage at not being =
able to freely express or adequately control the rebellious aspect of =
the child complex.
=20
As such PWME may pose a constant challenge to MUPs which leads to =
circular reasoning and an addictive maintaining factor. Because PWME =
represent both rebelliousness and weakness, which MUPs both fear and =
envy - the possibilities for projection are endless. The psychic =
attraction of PWME to MUPs is immeasurable in their construction of a =
love-hate relationship that meets their conflicting urges. =
Unfortunately for the PWME, the most one can say is that they might be =
in there somewhere.
=20
If this sounds excessively speculative, consider this: What is it about =
ME that attracts MUPs? A desire to help? Take a good hard look at the =
outcome of their =91help=92; now you get the picture.
=20
People are drawn towards other people that fulfil their need for either =
psychic safety or growth - this can override everything (IMO). It is =
this drive that MUPs perceive in ME - in other words, they believe the =
patient will throw away almost everything important in their life in =
pursuit of some psychic need manifesting via erroneous illness beliefs. =
The irony is, that this is precisely what some doctors who are MUPs =
appear to be doing; throwing their lives away on ME. Their failure to =
actually help patients is irrelevant compared to the fabulous psychic =
reward of finding the ideal subjects for projection. That their time =
and talents are being wasted is a negligible price to pay.
=20
People who have very frightening one-sided complexes might be burdened =
with the idea that they are cowards; and might desperately struggle to =
conceal this. As Stephen King points out in Dolores Claiborne, the one =
thing a coward must prevent at all costs - is allowing anyone to =
discover they are cowardly. To this end people suffering inner fear may =
try to compensate by doing things they believe are 'brave'; and this =
does work in many instances when the realization dawns that it is =
acceptable to be afraid. The ego is then prepared to confront the real =
source of its fears. Until this is achieved some people may feel that =
it is not alright to be afraid or show fear. This can result in people =
not only denying fear in themselves but also attacking it wherever they =
perceive it.
=20
Parents of Children with ME
If MUPs have significant issues relating to a parent or parent figure =
this will almost certainly feature in their interactions around ME. =
Parents who show concern for a child with ME may be seen as not behaving =
as 'proper' parents should behave. A MUPs with child/parent issues =
might be envious of the child and angered by the parent - whose natural =
behaviour they deem wrong. As a result, instead of attacking their own =
parents - which could be a repressed desire, a MUPs may attack other =
parents, accusing them of over protectiveness and causing the child=92s =
illness.
=20
When MUPs doctors blame parents for a child=92s ME they supersede the =
parents. Both the parent(s) and child are self-deceived but the deceit =
is inferior to the MUPs knowledge and powers of perception - so here is =
superiority. The MUPs is being a =91better=92 parent and therefore they =
are assuming a parental role. This might result in an unconscious =
expression of , =91I wish my parents had been firmer with me=92, =
manifesting as inconsiderateness for the child and condemnation of the =
parents.
=20
Alternatively, a MUPs may attempt to construct a reparative experience, =
psychically forcing themselves into the parent/child relationship as =
both parent and child. This could be done in an attempt to evolve some =
missing condition needed for their psychic development as a child. This =
would be a disastrous intervention in which neither the parents nor =
their child with ME would be real; but relegated to characters in a MUPs =
reconstructed and alternatively-enacted childhood.
=20
Bullying
Emerging from aggression and fear and directed at vulnerable people, =
bullying might be a tempting reward for some MUPs and a maintaining =
factor. Bullying MUPs may be torn between a longing to be treated =
sympathetically and a desire to be abused - and may unconsciously =
believe this is also what other people want. As a result of confused =
understanding of what constitutes a healthy relationship, some MUPs =
might feel justified in behaviour that equates to bullying.
=20
Against all logic and evidence some MUPs claim that people with ME get =
sympathy for being ill. This is possibly because they themselves =
confusingly long for both sympathy and chastisement. They appear =
oblivious to the fact that the stigma of an ME diagnosis is horrible, or =
that no amount of sympathy could compensate for the terrible pain, =
disability and losses of ME; so they probably perceive stigma as more =
attention. Confusion over what makes a healthy relationship can become =
a regressive neurosis that prevents maturity and results in expression =
of either childish-weakness or childish-authoritarianism. The =
'childish' aspect of these behaviours is recognisable in denial of =
responsibility; denying the feelings of others and ignoring criticism.
=20
*Aside =
4--------------------------------------------------------------------
SELF-REFLEXIVITY
This is the ability to be sensitively aware of one=92s own thoughts and =
feelings, even when subtle. In self-reflexive people these useful =
messages get through to consciousness and can be helpful in =
understanding interpersonal relationships. Self-reflexivity can be =
hampered if many thoughts and feelings are shut out by introjected =
=91shoulds=92 and =91oughts=92 (Rogers). These =91shoulds=92 can =
dictate not only what behaviour is acceptable, but also what thoughts =
and feelings are acceptable. This kind of internal censorship can =
obscure insightful thoughts and feelings.
=20
EMPATHY
This is the ability to understand another person=92s feelings =91as =
if=92 they were one=92s own; being able to put oneself =91in another =
persons shoes=92 and accurately sense what it feels like for them. This =
is different from simply observing other people and having feelings =
about those observations, because this lacks the =91as if=92 quality. =
Some problems may prevent or distort empathy such as autistic spectrum =
disorders, narcissistic personality disorder, etc.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------=
------*
=20
The desire to control Weakness and Power may be an initiating factor in =
some MUPs if their psychic needs draw them towards vulnerable people. =
Many physicians and other healers have the predisposing factors proposed =
above, to become MUPs (sometimes termed =91the wounded healer=92) yet =
many do not succumb because they have, countering qualities.
=20
The most important countering qualities are self-reflexivity and =
empathy. These can help as honest self-examination when the healer =
thinks; i.e., 'God, I really hate that patient', and then asks 'why?'; =
continues to question their reaction and tries to understand the =
patient. In self-reflexive people this can bring the conflicting =
desires; 1. help the patient kindly and 2. clobber the patient with a =
bed-pan; into consciousness where they can be simply contained and not =
allowed to sabotage the healer/patient relationship. Because the =
self-reflexive healer has thereby dissolved potential rewards for MUPs; =
i.e., opportunities to project and bully, they do not succumb.
=20
This kind of self-reflexivity is closely connected to psychic =
development and the gradual balancing of one-sided complexes; but can be =
challenging because it threatens the sense of knowing what to do and how =
to be. The conditions for resolution of many neuroses are created when =
people accept confusion and helplessness. When the taught and =
introjected rules of thought and behaviour are found to be inadequate in =
the complexities of adult interpersonal relationships, it is essential =
for a maturing individual to accept the confusion and lack of control =
inherent in such situations. Attempts to control or dominate these =
interactions is an enactment of the parental control over the child (or =
vice versa); and are an attempt to simplify complex interactions because =
of inadequate resources.
=20
From this one might see that if MUPs insist on 'knowing' (what is wrong =
with) and taking 'control' of patients (symptoms) with ME they are =
setting up a Projective Identification. A suppressed part of the MUPs =
personality - for example, a rebellious and uncooperative child; is =
projected onto the patient. Once this has happened the patient, as a =
human being, all but disappears behind the projection.
=20
The projection may be reinforced by the patient's response. The =
vulnerable patient, who may be very ill and desperate for help may find =
it impossible to remain authentic; true to themselves. The patient may =
be drawn into the MUPs projection when they either respond as they =
believe the MUPs wants or react negatively. Once this happens the =
Projective Identification may set like concrete and will be very =
difficult to shift. From this point the chances for an authentic =
Adult-to-Adult, or Healer-to-Patient relationship are almost zero.
=20
*Aside =
5--------------------------------------------------------------------
PROJECTIVE IDENTIFICATION
This occurs when a projection subject is manipulated into responding in =
a way that confirms the projection.
=20
Jack thinks Jill has issues with anger. Jack is a passive/aggressive =
and anger is Jack=92s unconscious problem but he is projecting it on =
Jill. Every time they meet he says something like, =91I hope you are =
not angry=92; =91please don=92t get angry with me=92; finally Jill gets =
angry and tells him to =91shut up!=92. Now Jack=92s projection is =
confirmed - =91I knew she was angry=92; and by now she is - so the =
projection is identified in Jill and becomes a 2-way aspect of their =
relationship.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------=
-------*
=20
The Self-Serving Bias
Maintaining factors of MUPs may include a phenomenon known as the =
'Self-Serving Bias'. This is a tendency to blame other people for =
personal or systemic failures along with a tendency to take credit for =
successes. This natural characteristic can become exaggerated in =
egotistical people; those for whom being =91right=92 and =91winning=92 =
are imperatives. It may be an expression of deep-seated insecurity =
compensated by a super(wo)man-complex. This common trait can go too far =
to the extent that people can lose the capacity to blame themselves. =
This means they are unable to question their logic; acknowledge =
challenges or admit fault. People with this trait, are highly =
susceptible to flattery (which they will hotly deny - believing that =
their honesty and powers of judgment are so excellent, that if they =
think they are right, that is praise enough for them). Their inability =
to question their logic is due to an imperative to not change their =
minds - not to be wrong; and may go beyond simple arrogance or =
overconfidence to indicate a fragile psychic structure propping up too =
much ego that must be protected by =91being right=92. In other words, =
the fragility must be constantly repaired and reinforced because the =
consequences of being wrong is feared to be (and could be) catastrophic =
for the ego.
=20
Fear of Movement
Some research papers refer to 'fear of movement' (kinesophobia) in =
people with ME. In every human at every point in their life, there =
exists some potential - and at every moment of their life they =
experience at some level the struggle between stasis; remaining the =
same; and growth; 'moving' into the potential person. Stay still too =
long and when the change/growth/movement comes it is likely to be an =
upsetting - though possibly also a cathartic experience.
=20
Transformation almost invariably includes loss of something along with =
what is gained. Theorists that study the Phases of Life tend to believe =
that major transitions occur every few years and can sometimes be =
traumatic or at least dramatic in some way; but that once the transition =
is accomplished the person is reasonably set and stable for the ensuing =
phase. Whether development is continuous or phasic or includes both, =
there is always a possibility of some difficult undeveloped aspects of =
the psyche presenting problems.
=20
So =91fear of movement=92 could be a projection of =91fear of (psychic) =
movement=92. The person who is perceived as afraid to move represents =
an inner fear of moving and transforming - with the threatened loss that =
accompanies such change.
=20
=91Fear of movement=92 theories might also represent an enactment of the =
battle of wills that can occur between parent and child, often occurring =
during the =91terrible twos=92 and the anal stage (Freud). Simply, the =
PWME says that movement is difficult, painful, exhausting; the MUPs says =
it is not, the PWME is just afraid; so to the MUPs this is a battle of =
wills.
=20
This provides the MUPs with an opportunity to enact a representation of =
parental =91bullying=92, exercising power against a physically weaker, =
less powerful person. The MUPs assumes the role of power which is the =
parent, so in their enactment the PWME represents the child.
=20
In the Anal phase, children of psychologically healthy parents get =
enough of their own little victories to begin to find their =
independence. If parents are excessively controlling or obsessive then =
children may fail to gain a balanced and sharing view of power and =
control - losing their =91self-will=92 and introjecting the parent=92s =
will. If the parents are neglectful or overindulgent the child might =
miss out on learning to strive for and eventually, negotiate for their =
wishes.
=20
In this important phase of development a warped process would be likely =
to result in major control and power issues. Claiming that a person =
severely incapacitated by ME is afraid to move is an enactment of an =
excessively controlling parent and a projective identification (in which =
the PWME does not have to do anything - which is just as well).
=20
Deception
A fundamental factor in MUPs is that the patient is not believed. =
Patient=92s statements about symptoms and disability are untrue - =
whether false, exaggerated or originating from misperception; they are =
not telling the truth. PWME can encounter this attitude just about =
anywhere, from the supermarket to their doctor=92s surgery; from =
relatives to complete strangers writing in a newspaper.
=20
This might relate to MUPs fear of being misunderstood, whilst at the =
same time believing that they cannot be understood. No one will believe =
them and their actions will be misinterpreted. In the curious balancing =
(or rebalancing) nature of the psyche this means they unconsciously seek =
to discover and understand deception.
=20
This gives them power over deception; and because it relates to an inner =
sense of guilt - when deception is exposed it brings a sense of safety. =
The defences against the danger of being misjudged have been =
strengthened and the guilt remains hidden.
=20
One conflict that might arise is a longing to be completely honest =
conflicting with a desire to keep something safely hidden - which might =
relate to what Jung described as =91the secret=92, =91the rock on which =
the patient will break.=92
=20
This might lead to cunning behaviour and dalliance with risks that would =
expose the secret, an exciting game of =91chicken=92 or =91catch me if =
you can=92; which might at the same time strengthen defences against =
discovery of guilt. This leads to the Trickster.
=20
The Trickster Archetype
Looking for the psychic liar and deceiver leads to an interesting =
archetype, that of the Trickster. A good example of the Trickster =
archetype is Gollum in Lord of the Rings. The Trickster may appear =
friendly and turn nasty or vice-versa, but in the end their activities =
and interaction with them results in growth and is generally desirable.
=20
When MUPs perceive deception in ME they are unconsciously seeking input =
from the Trickster. This indicates that the psychic status-quo is ready =
and waiting to be disrupted; there is an unconscious drive to seek the =
challenges and chaos from which a matured ego can emerge.
=20
The problem with the Trickster is that it cannot be controlled - that is =
its whole purpose in being unreliable, to remove control and deliver the =
reluctant psyche into chaos. All one can do with the Trickster is =
respond to it on an event-by-event basis, all knowledge and experience =
prove inadequate as the Trickster leads to greater and greater confusion =
and danger; as well as excitement and opportunity.
=20
The MUPs disbelief of PWME suggests fear of losing control conflicting =
with a longing to plunge into the crazy world of the Trickster; where =
fragile (and useless) structures of the conscious ego will crumble and a =
matured, stronger ego can eventually emerge. As the Trickster may be a =
companion of the Hero it is the Hero that embarks on the journey into =
chaos and battles with the monsters found there. So here again we see =
the need for courage - a characteristic that some MUPs appear to assign =
to themselves, whilst denying the same in PWME. However, Heroes fight =
monsters in order to be heroic; they don=92t go tilting at windmills.
=20
Being Disabled
As mentioned above, at an unconscious level people are always seeking =
psychic growth and are drawn towards activities and other people that =
can provide opportunities for growth. As the greatest growth is almost =
always arduous and often frightening, the urge for growth is hampered by =
the longing for comfort and safety.
=20
Considerable disability is seen in a substantial number of PWME, though =
they don=92t always look ill or have obvious signs to connect with their =
disability. Therefore when the actual person and their illness and =
suffering is ignored or denied, PWME may be perceived as being like a =
dependent child. This might evoke envy in those who feel unsupported in =
some aspect of their lives and who long to regress into childish =
dependency. In such people any doubt about PWME=92s entitlement to =
support is likely to evoke an aggressive reaction to what they perceive =
to be the fraudulent acquisition of what they desire.
=20
Several theories/philosophies describe ideas about the importance of =
later life development with concepts such as Individuation, =
Self-Actualization, Psychosynthesis, Becoming, etc. A number of psychic =
factors can hamper this development to the point where they may render =
it an almost impossible goal. Fear is likely to be foremost among these =
when it is experienced from very one-sided complexes, but with almost =
equal power to stop growth, is ego-inflation. The sense of power and =
knowledge that come from getting some way into maturity can be highly =
seductive - and not altogether illusory. People who can get through the =
early, difficult and often embarrassing stages of developing the =
Inferior Function, integrating the Shadow and resolving some conflicts =
can gain some real wisdom - though not as much as is sensed. The =
sensation of power can lead to ego-inflation that without effort, =
honesty and humility can completely stop growth and lead to a warped =
personality.
=20
Combined with fear, which makes movement challenging; ego-inflation =
could feel like a wonderful reward for staying right in one place - =
which would be the same as becoming psychically disabled. It would be =
little wonder therefore, if an egotistical MUPs was strongly attracted =
towards people who are disabled - but who =91ought=92 to get back into =
action. If this occurred it could be a projective identification with =
such an exquisite match that no input from the PWME is required - all =
they have to do is exist. In fact if they did not exist the MUPs would =
have to create them.
=20
When honesty and humility are not enough to counter ego-inflation, =
people are sometimes helped by the astounding mistakes that can result =
from this warped state (though they may not always be =91mistakes=92 but =
unconscious contrivances; perhaps designed by the Trickster). Provided =
they do not wriggle out of these mistakes, they can be a powerful call =
to the inflated-ego to do some honest self-evaluation which restores =
human frailty to the ego; rescuing the psyche from stagnation and =
restoring the Self=92s potential.
=20
Conclusion
MUPs appears to be a defence. It can protect a fragile psyche from =
Fear, the discovery of guilt and subsequent blame and provides =
opportunities to project and avoid addressing inner conflicts. Because =
MUPs is an avoidant process it may become self-perpetuating.
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