Here
we consider the interplay between the impulses that strive for expression in
the personality and the resources for control and regulation that are available.
This interplay of forces is analyzed and related to the question of whether impulse
or control dominates functioning; the emphasis was on domination by impulse.
The
nature of impulses, as related to aggression and sexuality goes from feeling
the impulse, through disguised or covert expression of it, to overt behavioral
action. The role of anxiety in relation to impulse is presented along with the
acting-out propensities that occur with an impulse-dominant mode of personality
functioning.
Impulse versus control: emphasis on impulse
• Impulses are implied by urgent needs of the personality
that strive for expression. They are energized emotions or amorphous arousal phenomena of the need
system.
• Impulses in the form of energized
emotions include anger, aggression, hostility, and sexuality.
• When indicators of impulse are high
within a context of high action orientation, the probability of acting-out increases.
• Impulse types are prone to action
orientation and reveal a probable impairment in judgment and questionable frustration tolerance.
• Acting-out of impulses is a major
pathological method of reducing anxiety.
Types of impulses are:
Anger
– The anger dimension includes hostility, fantasy, rumination, and aggression.
– It is important to describe whether anger is translated into hostility and fantasy, or is transformed into direct aggressive behavior.
– Other forms of anger include sarcasm, quarrelsomeness, and passive-aggressive behavior.
– The anger impulse should be discussed with reference to anxiety, perception, and judgment.
– The level of anxiety can be viewed as a result of how the angry impulse is expressed: as a feeling, as a fantasy, or as acting-out.
– The anger dimension includes hostility, fantasy, rumination, and aggression.
– It is important to describe whether anger is translated into hostility and fantasy, or is transformed into direct aggressive behavior.
– Other forms of anger include sarcasm, quarrelsomeness, and passive-aggressive behavior.
– The anger impulse should be discussed with reference to anxiety, perception, and judgment.
– The level of anxiety can be viewed as a result of how the angry impulse is expressed: as a feeling, as a fantasy, or as acting-out.
Sexuality
– Sexuality is defined as libidinous impulses and wishes for gratification.
– It is important to note pleasure fantasies, power themes, and sexual fantasies. These associated sexual variations also are designed to mediate anxiety regarding direct sexuality.
– Acting-out of sexual impulses includes compulsive masturbation, perversions, and promiscuity. Sexual acting-out can impede judgment, planning, concentration, and memory.
– The inability to sublimate sexual strivings can impede several cognitive functions, especially reflective activity.
References
Henry Kellerman and Anthony Burry, Handbook of Psychodiagnostic Testing, Fourth Edition, 2007, Springer ScienceBusiness Media, LLC.
Read Also
The Psychiatric Evaluation
Defenses Used to Manage Individual Emotions
Interpersonal Behavior, Character Diagnosis
Defenses Used to Manage Individual Emotions
Interpersonal Behavior, Character Diagnosis
No comments:
Post a Comment