The Orientation of Psychic Energy Cathexis in Ego States: An Expanded Egograms Model

Abstract

This article describes a hypothetical model of egograms that discriminates between the orientation of the psychic energy cathected to each ego state. The first orientation is to behaviors, thoughts, and feelings concerning oneself (e.g., taking care of oneself) The second orientation is to interaction with others (e.g., loving a child). Using Jung's terms, in the first or inward orientation, psychic energy is cathected to the subject; in the second or outward orientation, psychic energy is cathected to the object. The first refers to I oriented ego states and the second to U (You) oriented ego states. Measuring and depicting the intensity of I oriented and U oriented ego states in the form of egograms make it possible to diagnose dynamic interaction between differently cathected ego states in terms of psychic energy orientation and to develop more successful and detailed therapeutic interventions according to the patterns found in multidimensional egograms.

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Notes on contributors

Kazuo Nishikawa

Kazuo Nishikawa, Ph.D., is professor of educational psychology at Mie University in Japan. He is a certified clinical psychologist, an advanced industrial counselor, and a Regular Member of the ITAA.