On the other hand, if they attach themselves to a Nurturing Parent Ego, they may express themselves in ways that are sympathetic and supportive.
In some cases, the Incomplete Parent Ego may be highly resistant and hostile to anyone who operates primarily from one of the Parent Ego states. They may be particularly distrustful of those who are of the same sex as the missing or absent parent.
One of the particular difficulties of the Incomplete Parent Ego state is that boys and young males seem to be particularly affected by the absence of a father. They may have had other important people and a mother to nurture and raise them, but have become essentially fatherless, either through death or desertion.
Studies have shown that young males without the significant presence of a father exhibit higher levels of delinquent behavior, lower levels of ambition, and a marked tendency toward aimlessness and irresponsibility. In the "OK Corral" of life positions, they exhibit a higher tendency to feel "not OK", which often leaves them with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
The Incomplete Parent Ego often displays predictable patterns of behavior in games played. It has been observed that the game of "Wooden Leg" is a frequent ploy. The game of "Wooden Leg" is marked by the cry, "I don't know how you can expect anymore of me; after all, my father left when I was four, my mother never cared for me. When she wasn't in a bar, she was off on some lark. I don't know why you expect me to take care of myself when I never had anyone to teach me or guide me".
Something is missing. What is the missing puzzle piece in the game of "Wooden Leg", and in the heart of the Incomplete Ego State? Love, authenticity, and genuine communication and intimacy hold the key to the answer.
(continued from part I)
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
