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Brief Communication

Fascination as a Result of Confluence of Conscious and Unconscious States of the Ego

Pages 129-132
Published online: 28 Dec 2017
 
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This article considers the psychological mechanism by which some people come to regard sadistic and murderous leaders with fascination. The initial formation of the ego in the species and in the individual is reviewed. Berne (1961, p. xix) reported that ego states of former age levels are maintained in potential existence within the personality. The authors describe how these early, primitive states of the ego reside in an unconscious state within what may be defined as a third dimension of the conscious and observable ego state diagram. A definition of unconscious states of the ego is provided that allows us to account for their influence on observable, conscious states of the ego and how and why this influence may in some people transform realistic fear of sadistic and dangerous individuals into fascination.

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Author information

Ken Woods

Ken Woods is currently semiretired, having closed down most of his private practice. He formerly retired from conducting treatment in residential treatment facilities and sometimes consults in the area of residential treatment. Currently he is pursuing his interest in writing and clinical research. Mary Woods has a background in psychiatric nursing, residential treatment, and private practice. She is currently creating herb gardens.

Ken Mary Woods

Ken Woods is currently semiretired, having closed down most of his private practice. He formerly retired from conducting treatment in residential treatment facilities and sometimes consults in the area of residential treatment. Currently he is pursuing his interest in writing and clinical research. Mary Woods has a background in psychiatric nursing, residential treatment, and private practice. She is currently creating herb gardens.