The Five Personality Patterns (Characterology)

Have you ever questioned why you respond to challenging situations in a particular manner or struggle to communicate with specific individuals?

One aspect of shamanic studies that particularly resonates with me is the emphasis on self-improvement. Addressing personal issues and achieving inner balance is essential before being able to effectively assist others in their healing journey.

As I progress into the second year of the program, I am gaining a clearer understanding of the groundwork laid in the initial year. The focus then was predominantly on addressing past traumas from childhood, shedding light on how these experiences shape our responses to challenging circumstances in adulthood.

Last year in the program, we studied subjects known as Characterology or Character Structures in English. These topics focus on the patterns that children and teenagers form when their needs are not fulfilled. Regardless of the circumstances, everyone experiences a similar developmental process.

However, it is crucial that children's needs for intimacy and care are adequately addressed, whether they have a positive or challenging upbringing. When faced with deficiencies or hardships, children adjust to their environment and develop specific strategies to cope with obstacles or unease.

Although there are five strategies or patterns (Schizoid, Masochistic, Psychopathopathic, Oral, and Rigid), most individuals tend to utilize only one or two. To gain a deeper understanding of these patterns, my therapist suggested reading Steven Kessler's book, The Five Personality Patterns.

In the book, Kessler introduces alternative and more user-friendly terms for the patterns and provides clear explanations. Additionally, on his website, he offers straightforward information about the patterns to help individuals identify their primary patterns more easily. The patterns are as follows:

1. You want to leave. Your attention and energy move away from whoever is distressing you. You feel scared. You think “I gotta get away.” You move away physically or you leave your body to get away.

2. You want to connect. You think others are the solution to your problem.  Your attention and energy move toward them. You're nice to them so they'll like you and help you. You agree or appease or compliment them. You try to give them what they need, even if it's not what you need. 

3. You want to hide. Your attention and energy pull in and go downward to help you hide, or at least to hunker down and endure whatever is coming. You might agree on the outside with what others say, but on the inside you think, “You can't make me.”. On the inside, everything starts to feel heavy and stuck. You don't take action; you just endure.

4. You want to fight. Your attention and energy flow up and out to push against whatever is bothering you. You get big, intimidating, maybe even angry to coerce their compliance to your will. Or maybe you get charming, but your intention is still to control and dominate them. You get bigger and more aggressive.

5. You want to do it the right way. Your attention and energy go toward performing correctly. Your chest and belly tense to dampen the flow of life energy and feeling through you, and your attention goes to how well you're performing. You get tight and rigid. You feel anxious. You focus on correctness and performance.

Read about the patterns

According to Steven Kessler's online statement, these patterns do not represent a person's personality but are rather tactics individuals use to feel secure in difficult situations. Despite this, these tactics can significantly impact daily life as they are activated whenever unexpected or unpleasant events occur, or when interacting with people who pose communication challenges.

In my personal experience, I have come to understand that I tend to primarily employ the first and fifth patterns out of these five; I lean towards avoiding challenging situations or individuals at the earliest chance, although I can also become rigid. Being a well-behaved and compliant individual is of great significance to me, and I strive to consistently act in accordance with what is deemed "correct" in any given scenario.

This theory has also aided me in comprehending the reason behind my struggle to interact with individuals who exhibit high levels of assertiveness and even aggression. Their behavioural patterns are so contrasting to mine that it is challenging for me to express my own thoughts and opinions or even speak up.

While these patterns were crucial for children without any alternative means of self-protection, they can often be more detrimental than beneficial as individuals mature into adulthood. Hence, it is valuable to invest effort in scrutinizing these patterns, addressing past traumas, and acquiring fresh and improved communication strategies to foster healthier relationships.

Read more about The 5 Personality Patterns