Characterology

Characterology Types

There are 5 primary Character Structure Types, each with sub-types, as no person is one character type. We are a blend of all of them at some level, but typically one or two of them pre-dominate and reveal our primary bodily, emotional and mental personality defence or posture towards life. More information on each of the Character Types can be found in each of these sections.

What is Characterology?

Characterology examines why people behave in particular ways based on their underlying character types. By understanding characterology, you’ll gain insight into personal behaviours and relationship dynamics, enhancing self-awareness and interpersonal skills. For a therapist, it provides an understanding of a client’s personality at a deeper level than other psychotherapeutic diagnostic methods.

Characterology, a historical branch of personality psychology, emerged in German-speaking countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This field attracted significant attention from early psychologists and psychoanalysts, including:

• Alfred Adler
• Sigmund Freud
• Carl Jung
• Wilhelm Reich

These pioneers explored the depths of human character and the intricacies of the brain, laying the groundwork for modern personality psychology and thinking. Despite variations between those pioneers, the essence of characterology, i.e. understanding the intricate patterns of human behaviour remains a cornerstone of psychological study.

Key Concepts in Characterology

Central to characterology are the concepts of character defences and the distribution of psychic energy, which play crucial roles in forming and expressing character traits. Character defences are protective mechanisms developed in response to early experiences. These defences shape how individuals perceive and interact with the world, often serving as shields against psychological pain and stress.

Equally important is the distribution of psychic energy, a concept that underscores the internal dynamics of character traits. This energy allocation influences how traits manifest, guiding behaviours, thoughts, and emotions. By understanding these key concepts, we can better grasp the complexities of human character and the underlying motivations that drive behaviour.

Wilhelm Reich Character Structures

Reich character analysis was created by Wilhelm Reich, who is considered the Western originator of the science of Body Psychotherapy. Freud and early psychologists discovered that there is a childhood developmental process that is now known to be windows of plasticity in the brain where the developing child has their beliefs, feelings and attachments to parents, others, and objects influenced in a positive or negative way.

Wilhelm Reich explored, analysed, and first proposed working archetypes of 5 key types of individual personality groups develop from this process, where developmental arrest occurs. Reich explored how the early patterns of relating and attaching to others, if problematic, interrupted, or subject to trauma, can get “wired” into the brain and the body, and then repeated as recreations in adulthood.

The literal posture, body shape, muscular and fatty deposits as held in the body, as well as sense awareness organ functioning (e.g. eyesight), are affected in this process, and there develops an outcome of a correlating body structure/shape to a personality with its emotional and mental defences or adaptations towards life. This is what Reich called Characterology.

Our webpage on Reichian Segmental Armouring explains more about armouring and the inter-relationship between the 7 segments that exist in the human body.

The Significance of Character Types

Successful therapy involves a shared understanding between the patient and therapist regarding issues and goals, fostering a therapeutic relationship that is both supportive and challenging.

In psychotherapy, recognising and understanding character types is vital. It fosters a shared understanding between therapist and patient, setting clear therapy goals and creating a supportive yet challenging therapeutic relationship. This mutual comprehension is crucial for successful treatment, as it helps both parties navigate the intricacies of the patient’s character.

Character types also provide a framework for identifying specific issues and tailoring therapeutic approaches. By understanding these types, therapists can more effectively address the unique needs of their patients, enhancing the overall therapeutic experience. This knowledge not only aids in treatment but also empowers patients to understand their own behaviours and motivations, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.

Therapists play a pivotal role in this process by actively using interventions such as clarifications and interpretations. These strategies have been landmarks in successful cases where patients disclose and reflect on their experiences, ultimately overcoming their characterological challenges. This therapeutic journey is essential for achieving personal growth and resolving deep-rooted issues.