Orientation and Control Sep22

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Orientation and Control

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Orientation and Control

Last blog we looked at the basic psychological need of attachment—the need for others. This time we are going to look at an equally important and integrally linked need for orientation and control.

According to Epstein (1990), the need for orientation and control is the most fundamental of all human needs, and it is this need that Grawe (2007) adds as one of the four basic psychological needs in his consistency theory. Epstein argues that everyone forms their own conception of reality—a reality in which a person assimilates their experiences—and we are motivated to have perceptions of our reality that are consistent with our goals. To do this requires control over our environment, or at least our perception of the environment. In agreement with Powers (1973) perceptual control theory, this pervasive striving for perceptions of reality that are consistent with our goals, is a major driver of behaviour and mental life. Grawe further explains that control, in this context, is not just about manipulating or regulating the environment or relationships to achieve goals, but also to have a maximum number of options available to us. Options that we are free to act on. How we choose to take up the options available to us will be determined by our motivational schemas (see previous blogs in this series for more on the motivational schemas). To put it simply, the need for control is a need to be able to do something so that a goal is achieved—a goal that ultimately satisfies or protects a basic need.


The Neuropsychotherapist
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