Carolyn Bartlett
Presentation in Therapy
In relationships they can be controlling and sometimes overwhelming
When caught in their unhealthy pattern, Eights can be overpowering and insensitive to others and aggressive about taking what they impulsively desire. They ignore the impact of their bullying behavior on others even as they deny their own vulnerability. The Eight attention style fixes on power, overt control, excess, strength, and justice.
The prevailing American culture has a love affair with the energy of Eights, particularly as a male Archetype. Americans applaud figures like John Wayne or Clint Eastwood playing roles of protective vengeance. Eights say they feel the culture rewards aggression and supports their strong persona: “I never feel like a victim, I’m effective, and I feel society likes this about me.” While this is true for both sexes, female Eights often feel pressured to temper their aggression and channel their energy through an acceptable feminine image. It is more common for female Eights to develop the altruism of Two and the introversion of Five (see Connecting Points) at an early age.
- Many Eights have a big energy and a noticeable intensity
- They are usually forthright and direct
- Can play Good Mother or Good Father roles and be protective and nurturing
- May be confrontational and demanding; can readily shift into anger and blame
- Self-referencing; may positively spin their own behavior
In relationships they can be controlling and sometimes overwhelming
- In conflict, they can seem to have amnesia for their own past behavior; at other times they can be ruthlessly hard on themselves.
- Substance abuse may evolve from excessively enjoying sensory pleasure combined with their need to deny their underlying pain and vulnerability.
When caught in their unhealthy pattern, Eights can be overpowering and insensitive to others and aggressive about taking what they impulsively desire. They ignore the impact of their bullying behavior on others even as they deny their own vulnerability. The Eight attention style fixes on power, overt control, excess, strength, and justice.
The prevailing American culture has a love affair with the energy of Eights, particularly as a male Archetype. Americans applaud figures like John Wayne or Clint Eastwood playing roles of protective vengeance. Eights say they feel the culture rewards aggression and supports their strong persona: “I never feel like a victim, I’m effective, and I feel society likes this about me.” While this is true for both sexes, female Eights often feel pressured to temper their aggression and channel their energy through an acceptable feminine image. It is more common for female Eights to develop the altruism of Two and the introversion of Five (see Connecting Points) at an early age.