The problem of conscious and unconscious manipulations

Abstract

Phenomenological and theoretical diversity of approaches to manipulation is considered. The control over an individual (controlled behavior) without regard to his/her own emotions and needs is a common theme within these approaches. The key criterion of distinction which determines manipulation pragmatic effects, satiable needs, behavior strategies and their relatedness to ethical norms is conscious or unconscious character of manipulations. Machiavellianism as a system of conscious attitudes and corresponding manipulative strategies is based on instrumental needs whereas projective identification as an archaic defense form of manipulation relates to vital needs and in this sense is beyond the frames of ethical systems. However, the excessiveness of both conscious and unconscious forms of manipulation indicates an inner misbalance: based on different studies data, Machiavellianism is related to the whole complex of dysfunctional traits while projective identification as a primitive mechanism is a part of borderline personality structure.