TA in Pills 2-1.2 Psychological Hungers 2 - Stimulus Hunger

Psychological Hungers 2
(Click here for List of TA Blogs)

(Psychological Hungers drive man to sustain the homoeostasis of the psychic organisation)
"Words with special meaning are marked * in text and explained in Notes"

Stimulus Hunger

Stimulus hunger is a psychological hunger. It shows up as our need to be noticed, looked at, spoken to, be heard, be touched - if not physically then by way of appreciation, expression of love, by being accepted, by being treated fairly, affectionately and by being cared and nourished. Stimulation promotes neural-psychological-physiological-emotional well being. Treatment of most mind related conditions works best by providing the person with regular hugging.

I invite you to recall an event, a function or a meeting when you found yourself having been isolated. Some people in the group wished to discuss something of their mutual interest. You may have noticed yourself moving away and joining another group. I am reminded of a subordinate in my office who used to protest being told to 'get lost'. He said it was very painful and insulting. Imagine the pain we inflict on children when we ask them to stand facing the corner of a room. Even hardened criminals fear being decreed solitary confinement. They start talking to walls.

We have five senses. Stimulation of our skin by caressing, patting, touching and of  musculature by getting a massage is the most stimulating. Being seen stimulates by way of attention, acceptance, recognition, appreciation and acknowledgement of presence. Being heard stimulates by way of appreciation and acknowledgement. Smell and taste too provide satisfying sensations. Words and statements communicate and stimulate our neural organisation. Love is communicated by being noticed, respected, recognised, accepted and appreciated. Stimulation also occurs when we are physically slapped, stared at angrily, or spoken to by way of statements that hurt or cause pain, embarrassment or insult. 

It is so very necessary that in case we do not happen to get enough of good stimulation we go for painful stimulation. People tend to unawarely commit mistakes; act or behave in ways which draw adverse attention of others and as a result obtain stimulation. 

Rene Spitz was an eminent Austrian psychoanalyst. He concluded that deficit in physical touch, cuddling and caring during infancy seriously affects neurological development and generates psychological weak-spots. The condition is called hospitalism. 'click here' to know more about Rene Spitz, anaclitic depression and hospitalism.

We have grown to be adults having passed through many growth period or stages. The important ones are infancy; early, mid and later childhood, latency period; teenage; early and later youth; and adulthood. We had needs specific of each of these stages. We still require to be supplied with stimulation needs of each of these stages. They are:

• Infancy: Care, touch, nourishment, acceptance, love, affection, cuddling;
• Childhood: Acceptance, encouragement, attention, support, understanding, safe environment, authority, independence (within bounds), self care;
• Teenage: Recognising their needs, guidance - not authoritative control, freedom and independence with observation, providing them with avenues for social associations;

We need to consciously reinforce one mode of stimulation by another. For example seeing by speaking, speaking by touching (this by saying something nice), being attentive when being spoken to, by acknowledging and appreciating. They make stimulation impacting and lasting. 

It is worth remembering that in receiving there is giving and in giving there is receiving. Compassion, empathy and love are the most soothing expressions of affection. It is good to do it not only to human beings, doing it to plants, birds and animals is also rewarding. Physical exercises, breathing exercises and self talk exercise while looking at a mirror are very stimulating. 

Strokes are units of recognition. Any activity or engagement that affords recognition is social action. Strokes promote social action. Strokes satiate* Stimulus Hunger.  The topic of strokes is covered in my blogs. You may read them by clicking these links:

• TA Stroke Theory 1
• TA Stroke Theory 2

This blog comes from Ajit Karve from Pune. I am a qualified TA Practitioner. I specialise in using TA for personal growth, personal development, personal effectiveness and for transformational change. I can be reached on +919822024037. Please feel free to seek clarifications by writing to me on ajitpkarve@gmail.com or taforyouandme@gmail.com. 

A request: Please take time out to write a comment.

Notes:

* Satiate: Satisfy, fulfil.

** Advantages: