Comment on the "Horazontal Split" in the Szondi Test "Contact/Cyclic/Polar Vector"




Comment on the "Horazonal Split" in the Szondi Test-- "Contact/Cyclic/Polar Vector"


Affinity [d+][m+]

In the spectrum of SZ grid positions this type, "Horizontal Split" as when a subject's choices have their grid positions derived from only, the like or dislike choices, [d+][m+] or [d-][m-]

[d+] and [m+]  being active and  the strivings of which, are therefore to be considered the active ones and as such, are the strivings pressing for satisfaction.
It is to be noted that the  {d-} and {m-} prongs are absent but that a single choice as a counterbalance  "smoothes" the way strivings find there proper goals or sublimations proper to the strivings. Strivings, (purposely left vague) are always understtod to mean the functional aspects of the psychiatric for a factor is named, strivining may generate intentions, and may be not always recognizable to the person.

The missing prongs are assumed to be at this moment on time, not active. (The computer metaphor "grayed out" and "accessible only when some switch in intention permits it", seems useful concept here.)

Susan Deri points out that the presence of a single choice in opposing directions is assumed to indicate that a probability of a better and smoother carrying to that, SZ factor's strivings and needs related to it can be expected.

The [d+][m+] explains itself as a compromise between the the  [d+] the subject's inclinations which are the strivings related to the seeking of objects which seem to have the goal of avoiding that form of depression characterized by unsatisfied "object loss" feeling, basic to loneliness and also commonly associated with a willingness to use some [d] related the forceful inclinations that exist in "the upper part" [d+]) of "the gene set, hard wired. anal-sadistic core" and same time [m+] to seek needed love objects modeled on a fusion of oral socialized attachments,  generally socially positive if not in overdiive.


 The [m+] strivings soften somewhat more maternal in type the harder and more paternal in type aggressive [d+] strivings and add adapting abilities by jointly "yoking together" both the  inclination to follow the "upper part" of the incestuous core [m+], with its strivings toward oral socialization and optimism, and the "upper part" of the potentially raw aggressive non-social inclinations, we assign to much of bipolar disorder as described in DSM-IV do not occur because a natural comromise permits smaller and less radical satisfaction to occur. (Other SZ settings mostly [m-] embedded more nearly indicate dymanics of  DSM-IV bipolar, )


The two lacking prongs [d-] alerts the interpreter that the subject may have weak loyalties to his loves and material objects or even in some cases the ideals he professes to follow. Bisexual, homosexual relations may be present when other Vector settings reflect a bias to those relationship modes of attachment.



Often in counselling/therapy situatons they show an apparent surface agreeableness and willingness to change but quickly may return to type when the pressure is off. This type of backsliding is a common experience in marriage counseling cheating issues, the very issue  that led to the need for counseling in the first place. Many [d+][m+] subject's paint a falsely rosy picture of her/himself as a mate, parent, worker or in some cases, abusive or criminal activities.

In general the together [d+][m+] types, fit in well socially and meet most definitions of normal and adaptability, until some negative aspects of their personality asserts, so strong as to cause a shift to other of the less manageable and socially negative set of SZ strivings, as is in the case of those clinically bipolar.


 Jointly, the "upper [d+]" and the "upper [m+] strivings utilize society's "ready made" sublimations that modern civilization openly provides. The subject's "social front" skills may hide the polar and attachment  issues and may be easily missed in both interviews and in the Szondi Test, when they are done after the issue, as is the usually case at counseling centers.

It is useful to remind ourselves that there are limits to what, that can be judged  to be "normal or acceptable" "healthy or neurotic" DSM or not DSM defined, when some relationship outcome crosses certain social taboos and legal prohibitions that the subject himself considers to normal and acceptable for himself.


The missing lower pronge [d-] suggests a weak or missing bonding and loyalty strivings, and the [m-] suggests the less socialized and reactionary oral modeled parts of anal-sadism are are the same time weak of missing. The setting [d+][m+] has been called the "block of reality," reflecting a logical and rational adaptation the the subject choises to follow, even when the excesses that results are opposed by their mates, family, employers or the law. This might suggest some needed revision, as to calling [d+][m+] dominemt individuals one's, with "mostly realistic object attachments--"

 Susan Deri offers some interesting observations on [d+][m+]

 "...Objects, in the broadest sence are wanted so that they may be mastered/controlled as well as to mother-like serve provide enjoy [m+]. This also may represent a tendency for competitiveness, envy may also assert since the possessions of others are desired as fully as possessions already attained. Certain criminal transgressions and infidelity activities appear driven by such desires, subjects associated with this configuration may seem over-eager and anxious not to miss anything in life; although they might experience the desire to step over others, the socially positive qualities implied in [m+] usually prevails. is found frequently in bisexual individuals, in whom their orientation for bonding implies that persons of either sex are cherished with equal intensity."







The affinity [d-][m-]

One has to take some caution in  assuming that [d-][m-] is to be understood as just a flip of everything one recognizes as [d+][m+]. This affinity choice was rare in my small and self-selected test population and I must rely on the Szondi published works as I understand them after my own reworking of the content. If I arrive at a  notwithstanding, I need take the blame.

Expanding on what was offered in exploring the [d+][m+] as the other horizontal split [d-][m-], one can bring out a little more clearly just what is meant by the assertion that every human has certain primitive core settings, gene passed but after many modification are his personalty structure, to what he is today, and need to be understtod to explane his successes and failures, as a person in his life environment.

The affinity [d-][m-] prongs now is the one of a dislike of the Depressive and the Manic SZ reagent photos. Thus, the active strivings [d-] is the lower prong of the theoretical  "incestuous core" and exist ing in a compromise, as of "yoked" together, but unlike the usually positive and social acceptable [d+][m-] characteristically, liked my the individual himself--we see a pessimist individual who feels crushed, cheated by life and ready to revolt against what he may perceives as causative to his plight real or imagined. Yet, if the rest of his personallit works well he fts n to society following more or less the "anal", attitude of tight control, miserlyness, loyal, conservative, pickiness, as if, no one or anything gets his total approval and often a self imposed social isolation of a few close friends are his or her preference.
Some of these characteristics may work well, as if a defense against bipolar extremes. Unless they are triggered by issues related to other SZ Vectors, sexual paroxysmal and ego. (To be covered later.)

Interestingly this may for some reflect a willingness to stay put and let the world come to them. The type of depression they may speak of is generally a different type than the [d+] speaks of as the [d-][m-] perhaps are still attracted to the primary one never totally given up despte the unpleasant issues or abuse belonging to that passage.

When isolated from loved mates they do not aggressivly hunt for new replacent loves, and some seem as if they have never really disconnected emotionally from the ancient one. and some still actually live with their parents passing up opportunities to form a new family unit of their own.

While the joint [d-][m-] has its potential to social adjustment, the finding of [m-] becomes suggestive of beining a perl to others, when other Vectors show same time reinforcement from [s+][e-] as dynamics  increasing the posibilty of the sadistic revolt may assert when what ever desired objects are taken from them.

Many [m-][] feel that life has cheated them, blame others and that life has little value for them, suicidal thinking is sometimes a fleeting thought, sometimes near obsessional.

d-While thay may wish for at the same time they may not expect any new authentic loves as being really a possibility, when they do find a new attachment they may sabotage it, as sort of self-fulfilling prophecy.

It may in the test  intertretaton to reach to connect  the [d-] loyaly/mother love wish,  and same time the [m-] and the revolt level polar characteristics as jointly the representing  a persons hidden disire to restore the "lost mother love" model of attachment, and  simultaneously, a desire for oral modeled infantile bliss,  with [d-] and  [m-] with the kicking, screaming, angry reactions of the forcible weaned baby--now a adult in therapy, or one about to cross over from adjusted to something else..

And of course the bipolar adult who has gone dangerous level hypomanic phase, may later become adjusted though medication, therapy or the passage of time may be expected to show this SZ setting from time to times, as reprsentng some treatment success or remission.


"----don't reject my system, until you see for yourself how well it works--L. Szondi




Here, one sees, the affinity [d+][m+] as ruthless desire  for
material and love objects, that never really satisfies
the glorified incestuous model he  hopes to some day find.

This in the affinity [d-][m-], the [d-] part in terms of humanity
which indeed might spring from the
best aspects of the primary mother attachment.
And [m-] as self-separation from a world with
few authentic satisations. (In other passages, he points out, the revolt and revenge posibilites
that might go so far as to be seen as both
anti-humanity and anti-self.




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