Characteristic Attitudes of the Includer (Swollen Character)
The term swollen, and much of the concept comes from Stanley Keleman. Lowen does not formally separate a swollen character from other oral characters. Ellsworth Baker, however, distinguishes an 'oral-unsatisfied' character from an 'oral-repressed' character. It is possibly useful to think of this as an 'in between character. That is, the experience is still basically one of deprivation like the communicator, but there is starting to be an ability to take in and hold. However, this is taking in leads not to density as in the consolidator, but rather to an less stable inflated condition. Overall, this character is not as well defined as the others
Psychological Characteristics this structure is a good imitator and identifies with others easily. The includer can be very creative and giving of himself in a search for an identity. He or she shows a tendency for expansive or grandiose ideas or plans and bursts of activity that cannot be sustained. The includer often fails to complete what they start, usually because they have started several other things in the mean time. There is also a certain lack of discrimination about what is taken in.
Structural Characteristics Swelling is an attempt to achieve expansion and influence by pushing a weak and diffuse surface away from the core or towards others. The body often assumes a pear shape. Skin will still be thin with a high sensitivity.
Energy Characteristics Basically the same energy structure as the oral character, with somewhat more warmth. May at times verge on hypomania.
Relationship Characteristics Includers may tend to attempt superiority in groups or relationships through ideas or goals. However they are never truly dominant because, at bottom they are pre-occupied with pleasing others and being what others want. Generally wants to be the center of attention
Possible Difficulties for the Includer Character
- Eating disorders, weight fluctuations, tendency to excess.
- Taking on too many projects at once, not finishing what is started.
- Lack of discrimination about what is taken in. Can value quantity over quality.
- Inclination to be the exciting or gratifying object for others ( perhaps this is why 'Santa Claus' is depicted as this body type) , difficulty forming solid reciprocal relationships.