The Storge Pattern

AMATORICS

Storge

A mental pattern that is responsible for directing relationships with other people, as well as manifesting itself as parenting and expressing itself in the form of advice. Storge defines how a person directs relationships, how he or she educates others.

In the case of the first leading function, it creates an idealistic personality type. Storge and Idealism are connected through their common elements of striving for perfection and spiritual values, which are manifested in educational processes and idealistic aspirations.

In the ancient world, storge denoted a special form of love or affection, most often associated with a natural, instinctive bond between family members, especially between parents and children. It is a quiet, secure, protective, and accepting love based on familiarity, habit, and a sense of belonging. Unlike passionate Eros or virtue-based Philia, Storge was often perceived as a given, as a basic but necessary fabric of family and, more broadly, social ties (for example, love for the motherland or the affection of a ruler for his subjects). Although philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle paid less attention to it in their theoretical constructions than Eros and Philia, it was recognized as a fundamental form of human affectivity, providing stability and continuity. Storge is love that cares, guides, and provides security.

Within the framework of Jungian psychology, although Carl Jung did not single out Storge as a separate principle, its essence – caring, nurturing, instructing, providing structure and security – resonates deeply with his ideas. Storge can be associated with the manifestations of parental archetypes (the Great Mother and the Wise Elder), which are responsible for the transfer of knowledge and the establishment of order. The guiding principle of Storge is necessary for the child's healthy psychological development and the formation of a sense of basic security and trust in the world. Violations or distortions in this area can lead to the formation of complexes associated with addiction, control, or inability to care. Storge, then, represents the archetypal need for a reliable, guiding, and nurturing connection.

Amatorics integrates this understanding by defining Storge as one of the four main patterns and functions responsible for guiding relationships, nurturing, and providing advice. Amatorics expands the traditional understanding of Storge, taking it beyond the boundaries of exclusively family ties and considering it as a universal psychological function that manifests itself in all types of relationships. Storge's position in the psychotype (Ego, Persona, Shadow, Anima) determines how a person perceives and implements this guiding and nurturing role. Unlike Eros (attraction), Filia (friendship), and Agape (practical care), Storge is responsible for structuring relationships, passing on experiences, and shaping the "rules of the game". Amatorics gives Storge a specific place in the personality structure, allowing you to analyze its manifestations and contribution to the dynamics of interpersonal relationships.

Description by function

1
First Storge
Storge in the position of the first function makes its owner a confident educator. Such a person clearly understands where and how to direct the relationship. He is aware of the meaning of the directions of the relationships in which he is involved. Strives to guide relationships confidently and clearly.
The first function makes the Store confident, global, and critical. The speech of such a person is full of imperative instructions: make, execute, prepare. It seeks to give direct guidance or advice. A global view of the situation sets a certain format for relationships. Violation of the rules and format is a reason for criticism. Disobedience is annoying, there is a desire to put a person in their place.

The first Storge does not seek to constantly guide the relationship. It is important for him to be aware of his own path. When the path intersects with other people, it is important that they do not interfere. Therefore, two high Storge are doomed to butt heads with each other. The situation becomes more acute if the lower-level functions do not find mutual support, and there is pressure on the third function of the partner. Between such people, there is always a discussion with elements of mutual re-education.

It is difficult for the owner of the First Storge to understand why they do not listen to him. They see the situation globally and believe that it is stupid and unwise to behave in a certain way. They are even more surprised by the situation when they were drained, even after threats. It is difficult for them to tactfully convey the idea to a person, it is difficult to find an approach to him. Therefore, they often rely on the second function, which helps the first to establish communication.

People with the First Storge are also quite critical of themselves. Sometimes it comes to outright self-eating. He keeps telling himself-go, do, strive! He is looking for ways of self-realization in life and it is extremely difficult to move him from this path. Therefore, with a reasonable approach, they are looking for a way to harmonize their own personality. Since dissatisfaction with yourself is easily transferred to other people and greatly aggravates relationships.
2
Second Storge
Storge in the second position sets up a person for mutual direction and upbringing in a relationship. Such a person is primarily interested in a process like dancing, when he takes the initiative and is met halfway. Such a Storge knows how to find a creative approach in relationships, knows how to guide and educate the other person.
Owners of the Second Storge flexibly direct their relationships. Like traffic controllers at an intersection, if the flow is strong, they let cars pass longer, when it slows down, they let them pass more often. They know and love to guide in relationships, give advice and educate. Create accurate and confident relationships without uncertainty. Only in fact, only in the case, according to the situation that has arisen. And such situations are born all the time.

Globally, the Second Storge does not think about the feasibility of directions. Storge is not responsible for Meaning like the First Function, but for action, dialogue, collaboration, and balance. Lack of direction is a sign of degradation, without resistance to which the relationship will collapse under the influence of corrosion and other harmful processes.

Storge – parental love. Those around the owners of the Second Storge are children who need development and improvement. For them, this is creativity, without which life loses its bright colors. Don't take their instructions as a desire to control you. Do not push away their instructions, but accept them with gratitude. Think about it, they see things that we might not have noticed.

If their advice doesn't suit you, say so. This will help you adjust your relationship. There is no point in having a heated discussion and argument with them, because they are real masters, they strive to gain the upper hand. They won't push you if their suggestions don't suit you.
3
Third Storge
Storge in the third position makes a person dependent on the quality of directions in the relationship. If a person is shown too confident or unclear direction, they express thoughts that there is no order in the relationship, then the person's self-esteem begins to suffer. The owner of the Third Storge may periodically have doubts about where to direct the relationship.
The third Storge is a constant process of barely perceptible direction of relations. They don't have direct parenting or advice. However, there is a very subtle request for discussion. The third Storge does not like straightforward advice. Everything should be done delicately, in the process of soft discussion. They really don't like it if the relationship has already decided everything for them. For the Second Storge, this function is understandable and adequate – the process of discussing, educating and guiding each other is a natural process.

Third, it is difficult to properly form your opinion about the direction of the relationship. It is difficult to contrast your opinion with society, learn how to manage relationships, and pay attention to this area. This happens because the resource that a person has for possible differentiation of their mental functions is already used by his First Function and partially, for picking up, by the Second.

And the third function has only the possibility of short-term tension to shoot at a situation, either to resolve it independently, or to formulate a social request. And this looks like a mental internal anxiety, which forces you to direct a beam of attention to the existing "problem". The third Storge forces you to maneuver in the relationship, to leave yourself a certain degree of freedom and independence in the relationship. They want to be sure that they always have a way out.
4
Fourth Storge
Storge in the fourth position allows a person to freely direct the relationship. But the owner of such a Store is more willing to get direction from others, especially from those who show a confident path for relationships. It can be difficult for the owner of such a Store to maintain their own direction in the relationship. They can educate, but they don't like to do it.
There are an incredible number of destinations in the world around us. There are so many of them that you can get confused. It is good when there are people in this world who have already gained some experience and knowledge. Following them, you can reach new frontiers. But do not think that the owners of the Fourth Storge unquestioningly follow those who direct. No, they use and accept direction from another person if it is consistent with their life goals and beliefs. In addition, no one is so easily rebuilt and does not choose a life direction, as the owner of the Fourth Storge. However, it can be difficult for them to stick to the chosen direction, since the function itself does not create meaning for the direction, because it does not depend on the "I" of the person.

The fourth function is the tool and implement. But unlike the Second Function, which constantly and consistently produces its own" product " in the relationship, the Fourth function prefers to acquire, rather than give to the outside world. From the point of view of this function, the world already has everything it needs, it is already rich and secure, which means there is no need to give out what is already there. It's better to take something for yourself. And the owners of the Fourth Store like to get directions from other people. But do not think that they have a weak Will. Will is the stability or instability of one's own desires and the ability to realize these desires. This means that the owners of the Fourth Store, although they accept direction from others, always strive to realize their own desires.

Storge is not just a direction, but also an education. It's not just parenting or schoolwork. Storge – the ability to create your own rules and the desire for these rules to become the basis of relationships. And the owners of the Fourth Storge have the least such desires. They educate others, but they don't like to do it. They can react to the external situation much more actively than the owners of a high store. But they will feel that they have been forced to react in this way. Mentally, they immediately want to get rid of this feeling of obsession. They will be annoyed that they were forced to raise, although now they are waiting for more interesting things.

Holders of the Fourth Storge have more freedom of choice than other amateur psychic types. The world is full of paths and intersections, and they feel free to follow any of them. But the paradox of the situation is that their attention is occupied by higher-level functions. They are less likely than other psychotypes to accumulate experience in choosing a particular path. And then they turn to people who have earned the authority of guides in this world. These people have come to certain results and now give others a map on which all the paths and rules are painted. But here it is important that these paths are stable, not confused or confused, but give a clear and understandable direction.

Scientific base

Storge, as a fundamental type of love, has long been actively studied in various scientific disciplines, including psychology, sociology, anthropology and neuroscience. There is an extensive body of scientific research, accumulated over decades, that explores parental love (Storge), including their psychological mechanisms, social manifestations, evolutionary roots, and neurobiological foundations.

Neural
correlates
Prefrontal cortex (PFC): Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) (for planning, decision-making, leadership), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) (for social cognition and understanding of others). Areas related to the theory of mind.
Neurochemical
patterns
Serotonin: Stability, impulse control, regulation of social behavior, can be important for discreet and deliberate leadership. Dopamine (to a lesser extent than for Eros): Motivation to mentor, achieve goals in leading others. Possibly cortisol (in moderate doses): An awareness of responsibility for leadership, but a chronically high level can be negative.
Hormonal
patterns
Cortisol (depending on the context): Moderate levels may be associated with leadership responsibility, chronically high levels may be associated with anxiety and pressure. Possibly testosterone (in men): It can be associated with confidence in the role of mentor and leader. Oxytocin (in the context of caring mentoring): Creating a trusting and supportive environment.
Biological
patterns
Transfer of knowledge and experience: An important mechanism for the survival and development of society. Hierarchical social structures: The roles of mentor and leader exist in different social groups. Cultural norms: The value of wisdom, experience, and mentoring across cultures. Genetic predisposition: Individual differences in leadership, learning, and mentoring abilities (may be less pronounced than for other aspects).
Social
implications
Education and mentoring: Storge is the foundation for teacher-student relationships, mentoring, and the transfer of knowledge and experience. Leadership and management: Effective leadership often includes elements of mentoring and caring for subordinates. Social institutions: Organizations intended for leadership, advice, support, and development (education, counseling, and social services). Cultural transfer of knowledge and values: Storge plays an important role in the preservation and transfer of cultural heritage.
Clinical
implications
Authoritarian leadership style (in the destructive form of Storge): Excessive control, criticism, lack of flexibility. Anxiety and uncertainty in the role of a mentor: Fear of making mistakes, incompetence, avoiding responsibility for leadership. Impostor syndrome (in mentors): Doubts about one's own competence, despite achievements in the role of mentor. Overprotection (in the destructive form of Storge): Excessive guardianship, suppression of the ward's independence.

Scientific literature:

1. Neural correlates:

The neural basis of advice taking: receiving advice modulates activity in the ventral striatum and medial prefrontal cortex (Bhanji JP, Delgado MR., 2014). Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience.

Abstract: An fMRI study shows that receiving advice from another person modulates activity in brain regions associated with the reward system (ventral striatum) and social cognition (medial prefrontal cortex). This suggests that advice is perceived as valuable information that influences decision-making.

Keywords: advice taking, fMRI, ventral striatum, medial prefrontal cortex, reward system, social cognition, decision-making.

Neural systems underlying the influence of social information on decision making (Suzuki S, Adachi R, Dayan P, et al., 2012). Neuron.

Annotation: How social information influences decisions.

Keywords: social information, decision making, brain, fMRI, mPFC, TPJ.

The adolescent brain and age-related behavioral manifestations (Spear LP., 2000). Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews.

Overview: A review article looking at the development of the brain during adolescence, including the prefrontal cortex, which plays a key role in decision-making, planning, impulse control, and social behavior.

Keywords: adolescent brain, prefrontal cortex, decision-making, risk-taking, peer influence, development.

2. Neurochemical patterns:

Serotonin and decision making: a bottom-up approach (Worbe Y., 2013). In: Neurobiology of Decision Making.

Abstract: The role of serotonin in decision-making.

Keywords: serotonin, decision making, impulsivity, risk aversion, social behavior.

Dopamine and learning: what have we learned? (Schultz, W., 2013). Current opinion in neurobiology.

Abstract: The role of dopamine in learning.

Keywords: dopamine, learning, reward, prediction error, reinforcement learning.

The role of dopamine in value-based decision making (van der Meer MA, Redish AD., 2011). Frontiers in Neuroscience.

Abstract: The role of dopamine in decision-making.

Keywords: dopamine, value-based decision making, reward, reinforcement learning, striatum.

3. Hormonal patterns:

The association between testosterone and a preference for intuition and deliberation: Evidence from a field experiment (Nave, G., Nadler, A., Zava, D. T., & Camerer, C. F., 2017). Hormones and Behavior.

Abstract: A study of the relationship between testosterone levels and cognitive style.

Keywords: testosterone, cognitive style, intuition, deliberation, decision-making.

The effects of stress on social decision making: From empathy to punishment (von Dawans B, Fischbacher U, Kirschbaum C, et al., 2012). Neuron.

Annotation: How stress affects social decisions, decision-making, and guidance.

Keywords: stress, social decision making, empathy, punishment, cortisol, HPA axis.

4. Biological patterns:

Theory of mind development in context. (Carpendale, J. I., & Lewis, C., 2015).

Abstract: A review of the development of " theory of mind "(understanding other people's mental states) in the context of social interactions, including the influence of parents, siblings, and peers. It is emphasized that the development of the "theory of mind" is not only a cognitive process, but also a social one.

Keywords: theory of mind, social cognition, development, social interaction, parenting, siblings, peers.

The development of social understanding in children (Hughes, C., 2011). Psychology Press.

Abstract: Development of social understanding.

Keywords: social understanding, children, development, theory of mind, empathy, social cognition.

Cultural pathways through human development (Greenfield PM., 2009). Annual Review of Psychology.

Abstract: The article examines how culture shapes human development, including cognitive processes, social behavior, and values. The role of mentoring and transfer of cultural knowledge from the older generation to the younger generation is emphasized.

Keywords: culture, development, socialization, enculturation, values, learning, teaching.

5. Social implications:

Advice taking in decision making: Egocentric discounting and reputation formation (Yaniv I., Kleinberger E., 2000). Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes.

Abstract: A study on how people take advice in the decision-making process. It has been found that people tend to underestimate the advice of others ("egocentric underestimation"), but this trend may subside if the adviser has a good reputation.

Keywords: advice taking, decision-making, egocentric discounting, reputation, social influence.

Mentoring in the workplace (Allen TD, Eby LT, editors., 2007). Blackwell Publishing.

Collection of articles: A collection of articles.

Keywords: mentoring, workplace, career development, organizational behavior.

Authoritative parenting and adolescent adjustment: An ecological journey (Steinberg L, Lamborn SD, Darling N, Mounts NS, Dornbusch SM., 1994). In: Moen P, Elder GH, Lüscher K, editors. Examining Lives in Context: Perspectives on the Ecology of Human Development.

Abstract: The influence of an authoritative parenting style (a combination of warmth and control, support and demands) on the adaptation of adolescents in different contexts is considered.

Keywords: authoritative parenting, adolescent adjustment, ecological perspective, parenting style.

The role of social influence in moral development: the cognitive-developmental approach. (Walker, L. J. (2000). Child development)

Abstract: We discuss how social interaction and, in particular, instruction and discussion of moral dilemmas affect moral development.

Keywords: moral development, social influence, cognitive development, Kohlberg, moral reasoning.

6. Clinical implications:

Cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder: current status and future directions (Hofmann, S. G., & Otto, M. W., 2017).

Overview: A discussion of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of social anxiety disorder, which often includes training in decision – making, problem-solving, and coping with difficult social situations-all relevant to intelligent behavior.

Keywords: cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT, social anxiety disorder, social skills training, problem-solving.

Motivational interviewing: Preparing people for change (Miller WR, Rollnick S., 2012). Guilford Press.

Book: Description of the motivational interview method used to help people change their behavior. The method is based on building partnerships, empathy, and supporting client autonomy, which can be considered a form of"smart mentoring."

Keywords: motivational interviewing, behavior change, empathy, autonomy, counseling.

Conduct disorder: A guide to clinical practice (Frick PJ., 2012). Hogrefe Publishing.

Overview: Behavior disorder.

Keywords: conduct disorder, antisocial behavior, children, adolescents, treatment, parenting.