Two terms used throughout the need discussions are defined below:

Need Conflicts: Within a particular dimension some needs conflict with each other because they evoke incompatible behavior if they are expressed synchronically (simultaneously). For example, the aggression and nurturance needs evoke incompatible behavior in all three dimensions. Needs that conflict in a particular dimension are located in opposite areas of that dimension (see Target Model) indicating that they are not normally activated synchronically in that dimension.

Mal Adaptive Need Fusion: Needs that normally produce conflicting behavior when synchronically evoked in a particular dimension are sometimes combined or fused despite resulting conflicts. Mal adaptive fusion creates frustrations and problems. For example, in the combative dimension, when the aggression and succorance needs are synchronically activated, the fused behavioral expression may take the form of whining and complaining that does not effectively express either the aggression need or the succorance need.

The Counteraction Need
(The need to improve oneself and correct mistakes and shortcomings)

All learning involves learning what not to do as well as what to do. The counteraction need is an important factor in learning what not to do since it motivates us to correct faults, mistakes, errors, and ineffective actions. The counteraction need motivates us to modify our personal characteristics that are unsuccessful or disappointing.

The counteraction need can be thought of in terms of questions of choice. If our achievement efforts are frustrated, should we switch to combative force to attain our goal or should we "go back to the drawing board" to counteract and strive to improve our approach? When will persistence pay off and when should we stop "beating our head against a stone wall?" When is a goal truly beyond our limits and when is it difficult but attainable? In such conflicts, to counteract or not to counteract is the question.

The Function of the Counteraction Need

The ability to find alternative paths to the same goal is a basic characteristic of biological systems. Simple organisms have a limited number of ways to reach their goals. Highly integrated, complex organisms (such as humans) can develop many alternative paths to reach a goal. When one action is ineffective, another is created or selected. It is the function of the counteraction need to move us to devise more effective and satisfying ways to reach our goals.

Problems Related to the Counteraction Need

As with all needs, problems arise with the counteraction need when we over emphasize it, under emphasize it, or attempt to satisfy it in inappropriate or ineffective ways. People who fail to develop normal counteraction motivation do not live up to their competitive potential. They are easily discouraged and must avoid difficult challenges since they are apt to quit if their first effort is unsuccessful. At the other extreme, over emphasis on counteraction also produces discouragement since it creates a perfectionistic mental set in which satisfaction with oneself can never be attained. Constant emphasis on eliminating undesirable qualities without the appreciation of positive qualities creates compulsive, driven, negative feelings and behavior.

Perhaps the most common problems associated with the counteraction need are created by ineffective approaches rather than too much or too little emphasis on counteraction. One such ineffective approach results when counteraction becomes mal adaptively fused with combative forms of aggression, defendance, and rejection. These combative associations can produce harsh and drastic self-improvement efforts. Highly aggressive efforts to force self improvement are usually counter productive and create fear, resentment, and resistance.

Efforts to counteract undesirable characteristics should be applied rationally and sympathetically - the same way we want to be helped by others. Using this approach, there are three aspects to effective counteraction:

1. Identify and become more conscious of the negative consequences of the behavior or characteristic you wish to change. This awareness is enough to help start the inhibition of undesirable behavior without having to add harsh punishment.

2. Identify and become more conscious of positive benefits to be gained from the new behavior or characteristic.

3. Incorporate the new behavior or characteristic into one's self-image.

To illustrate the application of the above three steps, consider a man who wishes to quit smoking cigarettes. He first needs to define and become very conscious of (through constant reminders to himself) the negative consequences of smoking (e.g., cancer risks, shortness of breath, disapproval of non-smokers, cost, etc.). He also needs to remind himself of the benefits of not smoking (e.g., better health, less worry, better respiratory functioning, confidence in his ability to change, etc.).

The above are effective behavior modification strategies, but it is also important to work on the cognitive and perceptual processes involved in the behavior. The man's self-imagery includes an array of beliefs and memory perceptions of himself as a smoker. For example, he may have an implicit assumption that smoking a cigarette is a reward for having endured a trying situation or he might perceive it as a ceremonial ritual to celebrate a good occasion. He has many perceptual images (visual, kinesthetic, tactile) of himself smoking in certain situations such as reading, watching TV, having a drink, after a meal, etc. All of these associations with smoking help maintain and re-establish the smoking habit. He needs to raise his consciousness of these images so he can consciously modify and change them. He needs to develop a counteractive image of himself as a non-smoker.

Without modifying his self-image, the probability of reversion to the old habit is increased. The dangers of regression are especially strong when a change has seemingly been made. At that point, attention to behavioral aspects tends to be dropped and the unconscious self-image operates to return behavior to its old established paths.

The Dimension Locations of the Counteraction Need

In the combative dimension, the counteraction need is normally located in the non combative area. This location indicates a general belief that the need to correct mistakes and shortcomings is incompatible with combative behavior. If we are failing to attain a goal by forceful means, we can switch to the non-combative area to find a more effective counteraction strategy to attain the goal.

In the personal-social dimension, the counteraction need is normally located in the impersonal area. This indicates a generally held belief that social situations are not appropriate for self-improvement efforts. In personal-social situations, attention should be directed toward positive aspects of relationships rather than on the faults and weaknesses of any of the individuals involved including one's self. Counteraction is more appropriate when friends or loved ones are operating in the impersonal area to work out solutions to their problems. In this mode, efforts to correct one's faults and shortcomings is usually appreciated and may set a good example for others.

The counteraction need is normally located in the competitive area of the competitive dimension. This location indicates a general belief that the desire to improve one's self and correct one's faults and shortcomings goes well with efforts to improve competence, especially in the early stages of learning and acquiring skills. The counteraction need motivates us to master a task rather than withdraw from it if we meet frustrations.

Counteraction Dislocated in the Combative Area of the Combative Dimension

If the counteraction need is dislocated in the combative area it is apt to mal adaptively fuse with combative needs and stimulate harsh and intolerant self criticism and intropunitive reactions. It can also conflict with combative efforts making it hard for the person to effectively assert aggressive actions. It may also indicate obsessive concern with one's faults and shortcomings that makes for combativeness and contentiousness.

Counteraction Located Near the Periphery in the Noncombative Area of the Combative Dimension

If the counteraction need is located in the periphery of the non combative area and is isolated from other needs, it may assert unusually strong inhibition over assertive impulses when it is activated. Choices between self assertiveness and self correction may assume black and white characteristics. In this extreme location, the counteraction need also loses the necessary close support of rational needs that enable it to promote self correction effectively.

Counteraction Dislocated in the Personal Area of the Personal-Social Dimension

When the counteraction need is dislocated in the personal-social area, it may indicate a conflict between concern with personal faults enjoyment of the company of others. The counteraction need may also maladaptively fuse with personal area needs and cause the person to "work" at improving social relations instead of naturally enjoying them.

Counteraction Located in the Periphery of the Impersonal Area of the Personal-Social Dimension

An extremely peripheral location of the counteraction need in the impersonal area (so that it is isolated from other needs), indicates that counteraction has unusually strong inhibiting powers over personal-social interactions. This may result in total withdrawal from social contacts when the person's concern about their shortcomings is activated. Also, in this extreme location, the counteraction need cannot combine effectively with the rational needs in the impersonal area to promote realistic resolution of personal-social problems.

Counteraction Dislocated in the Noncompetitive Area of the Competitive Dimension

When the counteraction need is dislocated in the noncompetitive area it may motivate efforts to improve ways to avoid competition. The absence of the counteraction need in competitive situations results in a lack of motivation to persevere in developing knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Counteraction Located in the Periphery of the Competitive Area of the Competitive Dimension

If the counteraction need is located toward the periphery of the competitive area and is isolated from competitive needs, it places an unusual emphasis on self-improvement efforts in competitive activities. Such strong concern about weaknesses and shortcomings may interfere with positive concentration when the person is involved in leadership and performance activities