Emotional deprivation isn't just about a lack of feeling. It's about the complex role of defences and existential dilemmas, particularly in how they influence cognitive processing.

The distinct characteristic of feeling inadequate is not insecurity or lack of confidence – although we might label this state as such. It is rather, ambivalence and uncertainty about who we are and how to act accordingly to our self-concept.

Self-authoring individuals strive for autonomy and freedom from the automatic and unconscious ways of thinking and behaving. They go above and beyond “I am who I am” and take responsibility for their identity, behaviour and decisions.

Being aware of this important phase of growth is a key moving away from feeling stuck in between stages of development.

Internal conflicts offer a tremendous opportunity to grow and to learn about alternative ways our life can play out.

Take the Self-Actualization Test. Explore which of your needs you are focused on the most right now.