The Shadow Processes
The other four cognitive processes operate more on the boundaries of our awareness. It is as if they are in the shadows and only come forward under certain circumstances.
We usually experience these processes in a negative way, yet when we are open to them, they can be quite positive.
The Opposing Role
( Ni for an ENTP )
(sometimes referred to as the 5th function)
The opposing role is often how we get stubborn and argumentative—refusing to “play” and join in whatever is going on at the time.
It might be easy for us to develop skill in the process that plays this role, but we are likely to be more narrow in our application of this skill, and it will likely take more energy to use it extensively.
In its positive aspect, it provides a shadow or depth to our leading role process, backing it up and enabling us to be more persistent in pursuit of our goals.
The Critical Parent Role
( Te for the ENTP )
(sometimes referred to as the 6th function)
The critical parent role is how we find weak spots and can immobilize and demoralize others.
We can also feel this way when others use the process that plays this role.
It is often used sporadically and emerges more often under stressful conditions when something important is at risk. When we engage it, we can go on and on.
To access its positive side of discovery, we must learn to appreciate and be open to it. Then it has an almost magical quality and can provide a profound sense of wisdom.
The Deceiving Role
( Fi for the ENTP )
(sometimes referred to as the 7th function)
The deceiving role fools us into thinking something is important to do or pay attention to.
The process that fills this role is often not trusted or seen as worthy of attention, for when we do engage it, we may make mistakes in perception or in decision making. Then we feel double bound—trapped between two bad options.
Yet this role can have a positive side as it provides comic relief. Then we can laugh at ourselves. It can be refreshing and join with the relief role as we recharge ourselves through play.
The Devilish Role
( Se for the ENTP )
(sometimes referred to as the 8th function)
The devilish role can be quite negative. Using the process that plays this role, we might become destructive of ourselves or others.
Actions (or inactions) taken when we engage in the process that plays this role are often regretted later.
Usually, we are unaware of how to use the process that fills this role and feel like it just erupts and imposes itself rather unconsciously.
Yet when we are open to the process that plays the devilish role, it becomes transformative. It gives us the impetus to create something new—to make lemonade out of lemons, rather than lament their sourness.
