Bringing New Constructs to Psychology

New Constructs by Best of You Consultancy

At Best of You Consultancy, we not only apply 

psychology - we create it.

This page introduces original constructs developed by Caralyn Bains, AFBPsS, offering new language for phenomena that clients, clinicians, and researchers encounter but that existing theory has not yet fully captured

Each construct is proposed for discussion, research, and practical application. They are not diagnostic categories, but conceptual tools to deepen understanding and open new pathways for support, coaching, and study.

Einorghia

Definition: The internally generated force that mobilises action when ordinary motivation is insufficient -  the shift from intention to initiation and sustained follow-through.

Why it matters: Many people struggle not with motivation, but with starting. Einorghia captures that ignition of action, particularly relevant in ADHD, coaching, and workplace productivity.

🔗 Read the full blog post

Projected Helplessness

Definition: A behavioural strategy in which a person deliberately presents themselves as incapable of performing a task or managing a situation, despite being able to, in order to elicit care, protection, or lowered expectations from others.

Why it matters: Unlike learned helplessness, which is genuine and internalised, projected helplessness is performed and relational. Understanding it helps clarify dynamics in therapy, workplaces, and relationships.

The Vision

By naming these phenomena, we aim to provide conceptual clarity where existing psychology has gaps.These constructs are seeds: they invite dialogue, research, and practical use in coaching, therapy, and everyday life.

For collaboration, research interest, or citation queries, please contact:

Best of You Consultancy caralyn@bestofyouconsultancy.co.uk

This section introduces original psychological constructs developed through practice, reflection, and observation. These are not diagnostic categories but conceptual tools- ideas that aim to capture subtle patterns in human behaviour, motivation, and relationships that existing terminology does not fully explain.

Each construct is presented with:
- A clear definition
- Why it matters in everyday life or practice
- Key features that distinguish it from related ideas
- Real-world examples to bring it to life
- Practical applications for therapy, coaching, relationships, or research

The goal is to provide a language for phenomena that many people intuitively recognise but may not yet have words for. By naming and defining them, we create opportunities for dialogue, application, and research.

Einorghia: The Force to Get Something Done

Definition
Einorghia (pronounced eye-NOR-gee-ah) describes the psychological activation energy that propels a person from intention into action. It is not simply “motivation,” which may remain internal and abstract, but the ignition spark that converts thought into movement, plan into behaviour, and desire into accomplishment.

Why it matters
Many clients describe knowing what they want to do, even why they should do it, yet remain stuck. Einorghia explains the difference between thinking about doing and actually doing. It recognises the invisible moment when potential becomes kinetic, and helps us understand why that spark is sometimes missing.

Key features of Einorghia
- It is situational: a person may have Einorghia for one task but not another.
- It is time-sensitive: often linked to windows of focus, energy, or readiness.
- It is felt as a shift: people may describe it as “suddenly just doing it” or “finally starting.”
- It is influenced by internal and external cues: emotion, energy levels, accountability, environment, or perceived urgency.

How Einorghia differs from other concepts
- Motivation: the desire to act. Motivation without Einorghia often leads to procrastination.
- Willpower: the deliberate exertion to force oneself to act, even against resistance. Einorghia can occur with less strain—it’s a surge, not a grind.
- Momentum: once action has begun, momentum sustains it. Einorghia is the initial spark that begins momentum.

Example scenarios
- A student has been circling their desk all day, intending to start an essay. Suddenly, they sit down and type the first sentence—that is Einorghia.
- A person thinks about calling a friend for weeks, then one morning picks up the phone without overthinking - that is Einorghia.
- An individual with ADHD describes “waiting for the right moment to click in” and then powering through a task in one burst - that is Einorghia.

Applications in practice
- Therapy & coaching: Naming Einorghia helps clients distinguish between “not caring” (motivation issue) and “not starting” (activation issue).
- Self-management: Strategies can focus on triggering Einorghia (e.g., environmental cues, micro-tasks, body movement) rather than blaming low willpower.
- Research: Future study could explore Einorghia as a measurable construct in executive function, ADHD, or procrastination.

Invitation
Einorghia is an emerging construct. I invite practitioners, researchers, and individuals to reflect on how they experience it, and how it might be studied further.

Projected Helplessness: The Strategy of Seeming Unable

Definition
Projected Helplessness describes a behavioural strategy in which an individual presents themselves as unable to carry out a task—whether consciously or unconsciously - in order to elicit support, care, or intervention from others. Unlike learned helplessness, which is characterised by genuine belief in one’s lack of ability, Projected Helplessness is about appearing unable despite often possessing the actual capacity.

Why it matters
Projected Helplessness can complicate relationships, workplaces, and therapeutic dynamics. When misunderstood, it may be mistaken for incompetence, passivity, or manipulation. Recognising it as a psychological construct allows for more nuanced understanding: it highlights the interpersonal motivations behind feigned incapacity and the underlying need for care, reassurance, or connection.

Key features of Projected Helplessness
- Relational: it only makes sense in the presence of an audience or caregiver.
- Outcome-driven: the behaviour functions to elicit assistance, attention, or emotional support.
- Capable-yet-dependent: the person often can do the task but defers responsibility.
- Variable awareness: some use it deliberately, others are unaware they are projecting helplessness.

How it differs from related concepts
- Learned helplessness: rooted in genuine belief that actions are futile; the individual does not attempt.
- Dependency: reflects an enduring reliance on others; Projected Helplessness may be situational or tactical.
- Social support seeking: openly asking for help; here, the help is elicited indirectly through enacted incapacity.

Example scenarios
- A partner insists they “can’t cook” and repeatedly burns toast until the other partner takes over all meal preparation.
- A colleague says they “don’t understand the printer,” stepping back until someone else fixes it, despite being capable of learning.
- A child complains “I don’t know how” when asked to tie their shoes, although they’ve done it before—seeking parental closeness rather than skill assistance.

Applications in practice
- Therapy & coaching: Helps practitioners frame behaviours not only as resistance or avoidance, but also as a bid for care.
- Workplaces: Awareness can prevent unbalanced task distribution where capable individuals defer responsibility.
- Parenting & relationships: Offers language for setting boundaries—acknowledging needs for connection while encouraging autonomy.

Invitation
Projected Helplessness is a new construct proposed for dialogue and further study. Does it resonate with your experiences in practice, relationships, or research? Contributions and critiques are welcome.