Toward a theory of behavioral contagion.

Abstract

1. Existence of an acute conflict area within the imitator; strong impulse urge toward fulfillment of a vehement need on one hand, sufficient pressure from ego or superego forces to keep it down on the other. 2. High degree of lability of the imitator's personality balance in the area concerned; impulses strong enough to press for release, controls only just strong enough to prevent that release. 3. Existence of a similar type of strong urge toward impulse expression along the same line in the initiator ; his urge must lie in the same direction as that of his imitator. 4. Open acting out in favor of impulse satisfaction by the initiator, with