PhronesisThe chronic idealization-collapse cycle is formalized as a wrong attractor W_CICC within the displacement framework: the compulsive pattern of rapidly idealizing new relationships, projects, beliefs, or possibilities, then crashing into devaluation when the idealized object proves imperfect, then seeking a new idealized object. The healthy ground state S0 is calibrated moderate assessment: the capacity to perceive new people, projects, and possibilities with realistic optimism, hold complexity without splitting, and sustain engagement through normal imperfection.
Three mechanisms sustain the cycle: idealization compulsion (new relational or meaningful objects trigger automatic idealization that screens out disconfirming information; the idealization produces temporary relief from chronic dissatisfaction); imperfection intolerance (as the idealized object's reality becomes visible, normal imperfections are experienced as catastrophic disconfirmation; the object falls from idealized to devalued without passing through moderate assessment); and idealization-seeking cycle (devaluation produces the same dissatisfaction that triggered the original idealization; a new idealized object provides relief; each iteration slightly raises the idealization threshold required for relief).
The Idealization Paradox states: the idealization-collapse cycle reliably destroys the real goods it is organized to obtain; genuine relationships, sustained projects, and authentic beliefs require the capacity to hold imperfection; the compulsion to idealize eliminates precisely this capacity. Nine formal propositions characterize the attractor, with developmental roots in borderline-spectrum dynamics and early experiences of unpredictable idealization/devaluation from caregivers.
Return paths include moderate-assessment practice, IFS work on the idealizer and devaluer-protector, DBT-informed splitting work, and graduated tolerance of complex objects.