Amazing Race 4, Armchair Psychology: Episode 3

Well into the end of the introduction to the race, the teams battle with their team structure to see what they will pull out of the hat next. Positive qualities? Or not so positive schemes?

Steve & Dave – We are starting to see how the race is wearing on them. They are making mistakes and lagging behind. They almost seemed regretful that they were still in the race! I wouldn’t count them out just yet. I’m curious to see who will win between morale and stamina. If they continue to see the humor in their situation, they will get far!

Reichen & Chip – These guys are starting to pull out all their tricks. They will scheme and plot when the chips are down, with no consideration for the others teams. Competitive, yes, but I don’t see an effort to use their good qualities to get them further in the race.

Jon & Kelly – Even with some trials, they do not give up. They tend to “respond” rather than “react” which can be very helpful in stressful situations. So far, I think they complement each other well.

Tian & Jaree – Still having power struggles, the girls have difficulty realizing they are on the same team. If they took some time off of quibbling, they might see that some encouragement would work wonders for their esteem. (Much like “positive reinforcement.”) What will hurt them is the desire to do something or not do something just because the other suggests it, even if there is something to benefit from.

David & Jeff – They are not beyond scheming with other teams, no matter who they are. I think they will pick the most vulnerable team to influence into anything they want. Again, not a bad thing, but I’m starting to notice that they’d rather pull in forces than work entirely by themselves. It wouldn’t be too bad, but I highly doubt there is any loyalty involved.

Jon & Al – Still striving to be the “fun guys.” Obviously they prefer to give of themselves to make others happy. They certainly have a desire to be liked and remembered. They showed great consideration for another team when Millie had her asthma attack. Hopefully, they can continue to harness their good will and use it for a win-win situation without giving themselves the short end of the stick.

Russell & Cindy – Bickered themselves out of the race. My husband and I actually had a debate over them, as I thought Cindy was being rude. My husband said that someone had to take charge and I said if that were the case, there are better ways to communicate effectively rather than to be rude because it’s faster than making an effort. I’m a true believer in this: The more you make the effort, the more second nature it will start to become. For Russell and Cindy, they have to decide if it’s too late to make that effort.

Millie & Chuck – Despite her physical ailments, Millie seems determined to go, go, go. Even to the point of bungee jumping, which seems odd to me after the asthma attacks. It’s beginning to be clear to me who wears the pants in this relationship. Chuck would have been much more take charge and supportive (not that he wasn’t) if he were the alpha male. Hmmm…

Steve & Josh – Josh says that he and his father have not always seen eye to eye. They are doing a great job of putting that aside and concentrating at the task at hand. They will benefit well from this “team” mentality if later in life they apply the same principles.

Monica & Sheree – These ladies are hanging in there, being good friends to each other and striving to get better at the race. I hope their determination continues to grow. It is hard for two women to compliment each other well, ALL the time. As long as they know only one of them can be crazy at a time, I think they will stick around!

Marci Thompson, aka “Dr. Marci,” is a freelance reporter and psychology student from Texas. You can e-mail her at marci@monarchbay.com.

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