PSI theory (Kuhl)

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The theory of personality system interactions ( PSI theory ) of Julius Kuhl is a theory of voluntary action control which motivational , volitional , cognitive , developmental and personality psychology theories attempting to integrate.

In doing so, Kuhl tries to eliminate a basic problem of the established personality psychology schools, which have often tried to describe the personality very one-sidedly using a psychological system (in the sense of the PSI theory). Kuhl draws on well-known findings from various schools ( Sigmund Freud , Carl Gustav Jung , Hans Jürgen Eysenck , Carl Rogers , Iwan Pawlow and Kurt Lewin ) and from brain research and offers a system-theoretical personality and motivation theory with seven levels. In terms of method, it also stands out from the usual typologies and factor-analytical concepts. However, the interaction between the system levels plays a major role in PSI theory .

System levels

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  1. Automatic control (learning)
  2. Temperament (activation and arousal)
  3. Affect and incentive motivation
  4. Progression and regression
  5. Basic motifs
  6. Cognition (thinking vs. feeling)
  7. Consciousness and Will (self-control, self-regulation and volition)

Macro systems

The theory assumes that the connections between system levels are modulated by changes in positive and negative affect (A + and A−) or their inhibition (A (+) and A (-)) (modulation assumptions). This dynamic is built up by the four macro systems:

  1. Extension memory (EG, A (-), feeling, right prefrontal): Coherent context and self-knowledge, congruent, parallel-holistic attention.
  2. Intentional memory (IG, A (+), thinking, left prefrontal): maintenance of intentions, shielding, planning, sequential-analytic attention.
  3. Object recognition (OES, A−, sensation, left parietal): incongruent attention.
  4. Intuitive behavior control (IVS, A +, intuition, right parietal): Intuitive behavioral routines.

Modulation assumptions

The seven modulation assumptions describe how the interaction of the individual perceptual systems and the associated macro systems influence the individual affect levels. The first two are the basic modulation assumptions.

  1. Modulation assumption (will-mediation assumption): "The down-regulation of positive affect (A (+)) inhibits the execution system (more precisely: inhibition of the connection between IG and IVS) and thus paves the way for the further maintenance and processing of an intention to act in the memory of intent and associated help systems (e.g. analytical thinking): The implementation of "intentions" in the sense of explicitly willed actions is facilitated by external or self-generated positive affect ("will formation"), which removes the down-regulation of positive affect and deactivates the memory of intent and associated auxiliary systems. "
  2. Modulation assumption (self-pathway assumption): "The down-regulation of negative affect (A (-)) paves the way for the inhibiting influence of integrated self-representations and other context representations on the experience of incongruent or unexpected object perceptions and sensations (" repression ") and thus prevents an" alienation "from one's own Interests ("self-development") and an excessive sensitization of self- or expectation-discrepant object perceptions "
  3. Modulation acceptance: inhibition of will
  4. Modulation acceptance: self-reassurance
  5. Modulation assumption: self-motivation
  6. Modulation assumption: self-realization
  7. Modulation assumption: penetration

The PSI theory offers different explanations for the corruption phenomenon , in which intrinsic motivation is destroyed, on the basis of the different system levels (which correspond to different psychological schools) . If a behavior that was actually intrinsically motivated is suddenly controlled by external stimuli (instructions, reward), the internal participation decreases (see also). As a result, the self-motivation function, which ensures the experience that the joy in the activity itself arises (flow), is overridden. With this example and its various explanations on the respective system levels, it should be shown that all known personality psychology schools have their right to explain behavior, but are too one-sided to get a complete picture of the personality structure.

Kuhl describes different individual abilities in accessing self-regulation functions under stress as action and situation orientation . He differentiates more precisely between the ability to make decisions and implement corresponding intentions (so-called prospective action versus situation orientation: HOP / LOP) on the one hand and the ability to control aversive feelings and thoughts after failure or in threatening situations (action versus situation orientation according to Failure: HOM / LOM).

Kuhl assumes that these skills are more socialization- related than inherited, which is reflected in the system conditioning hypothesis, which can be seen as an addition to the modulation assumptions. What is meant is a form of classic conditioning in childhood, in which the mother reacts to the needs of the toddler in a manner that is coordinated in terms of time and content. This paves the way for the connections between the self-system (EG) and the affected affect-generating systems so that the child can later generate these connections in a self-generated manner and is no longer dependent on the affect-regulating influence of the mother.

The extension memory, which can also be called the core of the self, is of great relevance in this context. People with good access to their self are characterized by increased flexibility, assertiveness and inner harmony, while people with less pronounced access to the self appear more rigid and unbalanced. Kuhl describes the ability to integrate new experiences into the extension memory as "" emotional dialectics ".

STAR model: personality styles based on the PSI theory

The STAR model describes eight (personality) styles based on the different coalitions of the four mental systems:

Extension memory (EG), intention memory, object recognition system and intuitive behavior control (IVS) form short-term alliances. For example, EG and IVS - modulated by a dampening of negative affect and the presence of positive affect - make up the ambitious style.

The following styles are distinguished:

Personality style Affect situation
Self-determined style A {+} / A (-)
Idiosyncratic style A (+) / A (-)
Low key style A (+) / A {-}
Self-critical style A (+) / A−
Careful style A {+} / A−
Foreboding style A + / A−
Lovable style A + / A {-}
Ambitious style A + / A (-)

Legend:

A + positive affect
A (+) subdued positive affect (stress)
A− negative affect (threat)
A (-) subdued negative affect
{} Affect is neither pronounced nor subdued

Diagnosis

Therapy-accompanying Osnabrück personality diagnostics (TOP)

This diagnosis is based on the PSI theory. Julius Kuhl says the "Therapy-accompanying Osnabrück Personality Diagnostics (TOP) is a new diagnostic system for determining those causes of mental illnesses that are in the area of ​​personality (...) A major difference to classic personality tests is that personality is not recorded statically (...) but as an interaction structure of mutually influencing processes, many of which are subject to change. This difference is mainly expressed in the distinction between first and second reactions [that is, it] takes into account what becomes of the first reaction [for example] in order to adapt to the requirements of the concrete situation ”. More precisely, it "depends on the self-control whether someone gets stuck in an initial reaction or can switch to other system configurations if necessary". "For the development of personal skills, action-oriented coping skills are more important than the initial emotional response." TOP diagnostics are available in three versions:

  • a short version (TOP-K) (processing time: 120 minutes)
  • a long version (TOP-L) (processing time: maximum 180 minutes)
  • as EMOSCAN (processing time: 40-60 minutes)

TOP-K diagnostics (short version)

Components:

Procedure name: Item number: Reaction category ; Constructs: Statements
MUT-K =

Motive implementation test (short version)

80, with additional scale 96 Initial reaction ;


Conscious or explicit motivational dominance

(4 motifs x 4 implementation styles x number of questions and additional scales)

1. Describe conscious motivational initial reaction (a person reacts spontaneously and consciously with which stimulation and implementation of which motive? What are the dominant motive strengths?)

2. Make a comparison: Do his / her conscious and unconscious motivational initial reactions match? (If there are discrepancies, there tends to be more stress / symptoms)

OMT = Operant multi-motif test
 Depending on your choice 15-20 Initial reaction ;


Unconscious or implicit motivational dominance

(4 motifs x 5 implementation styles)

1. Describe the unconscious motivational initial reaction (a person reacts spontaneously and unconsciously with which stimulus and implementation of which motive?)

2. Make a comparison: Do his / her conscious and unconscious motivational initial reactions match? (If there are discrepancies, there tends to be more stress / symptoms)

BEF = emotional state 23 Initial reaction ;


Conscious initial emotional reaction (mood)

1. Describe conscious initial emotional reaction (a person reacts spontaneously and consciously with what mood / what state of mind?)

2. Make a comparison: Do his / her conscious and unconscious initial emotional reactions match? (If there are discrepancies, there tends to be more stress / symptoms)

IMPAF = implicit affect 6th Initial reaction;


Unconscious initial emotional reaction

1. Describe the unconscious initial emotional reaction (a person reacts spontaneously and unconsciously with what mood / condition?)

2. Make a comparison: Do his / her conscious and unconscious initial emotional reactions match? (If there are discrepancies, there tends to be more stress / symptoms)

PSSI = Personality Style and Disorder Inventory Long version:

140

Initial reaction ;


Personal style in general

1. Describe the general personality style (a person reacts spontaneously to many situations with a reserved, quiet, etc. style)

2. Make a comparison: Do his / her general styles match those under stress? (Differences here could also represent the ability to adapt to stress)

SEKS = scales for emotional and cognitive styles 44 Initial reaction ;


Personal style especially under stress

(11 styles x 4 questions per style)

1. Describe the stress-specific personality style (a person reacts spontaneously to stress with a reserved, quiet, etc. style)

2. Make a comparison: Do his / her general styles match those under stress? (Differences here could also represent the ability to adapt to stress)

SSI-K3 = self-regulation inventory 52 Second reaction;

Basic regulatory competence and efficiency (with problem pressure and task load)

1. Describe and evaluate competencies and efficiencies

2. With regard to (e.g. rigid) initial reactions: Is a person flexible or does he get stuck / stuck? Can it "regulate itself out"?

3. Establish connections to symptoms

HAKEMP = action control after success and failure 36 Second reaction ;


Special reactions to failures and unfinished business

1. Describe in a differentiated manner how a person reacts to failure / suffering or unfinished business

2. In the case of particularly high / low scores, assess which capability would be suitable as a counterweight.

3. Establish connections to symptoms

BES = complaints and symptoms 30th Symptoms 1. Describe / evaluate symptoms in a differentiated manner

2. Discover resources through minor symptoms

SCL32 = Symptom Checklist 32 Symptoms 1. Describe / evaluate symptoms in a differentiated manner

2. Discover resources through minor symptoms

See also

literature

  • Julius Kuhl, Jürgen Beckmann (Eds.): Volition and Personality. Action versus state orientation . Hogrefe and Huber, Göttingen 1994, ISBN 3-8017-0338-X .
  • Julius Kuhl: Motivation and Personality. Interactions of Mental Systems . Hogrefe, Göttingen 2001, ISBN 3-8017-1307-5 .
  • Falko Rheinberg and Joachim Stiensmeier-Pelster (eds.): Diagnostics of motivation and self-concept . Hogrefe, Göttingen 2003, ISBN 3-8017-1674-0 .
  • Heinz Heckhausen: Motivation and Action . Springer, Berlin 2006, ISBN 3-540-50746-9 .
  • T. D'Angelo: The self-control and the modulation by affects within the framework of the theory of personality-system interactions by Julius Kuhl. Proseminar work at the Pedagogical Institute of the University of Zurich, Chair PP, 2007 ( PDF file ; 240 kB)
  • Ursina Degen: The concept of self-control at Julius Kuhl . 2005 ( PDF file ; 244 kB - seminar paper / Pedagogical Institute University of Zurich).
  • Sven Hoyer: The order of the world. Dissertation, 2006 ( PDF , understandable presentation including critical aspects on the subjects of memory, emotion and macro-functional summary in PSI).
  • Udo Luckey: Between authenticity and inauthenticity. Dissertation, 2009, urn : nbn: de: gbv: 700-2009042213 ( PDF ; 5.1 MB, comprehensive presentation of the PSI theory).

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Kuhl, 2001, p. 164.
  2. ↑ Kuhl, 2001, p. 164 ff.
  3. ^ Lepper, Greene & Nisbett, 1973.
  4. ^ Deci, 1975.
  5. ^ Deci & Ryan, 1991.
  6. ↑ Julius Kuhl: TOP manual . Ed .: IMPART Institute for Motivation and Personality Development. University of Osnabrück, S. 6 .
  7. ↑ Julius Kuhl: TOP manual . Ed .: IMPART Institute for Motivation and Personality Development. University of Osnabrück, S. 10 .
  8. ↑ Julius Kuhl: TOP manual . Ed .: IMPART Institute for Motivation and Personality Development. University of Osnabrück, S. 16 .