79
THE FORMAL THEORY OF BEHAVIOUR ALBERT J. LEVIS, M.D. Copyright Albert J. Levis 1976 Centre for the Study ofNormative Behaviour 295 Washington Avenue, Hamden, Connecticut 06518 203 281-3336 HE FORMAL THEORY OF BEHAVIOUR is a comprehensive new theory on the principles of relational methodology. It is characterised by two qualities : (1) methodological purity and (2) conceptual appropriateness for the biological, psychic, and social aspects of behaviour. The Formal Theory differs from other theories in two ways : (1) It is neither physicalistic, mechanistic, organismic, nor vitalistic. It is an abstract, systemic, and purely mathematical role theory. The Formal Theory analyses and reduces systemic processes into simple forms using the relational method. (2) It is based on the study of the forms of intra- and inter-personal relations conceived of as
based
energetic quanta. The theory’s basic assumption is that psychic and social processes may be viewed as quasi-closed, steady-state energetic systems. This assumption permits dealing with the circumscribed interractional process as a relational totality obeying the exact laws of the relational method and of the mathematical group theory. The thesis is demonstrated by presentation of the Greek creation myth in which a paranoid attitude conceived of as a quantum of energy is transmitted intact from generation to generation. The perpetuation of this attitude during the five consecutive generations of the creation myth serves as a demonstration of the assumption of conservation of energy, of closure, and of formality in the nature of the behavioural process. In the paper are reviewed the implications and applications of the above thesis. Formal methodology permits the study of behaviour through normative role analysis. Normative role analysis, making use of quantifiable, graphically
representable parameters, views relationally, development, psychological nisms of defense, attitudes, health, illness, and therapy.
mechani-
METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES
In this section methodological issues are discussed toward the fomulation of the Formal Theory of Behaviour. The Aristotelian propositional method is dbsolete. Statements such as &dquo;all six-year-old sons hate their fathers&dquo;, an axiomatic proposition reflecting causeeffect linear reasoning, are invalid methodologically. Relational or systems method is currently considered as the scientific method. It is based on the study of the formal correlation of parts within a whole. Formal correlations may be portrayed by formulae. Relational method’s concepts are pure: elements enter in classes, and these in totalities by nature of their relations. Relations have properties : (Fig. 1) symmetry, transitivity, correlation, which permit them to be structured in order systems (equivalences-levels, hierarchies-series). (Fig. 2) Both properties and Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
81
order systems of relations find graphic representation. There are certain laws governing the formal correlation of elements within systems, those of closure, associativity, identity, and inverse. The two most important are the identity law and the law of inverse. (Fig. 3) These concepts and laws may be transposed in the study of behaviour where actions and feelings viewed as roles may be conceived of as the elements correlated within interactional and intrapsychic systems. Relations may be rendered by verbs, symmetry is portrayed by passivity-activity verb forms, transitivity in comparative activity or passivity verb forms. The property of symmetry permits ordering elements or relations along equivalences or levels order, that is ordering equivalent normative behavioral role states along a level, i.e., in the Greek creation legend all behaviours are extremely antagonistic family interactions involving patricide, infanticide, murder of spouses, etc. The normative role tension is high and all these roles involving murders may be conceived of as equivalent, therefore, portrayed as equivalent elements on one level, i.e., the perimeter of a circle.
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
82 If the norm is cooperative behavior, the states of filial respect and parentah nurturing behaviours belong on the same normative level. The property of transitivity permits ordering elements or relations along a series or hierarchical order direction. Ordering role states along a series direction would imply that the normative role tension of successive states is increasingly higher, i.e., role tension, decreases as we conceive of comparison among the Greek paranoid, the Judiac equalitarian, and the Oriental submissive cultures. Therefore, these states may be ordered
as
follows:
The concentric circles model allows the graphic portrayal of both a normative behavioural totality and transformations within it. The levels and series order may be integrated in the system of concentric circles. Its diameters are series, its perimeters are levels. ASSUMPTIONS
specifically
In order to implement the’ relational or pure systemic method into the study of behaviour, assumptions must be advanced defining totalities or systems in behaviour. Assumptions must define systems within which correlations may be formulated between the elemental behaviours conceived of as roles. The assumptions that must be advanced are three. They require: (Fig. 4)
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
83 The existence of biopsychosocial continuum including the individual’s and social reality, i.e., his impulses, feelings, and actions. 2. The definition of the biopsychosocial continuum’s nature as consisting of intertransformable energetic modalities : biological, psychic, social. 3. The existence of steady-state-like conservation of energy within the biopsychosocial continuum under the ideal circumstances of intense social involvement and psychic preoccupation of the involved parties. 1.
,
biological, psychic,
.
THEOREMS
Provided the above assumptions are accepted, the four laws of mathematical groups may be applicable to the behavioural role systems. By transposition of the law of inverse from mathematics into behaviour role systems, a number of basic theorems for a formal science of behaviour may be established : (Figures 5, 6)
1. Theorem on the organisation of psychic role systems : In psychic systems, for any activity-strivings-role, there corresponds a passivity-expectations-role, i.e., if one loves or hates his father-activity strivings-he will expect to be loved or hated by his children-passivity expectations. 2. Theorem on the organisation of social role systems : To any one social systemic activity position there corresponds a passivity position, i.e., if a father hates or loves his son-activity position-his son will experience hate Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
84
love-correlated passivity position. 3. Theorem on the predictability of the interactional process: Provided we know the psychic and social state of a person during one point in his life we may predict the sequence of this individual’s past and future systemic role positions, i.e., if a child hates/loves his father, when he is older and a parent, he will be hated/loved by his children. or
GRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF PSYCHOSOCIAL STRUCTURES AND PROCESS
This section focuses on the implementation of the relational technology in the scoring of social and physic systems and transformations within them. This first part deals with defining the anatomy of psychosocial structures by charting behaviours according to parameters which may be practically determined graphically and numerically represented. (Fig. 7) Those parameters are scored The Formal Theory’s relational concepts and graphic representations permit rendering both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of transaction with clarity, simplicity, and exactness requiring minimal if any explanations of the graphically portrayed process. through normative analysis of the interactional process, that is, by comparison between the given social and emotional behavious and reference behaviours representing the norms of systems concerned. The structure of systems and transformations within them may be graphically represented by using the model of Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
85
role states of increasing social and psychic systems.
Reciprocal
intensity
as
correlated in the
permits normative ordering of behaviours : (1) hierarchies of positions along diameters, and (2) levels of equivalent status positions along the concentric layers of the circles. Any given interaction may be portrayed as consistconcentric circles which status
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
86
ing of (1) social system represented by scored concentric circles, (2) the psychic system of the individual participants in structurally correlated positions represented
by scored concentric ellipses, and (3) two vectors characterising each individual participant attached to his psychic system. A vector within the social system indicates his social activities, while a vector within his psychic system indicates his prevailing emotions. The second part of this section deals with the physiology of psychosocial systems. (Fig. 8) Formal analysis of the interactional process points to four types
of relational patterns (four groups) : Identity (I), Negation (N), Reciprocity (R),I Correlation (C). All four of these operations may be set in motion simultaneously to maintain a threatened equilibrium. This group of transformations is an example of a systemic whole undergoing changes to preserve its dynamic equilibrium.I Piaget’s scale model may serve here to illustrate transformations in maintaining equilibrium after a change by addition of a weight is inflicted on the system. Psychological defence mechanisms may be categorised along the four types of relating, and as to whether relating takes place within the individual’s psychic or his social system. According to the Piagetian-Kleinianl group of four transformations (INRC), (1) identity operations, relating in an equivalent manner apply to the mechanisms of introjection and identification, (2) negating operations, I relating in an antithetical manner annulling or cancelling prior transformations
I
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
87
apply to the defence mechanisms of negativism, repression, denial, isolation, (3) reciprocity operations, relating by neutralising prior transformations apply to the defence mechanisms of reversal, projection, reaction formation, (4) correlative operations, relating by non-conflictual activities to prior transformations apply to defence mechanisms of sublimation. These operations may be expressed vectorially: identity relating by a vector parallel to the original transformation, negation relating by one of the same length and opposite direction, reciprocity relating by a reciprocal vector of the same length, correlative relating by a vector of different direction and length than that of the original transformation. FORMAL ANALYSIS OF THE GREEK COSMOGONY MODEL
legend confirms Formal Theory’s postulation of the existence of energetically quasi-closed, steady-state psychosocial systems by indicating conservation of energy in interactional systems, as the same paranoid attitude is rediscovered in each one of its consecutive generations. The model, therefore, suggests that psychosocial continue under the condition of sustained, strongly interdependent relationships may be viewed as relational systems which have the characteristics of perfect totalities of systems and of mathematical groups. The formal analysis of the model reveals that every generation evolves through a certain pattern of behaviours that may be viewed in terms of six systemically interrelated roles-three energetically interlocked with an equal number of the preceding generation and three of the succeeding generation. The six roles are grouped into three cycles, each comprising a role state of passivity and one of The cosmogony
activity. (Fig. 9)
Cycle
1.
indicates how
The first person,
a
passivity as a son
role
state
(a child,
in
is labeled role oppression (RO). It general), is treated by his father-
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
88
parent (fathers kill their sons). The first
activity
role
state
is labeled role
assumption ,
(RA). It pertains to a son’s reaction to his father (sons kill their fathers). Cycle II. The second passivity role state is labeled anticipated role reversal (ARR). It consists of anticipations that a person, as a father, is going to be treated by his children in the same way that he treated his father (fathers fear their infants). The second activity role state is labeled counterphobic role assumption (CPRA). It pertains to the person’s defencive behaviours (fathers banish or kill their sons). They inflict role oppression on their sons. Cycle III. The third passivity role state is labeled role reversal (RR). It indicates how a person, as a father, indeed experiences what he had been anticipating and in vain had defended himself against in cycle II (fathers are killed by their sons). A father’s role reversal state coincides with his son’s state of role assumption. The third activity role state is labeled compromise role assumption (CRA). It pertains to assertive behaviours of the defeated father aiming to inflict guilt (ARR) on his offensive progeny, indeed during compromise role assumption dying fathers >
curse
their
sons. A SYNOPSIS OF THE COSMOGONY MYTH
Uranus
(U), the Sky, generation N-1, afraid (ARRu) of his monstrous offspring : the Titans, the hundred-handed giants, the one-eyed Cyclopes, threw them into Tartarus (hell), (CPRAu -*- ROk). Gaea, Earth, his wife, protected her youngest son Kronos (K), who castrated Uranus (rank- RRu). Uranus cursed Kronos to receive same from his own offspring (CRAu -· ARRk). Kronos, generation N, afraid of his offspring, swallowed the Olympian infants as his wife, Rhea, delivered them (CPRAk -~ ROz). Rhea protected her youngest son, Zeus (Z), who freed his brothers and with whom he killed Kronos (RAz i RRk). Kronos cursed his son, Zeus, to be killed by his own offspring (CRAk -~ ARRz). Zeus, generation N+ 1, afraid of his wife’s (Metis) child, swallowed her when she was pregnant with Athena (A) (CPRAz -~ ROa). With the help of Hephaestus, who split Zeus’s head, Athena was delivered from his head with a mightly shout as a fully armed virgin (ran- RRz). We may infer that Zeus cursed her to suffer the same fate by her offspring (crazy- ARRa). Athena, generation N+2, afraid of conceiving children (ARRa) exercised fierce defence of her virginity (CPRAa). She blinded Teiresias for the minor indiscretion or looking at her naked body and fled Hephaestus’s ardent attempt to rape her. She defended herself so effectively that his misdirected on the earth shortly afterward gave birth to her son, Erichthonius
semen
scattered
(E) (OPRAa 1 .....
ROel). Athena brought up her son, Erichthonius, generation N+3, unknown to the other gods (CPRAa2 - ROa 2). She enclosed the infant in a basket (CPRAa3..... ROe3) which she confided to the daughters of King Cecrops. Herse and Aglauros, who could not control their curiosity opened the basket and saw a serpent coiled around the infant. They were stricken by madness and flung themselves off the top of Acropolis (RAel -~ RRal). Pandrosus, the third daughter, survived. When Erichthonius became king, he established the cult of Athena (rate2 - RRa2), and adopted her name for the city. (Fig. 10) PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
Formal
Analysis
of the Greek cosmogony
myth demonstrates that role
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I I
89
behaviours within closed psychosocial systems are interrelated and maintain a certain configuration. This is determined by the energetic charge conveyed by parents to their offspring. In this section are presented : first, the study of the formal correlation of lifetime roles; second, alternative configurations of role relations through varience of the energetic (attitudinal) input into the system. The Formal Correlation ofLifetime Roles. The life-span curve may be broken down into three cycles of activity-passivity dyads. During the first cycle, externally incurred role oppressive (RO) experiences determine and elicit definite role assumptive impulses and behaviours (RA). It is these impulses and/or behaviours that during the second cycle shape the attitude or prophecy in terms of the specific anticipation of role reversal (ARR) of the role behaviour just assumed. The pervasive anticipation of role reversal consumes one’s power of concentration and mobilises all his resources in the service of counterphobic role assumptive behaviours (CPRA) aiming to avert the ominous anticipation. The individual’s counterphobic behaviours elicit the third cycle’s passivity phase. The individual is the recipient of a strong social systemic reaction resulting in his role reversal (RR). He emerges from role reversal through a conciliatory change : the compromise role assumption (CRA). The formal study of personality development indicates that attitudes are induced in early, formative developmental periods and that they have self-fulfilling mechanisms. Alternative Cultural Role Configurations. Depending on the role oppression experienced by the young son and his role assumption toward his aging father, Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
90
paranoid-antagonistic, trusting-cooperative, and submissive-cooperative cultural. relational patterns may be distinguished. The first cultural alternative is illustrated by the Greek cosmogony legend exemplified by the distrusting, paranoid, antagonistic dominance resolution of ’the father-son relationship. The second cultural alternative is illustrated by the Judeo-Christian civilisation. The Jehovah-AbrahamIsaac legend exemplifies the mutually trusting cooperative resolution of the fatherson relationship. The third is the Oriental cultural alternative which is illustrated by Buddhism’s Four Trust Doctrine (Life is p~ain-craving leads to pain-cessation of pain occurs with cessation of carving-through the eightfold path). It exemplifies an extremely submissive cooperative resolution of the father-son relationship. These cultures differ in their behavioural norms, the degree of acceptable aggression pursued, and the degree of correlated passivity states anticipated and tolerated. In all of them activity tendencies are directly proportional to passivity expectations, which determine the real outcome of the interaction. (Fig. 11). ¡-
Through normative analysis the Formal Theory permits logical and mathematical exactness in the study of physiological and pathological behaviours. The individual’s energetic state, as the absolute value of the product of his usual social positioning and psychic intensity, may be determined through psychological testing and through analysis of the transference relatedness within the therapy system.
Nor-
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-~
91 mative analysis permits our understanding of health and pathology as mere aspects of a continuum. Pathology and health, normalcy and normative behaviour may be viewed as interrelated segments of a structural configuration, a comprehensive spectrum of complementary positions. (Fig. 12)
normative analysis, we may distinguish three syndromes of behaviour the individual’s social positioning: (1) Subordinacy disorders are characterised by social submissiveness and repressed feelings of assertiveness. That is, submissive individuals under stress move to role oppressive (RO) social field positions and develop but repress role assumptive (RA) psychic tension. This behavioural disposition is manifested as seemingly cooperative-to-authority compliance with reservations and latent hostility. These individuals have the propensity for feeling helpless and feeling unable to express anger (RA held in). (2) Dominance disorders are characterised by social assertiveness and incipient feelings of distrust. Dominant individuals under stress react assertively; they move to role assumptive (RA) social field positions and develop anticipated role reversal (ARR) psychic tension. This ’behavioural disposition manifests itself as antagonistic insubordination to authorities accompanied by suspiciousness which elicits defensiveness. (3) In normalcy states, individuals reverse roles and function without developing intense attitudes and defensiveness. Normal response to stress is appropriate behaviour. These individuals are capable of tolerating frustration and expressing feelings. They feel good about themselves and respect others.
Through according to
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
92
Subcategories of these three social-disposition syndromes may be distinguished , depending on the individual’s psychic tension-(1) small tension in personality conditions, (2) moderate tension in neurotic disorders, and (3) excessive tension in the psychotic level of functioning. Every individual’s behaviour may find quantitative representation. The individual’s significant positioning within interactional systems may be diagnosed and defined by statistically relevant parameters. A first set refers to the individual’s participation in the social system, his ranking, dominance versus subordinacy positioning (scale of -I-100/ -f-50, dominance; ±25, normalcy; ±50, normative, culturally acceptable behaviours; -100/-50, subordinacy), his mode of coexistence (cooperative versus antagonistic), his relational tendency (identity, reciprocity, negation, correlation) within the social system. A second set of parameters refers to the individual’s psychic system functioning; (a) his tension levels-( + 1) personality, (±2) neurotic, (±3) psychotic; (b) his prevalent psychic relational tendencies (INRC); (c) his fixation at one of the developmental phases. >
THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS
Therapy is the process during which the individual analysed and modified with subtle, energetic restructuring. recognises three distinct phases in the therapy process : (Fig. 13)
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relatedness may be Normative analysis
93 Phase One: Establishment of the Transference Relationship During this phase the client becomes cognisant through analysis of the transference structuring of his relationship with the therapist, of the general way in which he distorts perception of reality under stressful conditions. Phase Two: Contractual Restructuring of the Client-Therapist Relationship During this phase the client and therapist negotiate explicitly a contractual normative restructuring of their relationship enforced with rewards and punishments as simple as the provision and withholding of approval on the part of the therapist toward the client. Phase Three: Resolution ofthe Client-Therapist Relationship During this phase the client is expected to be able to maintain low psychic tension throughout his relationship with the therapist. He is also expected to be able to maintain role appropriate social tension and reversibility of roles with the therapist. Mutual expectations of the client and therapist are, at this point, fulfilled. Normative behaviour pursues health as the lasting, optimal, efficient, equitable democratic functioning of social systems where openness of communication permits low psychic tension, clear nonthreatening establishment of role boundaries, and provision for systemic role reversibility of participant members. CONCLUSION
The formal methodological revamping, followed through to its range of consequences, permits making an infinite number of inferences; thus it advances the study of behaviour toward the science of behaviour. It also permits the reconciliation of behavioural disciplines into a comprehensive theory. A list of the Formal Theory’s innovations follows: (1) It introduces the relational method and its concepts into the study of the behavioural process. (2) It advances a minimum of assumptions toward theory construction. (3) It permits the graphic portrayal of psychosocial structures and process. (4) It permits the transposition of mathematical theorems into the behavioural subject matter. (5) It proposes an entire lifetime and multigenerational role structural model of human relations from the Greek mythology. (6) The role structuring model clarifies cross-cultural father-son relationships. (7) Formal analysis correlates behaviors, attitudes, and defence mechanisms of parents and children into an integral, developmental role theory. (8) Formal analysis permits the definition of a spectrum of behaviours serving the reconceptualisation of psychopathology and health along measurable parameters. (9) It permits the study of the evolution of the role structure of the patient-therapist relationship. (10) It offers insights into the energetic transformations within the
biopsychosocial continuum.
REFERENCES
1. Baldwin, A.: Theories of Child Development-The New York, John Wiley & Sons, 1967, p. 287.
Basic Elements
of the S-R Strategy.
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
THE FORMAL THEORY OF BEHAVIOUR ALBERT J. LEVIS, M.D. Copyright Albert J. Levis 1976 Centre for the Study ofNormative Behaviour 295 Washington Avenue, Hamden, Connecticut 06518 203 281-3336 HE FORMAL THEORY OF BEHAVIOUR is a comprehensive new theory on the principles of relational methodology. It is characterised by two qualities : (1) methodological purity and (2) conceptual appropriateness for the biological, psychic, and social aspects of behaviour. The Formal Theory differs from other theories in two ways : (1) It is neither physicalistic, mechanistic, organismic, nor vitalistic. It is an abstract, systemic, and purely mathematical role theory. The Formal Theory analyses and reduces systemic processes into simple forms using the relational method. (2) It is based on the study of the forms of intra- and inter-personal relations conceived of as
based
energetic quanta. The theory’s basic assumption is that psychic and social processes may be viewed as quasi-closed, steady-state energetic systems. This assumption permits dealing with the circumscribed interractional process as a relational totality obeying the exact laws of the relational method and of the mathematical group theory. The thesis is demonstrated by presentation of the Greek creation myth in which a paranoid attitude conceived of as a quantum of energy is transmitted intact from generation to generation. The perpetuation of this attitude during the five consecutive generations of the creation myth serves as a demonstration of the assumption of conservation of energy, of closure, and of formality in the nature of the behavioural process. In the paper are reviewed the implications and applications of the above thesis. Formal methodology permits the study of behaviour through normative role analysis. Normative role analysis, making use of quantifiable, graphically
representable parameters, views relationally, development, psychological nisms of defense, attitudes, health, illness, and therapy.
mechani-
METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES
In this section methodological issues are discussed toward the fomulation of the Formal Theory of Behaviour. The Aristotelian propositional method is dbsolete. Statements such as &dquo;all six-year-old sons hate their fathers&dquo;, an axiomatic proposition reflecting causeeffect linear reasoning, are invalid methodologically. Relational or systems method is currently considered as the scientific method. It is based on the study of the formal correlation of parts within a whole. Formal correlations may be portrayed by formulae. Relational method’s concepts are pure: elements enter in classes, and these in totalities by nature of their relations. Relations have properties : (Fig. 1) symmetry, transitivity, correlation, which permit them to be structured in order systems (equivalences-levels, hierarchies-series). (Fig. 2) Both properties and Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
81
order systems of relations find graphic representation. There are certain laws governing the formal correlation of elements within systems, those of closure, associativity, identity, and inverse. The two most important are the identity law and the law of inverse. (Fig. 3) These concepts and laws may be transposed in the study of behaviour where actions and feelings viewed as roles may be conceived of as the elements correlated within interactional and intrapsychic systems. Relations may be rendered by verbs, symmetry is portrayed by passivity-activity verb forms, transitivity in comparative activity or passivity verb forms. The property of symmetry permits ordering elements or relations along equivalences or levels order, that is ordering equivalent normative behavioral role states along a level, i.e., in the Greek creation legend all behaviours are extremely antagonistic family interactions involving patricide, infanticide, murder of spouses, etc. The normative role tension is high and all these roles involving murders may be conceived of as equivalent, therefore, portrayed as equivalent elements on one level, i.e., the perimeter of a circle.
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
82 If the norm is cooperative behavior, the states of filial respect and parentah nurturing behaviours belong on the same normative level. The property of transitivity permits ordering elements or relations along a series or hierarchical order direction. Ordering role states along a series direction would imply that the normative role tension of successive states is increasingly higher, i.e., role tension, decreases as we conceive of comparison among the Greek paranoid, the Judiac equalitarian, and the Oriental submissive cultures. Therefore, these states may be ordered
as
follows:
The concentric circles model allows the graphic portrayal of both a normative behavioural totality and transformations within it. The levels and series order may be integrated in the system of concentric circles. Its diameters are series, its perimeters are levels. ASSUMPTIONS
specifically
In order to implement the’ relational or pure systemic method into the study of behaviour, assumptions must be advanced defining totalities or systems in behaviour. Assumptions must define systems within which correlations may be formulated between the elemental behaviours conceived of as roles. The assumptions that must be advanced are three. They require: (Fig. 4)
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
83 The existence of biopsychosocial continuum including the individual’s and social reality, i.e., his impulses, feelings, and actions. 2. The definition of the biopsychosocial continuum’s nature as consisting of intertransformable energetic modalities : biological, psychic, social. 3. The existence of steady-state-like conservation of energy within the biopsychosocial continuum under the ideal circumstances of intense social involvement and psychic preoccupation of the involved parties. 1.
,
biological, psychic,
.
THEOREMS
Provided the above assumptions are accepted, the four laws of mathematical groups may be applicable to the behavioural role systems. By transposition of the law of inverse from mathematics into behaviour role systems, a number of basic theorems for a formal science of behaviour may be established : (Figures 5, 6)
1. Theorem on the organisation of psychic role systems : In psychic systems, for any activity-strivings-role, there corresponds a passivity-expectations-role, i.e., if one loves or hates his father-activity strivings-he will expect to be loved or hated by his children-passivity expectations. 2. Theorem on the organisation of social role systems : To any one social systemic activity position there corresponds a passivity position, i.e., if a father hates or loves his son-activity position-his son will experience hate Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
84
love-correlated passivity position. 3. Theorem on the predictability of the interactional process: Provided we know the psychic and social state of a person during one point in his life we may predict the sequence of this individual’s past and future systemic role positions, i.e., if a child hates/loves his father, when he is older and a parent, he will be hated/loved by his children. or
GRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF PSYCHOSOCIAL STRUCTURES AND PROCESS
This section focuses on the implementation of the relational technology in the scoring of social and physic systems and transformations within them. This first part deals with defining the anatomy of psychosocial structures by charting behaviours according to parameters which may be practically determined graphically and numerically represented. (Fig. 7) Those parameters are scored The Formal Theory’s relational concepts and graphic representations permit rendering both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of transaction with clarity, simplicity, and exactness requiring minimal if any explanations of the graphically portrayed process. through normative analysis of the interactional process, that is, by comparison between the given social and emotional behavious and reference behaviours representing the norms of systems concerned. The structure of systems and transformations within them may be graphically represented by using the model of Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
85
role states of increasing social and psychic systems.
Reciprocal
intensity
as
correlated in the
permits normative ordering of behaviours : (1) hierarchies of positions along diameters, and (2) levels of equivalent status positions along the concentric layers of the circles. Any given interaction may be portrayed as consistconcentric circles which status
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
86
ing of (1) social system represented by scored concentric circles, (2) the psychic system of the individual participants in structurally correlated positions represented
by scored concentric ellipses, and (3) two vectors characterising each individual participant attached to his psychic system. A vector within the social system indicates his social activities, while a vector within his psychic system indicates his prevailing emotions. The second part of this section deals with the physiology of psychosocial systems. (Fig. 8) Formal analysis of the interactional process points to four types
of relational patterns (four groups) : Identity (I), Negation (N), Reciprocity (R),I Correlation (C). All four of these operations may be set in motion simultaneously to maintain a threatened equilibrium. This group of transformations is an example of a systemic whole undergoing changes to preserve its dynamic equilibrium.I Piaget’s scale model may serve here to illustrate transformations in maintaining equilibrium after a change by addition of a weight is inflicted on the system. Psychological defence mechanisms may be categorised along the four types of relating, and as to whether relating takes place within the individual’s psychic or his social system. According to the Piagetian-Kleinianl group of four transformations (INRC), (1) identity operations, relating in an equivalent manner apply to the mechanisms of introjection and identification, (2) negating operations, I relating in an antithetical manner annulling or cancelling prior transformations
I
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
87
apply to the defence mechanisms of negativism, repression, denial, isolation, (3) reciprocity operations, relating by neutralising prior transformations apply to the defence mechanisms of reversal, projection, reaction formation, (4) correlative operations, relating by non-conflictual activities to prior transformations apply to defence mechanisms of sublimation. These operations may be expressed vectorially: identity relating by a vector parallel to the original transformation, negation relating by one of the same length and opposite direction, reciprocity relating by a reciprocal vector of the same length, correlative relating by a vector of different direction and length than that of the original transformation. FORMAL ANALYSIS OF THE GREEK COSMOGONY MODEL
legend confirms Formal Theory’s postulation of the existence of energetically quasi-closed, steady-state psychosocial systems by indicating conservation of energy in interactional systems, as the same paranoid attitude is rediscovered in each one of its consecutive generations. The model, therefore, suggests that psychosocial continue under the condition of sustained, strongly interdependent relationships may be viewed as relational systems which have the characteristics of perfect totalities of systems and of mathematical groups. The formal analysis of the model reveals that every generation evolves through a certain pattern of behaviours that may be viewed in terms of six systemically interrelated roles-three energetically interlocked with an equal number of the preceding generation and three of the succeeding generation. The six roles are grouped into three cycles, each comprising a role state of passivity and one of The cosmogony
activity. (Fig. 9)
Cycle
1.
indicates how
The first person,
a
passivity as a son
role
state
(a child,
in
is labeled role oppression (RO). It general), is treated by his father-
Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
88
parent (fathers kill their sons). The first
activity
role
state
is labeled role
assumption ,
(RA). It pertains to a son’s reaction to his father (sons kill their fathers). Cycle II. The second passivity role state is labeled anticipated role reversal (ARR). It consists of anticipations that a person, as a father, is going to be treated by his children in the same way that he treated his father (fathers fear their infants). The second activity role state is labeled counterphobic role assumption (CPRA). It pertains to the person’s defencive behaviours (fathers banish or kill their sons). They inflict role oppression on their sons. Cycle III. The third passivity role state is labeled role reversal (RR). It indicates how a person, as a father, indeed experiences what he had been anticipating and in vain had defended himself against in cycle II (fathers are killed by their sons). A father’s role reversal state coincides with his son’s state of role assumption. The third activity role state is labeled compromise role assumption (CRA). It pertains to assertive behaviours of the defeated father aiming to inflict guilt (ARR) on his offensive progeny, indeed during compromise role assumption dying fathers >
curse
their
sons. A SYNOPSIS OF THE COSMOGONY MYTH
Uranus
(U), the Sky, generation N-1, afraid (ARRu) of his monstrous offspring : the Titans, the hundred-handed giants, the one-eyed Cyclopes, threw them into Tartarus (hell), (CPRAu -*- ROk). Gaea, Earth, his wife, protected her youngest son Kronos (K), who castrated Uranus (rank- RRu). Uranus cursed Kronos to receive same from his own offspring (CRAu -· ARRk). Kronos, generation N, afraid of his offspring, swallowed the Olympian infants as his wife, Rhea, delivered them (CPRAk -~ ROz). Rhea protected her youngest son, Zeus (Z), who freed his brothers and with whom he killed Kronos (RAz i RRk). Kronos cursed his son, Zeus, to be killed by his own offspring (CRAk -~ ARRz). Zeus, generation N+ 1, afraid of his wife’s (Metis) child, swallowed her when she was pregnant with Athena (A) (CPRAz -~ ROa). With the help of Hephaestus, who split Zeus’s head, Athena was delivered from his head with a mightly shout as a fully armed virgin (ran- RRz). We may infer that Zeus cursed her to suffer the same fate by her offspring (crazy- ARRa). Athena, generation N+2, afraid of conceiving children (ARRa) exercised fierce defence of her virginity (CPRAa). She blinded Teiresias for the minor indiscretion or looking at her naked body and fled Hephaestus’s ardent attempt to rape her. She defended herself so effectively that his misdirected on the earth shortly afterward gave birth to her son, Erichthonius
semen
scattered
(E) (OPRAa 1 .....
ROel). Athena brought up her son, Erichthonius, generation N+3, unknown to the other gods (CPRAa2 - ROa 2). She enclosed the infant in a basket (CPRAa3..... ROe3) which she confided to the daughters of King Cecrops. Herse and Aglauros, who could not control their curiosity opened the basket and saw a serpent coiled around the infant. They were stricken by madness and flung themselves off the top of Acropolis (RAel -~ RRal). Pandrosus, the third daughter, survived. When Erichthonius became king, he established the cult of Athena (rate2 - RRa2), and adopted her name for the city. (Fig. 10) PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
Formal
Analysis
of the Greek cosmogony
myth demonstrates that role
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I I
89
behaviours within closed psychosocial systems are interrelated and maintain a certain configuration. This is determined by the energetic charge conveyed by parents to their offspring. In this section are presented : first, the study of the formal correlation of lifetime roles; second, alternative configurations of role relations through varience of the energetic (attitudinal) input into the system. The Formal Correlation ofLifetime Roles. The life-span curve may be broken down into three cycles of activity-passivity dyads. During the first cycle, externally incurred role oppressive (RO) experiences determine and elicit definite role assumptive impulses and behaviours (RA). It is these impulses and/or behaviours that during the second cycle shape the attitude or prophecy in terms of the specific anticipation of role reversal (ARR) of the role behaviour just assumed. The pervasive anticipation of role reversal consumes one’s power of concentration and mobilises all his resources in the service of counterphobic role assumptive behaviours (CPRA) aiming to avert the ominous anticipation. The individual’s counterphobic behaviours elicit the third cycle’s passivity phase. The individual is the recipient of a strong social systemic reaction resulting in his role reversal (RR). He emerges from role reversal through a conciliatory change : the compromise role assumption (CRA). The formal study of personality development indicates that attitudes are induced in early, formative developmental periods and that they have self-fulfilling mechanisms. Alternative Cultural Role Configurations. Depending on the role oppression experienced by the young son and his role assumption toward his aging father, Downloaded from isp.sagepub.com at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015
90
paranoid-antagonistic, trusting-cooperative, and submissive-cooperative cultural. relational patterns may be distinguished. The first cultural alternative is illustrated by the Greek cosmogony legend exemplified by the distrusting, paranoid, antagonistic dominance resolution of ’the father-son relationship. The second cultural alternative is illustrated by the Judeo-Christian civilisation. The Jehovah-AbrahamIsaac legend exemplifies the mutually trusting cooperative resolution of the fatherson relationship. The third is the Oriental cultural alternative which is illustrated by Buddhism’s Four Trust Doctrine (Life is p~ain-craving leads to pain-cessation of pain occurs with cessation of carving-through the eightfold path). It exemplifies an extremely submissive cooperative resolution of the father-son relationship. These cultures differ in their behavioural norms, the degree of acceptable aggression pursued, and the degree of correlated passivity states anticipated and tolerated. In all of them activity tendencies are directly proportional to passivity expectations, which determine the real outcome of the interaction. (Fig. 11). ¡-
Through normative analysis the Formal Theory permits logical and mathematical exactness in the study of physiological and pathological behaviours. The individual’s energetic state, as the absolute value of the product of his usual social positioning and psychic intensity, may be determined through psychological testing and through analysis of the transference relatedness within the therapy system.
Nor-
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-~
91 mative analysis permits our understanding of health and pathology as mere aspects of a continuum. Pathology and health, normalcy and normative behaviour may be viewed as interrelated segments of a structural configuration, a comprehensive spectrum of complementary positions. (Fig. 12)
normative analysis, we may distinguish three syndromes of behaviour the individual’s social positioning: (1) Subordinacy disorders are characterised by social submissiveness and repressed feelings of assertiveness. That is, submissive individuals under stress move to role oppressive (RO) social field positions and develop but repress role assumptive (RA) psychic tension. This behavioural disposition is manifested as seemingly cooperative-to-authority compliance with reservations and latent hostility. These individuals have the propensity for feeling helpless and feeling unable to express anger (RA held in). (2) Dominance disorders are characterised by social assertiveness and incipient feelings of distrust. Dominant individuals under stress react assertively; they move to role assumptive (RA) social field positions and develop anticipated role reversal (ARR) psychic tension. This ’behavioural disposition manifests itself as antagonistic insubordination to authorities accompanied by suspiciousness which elicits defensiveness. (3) In normalcy states, individuals reverse roles and function without developing intense attitudes and defensiveness. Normal response to stress is appropriate behaviour. These individuals are capable of tolerating frustration and expressing feelings. They feel good about themselves and respect others.
Through according to
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Subcategories of these three social-disposition syndromes may be distinguished , depending on the individual’s psychic tension-(1) small tension in personality conditions, (2) moderate tension in neurotic disorders, and (3) excessive tension in the psychotic level of functioning. Every individual’s behaviour may find quantitative representation. The individual’s significant positioning within interactional systems may be diagnosed and defined by statistically relevant parameters. A first set refers to the individual’s participation in the social system, his ranking, dominance versus subordinacy positioning (scale of -I-100/ -f-50, dominance; ±25, normalcy; ±50, normative, culturally acceptable behaviours; -100/-50, subordinacy), his mode of coexistence (cooperative versus antagonistic), his relational tendency (identity, reciprocity, negation, correlation) within the social system. A second set of parameters refers to the individual’s psychic system functioning; (a) his tension levels-( + 1) personality, (±2) neurotic, (±3) psychotic; (b) his prevalent psychic relational tendencies (INRC); (c) his fixation at one of the developmental phases. >
THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS
Therapy is the process during which the individual analysed and modified with subtle, energetic restructuring. recognises three distinct phases in the therapy process : (Fig. 13)
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relatedness may be Normative analysis
93 Phase One: Establishment of the Transference Relationship During this phase the client becomes cognisant through analysis of the transference structuring of his relationship with the therapist, of the general way in which he distorts perception of reality under stressful conditions. Phase Two: Contractual Restructuring of the Client-Therapist Relationship During this phase the client and therapist negotiate explicitly a contractual normative restructuring of their relationship enforced with rewards and punishments as simple as the provision and withholding of approval on the part of the therapist toward the client. Phase Three: Resolution ofthe Client-Therapist Relationship During this phase the client is expected to be able to maintain low psychic tension throughout his relationship with the therapist. He is also expected to be able to maintain role appropriate social tension and reversibility of roles with the therapist. Mutual expectations of the client and therapist are, at this point, fulfilled. Normative behaviour pursues health as the lasting, optimal, efficient, equitable democratic functioning of social systems where openness of communication permits low psychic tension, clear nonthreatening establishment of role boundaries, and provision for systemic role reversibility of participant members. CONCLUSION
The formal methodological revamping, followed through to its range of consequences, permits making an infinite number of inferences; thus it advances the study of behaviour toward the science of behaviour. It also permits the reconciliation of behavioural disciplines into a comprehensive theory. A list of the Formal Theory’s innovations follows: (1) It introduces the relational method and its concepts into the study of the behavioural process. (2) It advances a minimum of assumptions toward theory construction. (3) It permits the graphic portrayal of psychosocial structures and process. (4) It permits the transposition of mathematical theorems into the behavioural subject matter. (5) It proposes an entire lifetime and multigenerational role structural model of human relations from the Greek mythology. (6) The role structuring model clarifies cross-cultural father-son relationships. (7) Formal analysis correlates behaviors, attitudes, and defence mechanisms of parents and children into an integral, developmental role theory. (8) Formal analysis permits the definition of a spectrum of behaviours serving the reconceptualisation of psychopathology and health along measurable parameters. (9) It permits the study of the evolution of the role structure of the patient-therapist relationship. (10) It offers insights into the energetic transformations within the
biopsychosocial continuum.
REFERENCES
1. Baldwin, A.: Theories of Child Development-The New York, John Wiley & Sons, 1967, p. 287.
Basic Elements
of the S-R Strategy.
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