PAS Impressionistic Models
This page describes PAS impressionistic models - models of behavior written in terms of PAS primitive factors.

One way to use the PAS model is to describe behavior in terms of an "impressionistic" model - meaning we use PAS terminology to describe a set of behaviors, or how the individual impresses an observer. In this use, we are not saying the individual necessarily has a particular PAS primitive, basic, or contact personality factor. We are using the model as a way to describe sets of behaviors.

These impressionistic models are most useful in applications where full PAS profiles are not available. For example, in education, an instructor can observe students conforming in ways to one of the impressionistic models. This is helpful in how that student views and interacts with the instruction and the social environment.

We can also use these impressionistic descriptions as quick overviews of behaviors expected to be observed by an individual with a certain PAS profile. For example, if an individual is a primitive IRA, the impressionistic description is applicable to the child IRA. Even after that individual compensates and/or modifies the primitive profile, there will be elements of the IRA behavior. Likewise, if an individual is IRA at the basic level (e.g. Ec, Ru, Uc = i*ra*), then the behavior described in the impressionistic model can describe the person. Finally, at the contact level, a person who is IRA (e.g. Euc, Rcc, Ucu = e'r°a\) is trying to impress as an IRA.

Descriptions of the 8 possible impressionistic combinations of PAS factors.
ModelDescription
IRAIRA behavior is intellectual, regulated, self motivated, self-centered, highly organized, socially effective. There is a quality of confidence that can be ascribed to the model IRA. Self-motivation and self-determination and control are characteristic qualities. The IRA is conventional, socially effective and optimistic.
IRUIRU behavior can be described as serious, rational, and conventional. There is a technical quality as well as an aloof quality with the IRA devoting energies to intellectual, technical, and procedural activities rather than social interactive ones.. The IRA us responsible, disciplined and intellectualizing. Characteristic qualities include intolerance to change, ability to concentrate, and a narrow range of technical focus.
IFAIFA behavior can be described as intellectual, creative and socially engaging. There are qualities of perceptiveness, curiosity, and experimentation in the model IFA. The IFA is skillful in organizing ideas and thoughts. Characteristic qualities include social fluency, self-centeredness and resourcefulness.
IFU IFU behavior is intense, creative and non-conventional. There are contrasting qualities of social involvement and social superficiality operating in the IFU model. The IFU is dedicated, spontaneous. and competent. A belief in ideals, principles and respect for competent authority is characteristic of the model IFU.
ERA ERA behavior can be described as practical, literal, and socially skillful. There is a quality of impulsivity to the model ERA as he rushes to engage in "personally attractive" activities. there is a self-orientation which predominates in many areas of his surface personality. The ERA model is pragmatic, aware of his environment, and able to control his emotional attractions. The ERA can be summed up as outgoing and entrepeneural.
ERUERU behavior can be described as practical, realistic and socially awkward. Social relationships are often a source of difficulty. The model ERU feels qualities in the environment that need to be corrected and controlled. He tends to be pragmatic, even dogmatic, and at times is socially indifferent. Thus ERU behaviorally is technocratic, practical, realistic, procedural, socially restrained, and somewhat suspicious. The U inhibits E expression.
EFAEFA behavior can be described as sensitive, sensual and socially engaging. There is a quality of alertness and responsiveness to the environment which is attractive to others. Hence, associations form rapidly. The EFA is creative and works effectively as an independent agent. He has practical social fluency and learns readily from experience. In summary, the EFA is behaviorally theatrical, outgoing, relating, sensitive, sensitive and socially involving.
EFUEFU behavior can be describe as active, sensual and socially aloof. There is a curiosity in the EFU model which characterizes his interests. For the model EFU, the world is an attractive place, yet one which all to often he finds rejecting. The EFU both suppresses and shows emotion. He avoids interpersonal relationships which require emotional responsiveness by becoming socially inactive, hence displaying a lack of social interaction. In summary the EFU is behaviorally defensively (Charlie Brown) outreaching, socially awkward, apprehensive.