Interactions Among Dimensions

Note that this is a very limited discussion of interactions among dimensions. First, let us consider how many possible types of surface personality there are in the PAS description.

In each dimension there are 8 possible adjustments at the surface level. With three dimensions, that is 8 x 8 x 8 = 512 possible surface adjustments. This does not count the following other significant factors:

  1. The fourth factor (which can have one of two values).
  2. Strong ('+') factors and weak ('-') factors. These make a noticeable difference.
  3. Overall ability.
  4. Gender

Adding these factors still gives us only personality differences before considering moral choices! Thus, within the PAS model, we have enough variety to describe the variety of people we see around us!

This entire chapter has only scratched the surface of what can be described about personality in PAS terms.

We will discuss some specific examples of interactions between dimensions.

The aware "F"

The "F" is generally more aware than an "R". Thus the "F" is more aware of being an "E", an "I", or an "A" or "U".

Jokes

Some people get jokes better than others. We use this as an example to see how dimensions can interact. An "A" will "get" jokes more readily than a "U" individual because he picks up social cues better. On the other hand, some jokes require actually understanding nuance rather than social cues in which case the "F" is at an advantage over an "R".

Social needs

There is a strong interaction between the intellectual dimension (I/E) and the social dimension (A/U). For example, the primitive "E" who is also primitive "U" suffers from a need to relate and at the same time from rejection because of being a "U". Conversely, the primitive "I" who is also "U" does not have as great a need to relate. The danger for the "I" and "U" individual is that he is left alone to such a great extent that he does not develop contact with the world around him.

The "E" and "A" combination is a socially attractive person who likes relating. This person is very involved socially. His only difficulty is in social distraction.

The "I" and "A" combination can be helpful for the "I" who sometimes needs drawn out. Being an "A", the person is socially attractive and thus drawn out by those around him.

Awareness/Distraction

The most aware person is the "E" and "F" combination. When these two factors are strong (e.g. "E+" and "F+"), the individual is extremely aware. These individuals can see everything going on in a family, a classroom or in a drama. They may be able to always tell you the end of a drama after watching only a few minutes. However, the "E" and "F" combination is the most distractible. Obviously, the characteristics we see depend heavily on compensation and modification.

The least aware person is the "I" and "R" combination. This individual can work amid distractions and remain focused on the task at hand.

The "E" and "U" with school.

The child who is primitive "E" needs to relate and sometimes has difficulty in school because he talks to his neighbors too much. Also, he does not memorize well. As a primitive "U", he is not socially adept or attractive and faces rejection. Thus, he has a combination of a need for relating (and acceptance) and the inability to gain acceptance. The "E" and "U" will be sensitive to teasing. He may turn to achievement to gain attention, or he may become a show-off or trouble maker to gain attention. Good family support helps him to get attention in a morally acceptable manner.

A Simple Example

As an illustration of the dimensions, we will discuss one rather trivial application, but one which illustrates some of the potential for application. We will look at the American football quarterback. The quarterback is most likely to be a primitive IFA. Let's see why.

As an "I", the quarterback is capable of holding a picture of the play in his mind. He can concentrate on his internalized plan which carefully lays out how much time he has to find a receiver before being sacked by the oncoming rushers. An "E" in this situation will have his attention totally focused on the incoming rushers who are external reality!

As an "F", the quarterback can see the whole field and be sensitive to that one receiver who happens to pop free. He can also be on the watch for the line backer who has broken through from the side at the same time. The "R" will be focused on one receiver - if he is not open, the "R" will not have any idea if others are free. Also, the "R" cannot simultaneously keep track of his receivers and the oncoming rushers in order to evade them.

In grade school and high school, the "A" is more socially attractive and therefore more likely to be selected for quarterback, the socially desired position. This early start gives him the opportunity to develop his skills unlike the "U" who will be relegated to other positions.