Principles that Generate a Spiral

Methods to Modes

Remember: In any Spiral analysis, the methods are content
prescriptions and the modes are their contextual values.

Use of the methods for mental stabilization (PH'4) spontaneously generates a sense of self. A person is only fully comfortable in using one or two methods and depends on these for effective daily functioning.

However, all of the methods contain widely accepted assumptions and values. These form the basis for a corresponding mode for individualizing (PH'4Cμ1-μ7).

Individualizing generates and sustains inner convictions and the resultant sense of self grows stronger with the cumulative establishment of each mode (μ). This process is mapped as a Spiral trajectory on the TET, and the Stages (φ) re-order the Methods.
ClosedSee Re-ordering Table:

Construction of a Spiral

The sense of self necessarily commences in an emotional sensitivity (PH'4C-μ1) with an accompanying inner assertion of immediate feelings.

These feelings are claimed as 'mine' and seem to be located 'inside me', and so create a sense of "me" automatically. This emergent self is not complex or sophisticated or even sustained. Indeed, there can be no inner concept of «a self» because emotions are so variable, diffuse and changeable.

To sustain and strengthen this primordial and unavoidable degree of individuality, additional Modes (μ2 to μ7) must be activated in a series of Stages (φ2 to φ7). In the TET diagram, the natural order of Stages (φ)/Modes (μ) for strengthening generates a Spiral trajectory as shown at right.

To analyse «individualizing modes», we must identify those phenomena crucial to sustaining a person's effective functioning within a social setting.

THEE Note:Closed We might have said "sustaining oneself" but this would be to confuse 'the self' and 'personal functioning' i.e. the part and the whole. See Note below.

Each mode/stage is built around:

a) promoting well-being (the psychosocial pressure) by:

  • the essence necessary for well-being in that Stage;
  • the desired effect that is experienced as well-being;
  • the means whereby that effect and consequent well-being is enabled.

b) handling the social milieu in terms of:

  • the exercise of autonomy in that Stage;
  • the approach to participation in that Stage;
  • the affirmation of individuality in that Stage.

c) channeling personal functioning to:

  • boost self-esteem.

THEE Note:Closed In other Spirals, the third section is usually referred to as "handling yourself". However, here "self" is a contested notion. "Handling yourself" refers to your own functioning, and this meaning is therefore spelled out in full to avoid confusion. It appears here that 'channeling' is a more specific descriptive term than 'handling' . These considerations might apply to other Spirals, and a review of all Spirals from this perspective is required.

Cumulation & Drivers

With each successive Stage, the values from earlier Stages/Modes persist and cumulate with a new set of values.

Because Mode value-sets are cumulated, we can distinguish between the Mode (μ) and the Ethos emergent in any Stage (φ): e.g. Individual Mode versus Individual Ethos. The Mode refers to the specific new value-set at that Stage; and the Ethos refers to dominance of the newest Mode while explicitly including all previous Modes.

Each transition has its stresses. So a person will find themselves settling at the Stage where the self ethos feels sufficiently strong and satisfactory.

The drivers for progression through the modes include:

  • need for a more valued and coherent sense of self
  • wish to overcome limitations and vulnerabilities of the current Stage
  • pressures from internal or external sources (e.g. ageing, family, peers)
  • excessive or distorted use of the current mode.

During the maturational process, a person's self moves from being labile-transient to becoming stable and then maximally resilient. From an emotional perspective, a person moves from a volatile sensitivity, to being contained, and finally to consistent empathy.

Note:  As usual, features of higher Modes may be activated at any Stage as part of ensuring sufficient individuality (PH'4CK), but that does not mean the self has strengthened to that Stage.

Originally drafted:  4-Jan-2016. Last amended: 20-Jun-2016.