Preview of the Framework

Stabilization Methods

The SENSORY enjoins: keep in touch!
and is stabilized by: Stimulation.

The VITAL enjoins: keep fit!
and is stabilized by: Concentration.

The EMOTIONAL enjoins: have feelings!
and is stabilized by: Attachment.

The INDIVIDUAL enjoins: maintain self-esteem!
and is stabilized by: Respect.

The RELATIONAL enjoins: cultivate relationships!
and is stabilized by: Attunement.

The SOCIAL enjoins: contribute purposefully!
and is stabilized by: Participation.

The TRANSPERSONAL enjoins: embrace spirituality!
and is stabilized by: Faith.

For more, see the matrix summary.

The Trajectory in Brief

The natural sequence of Modes (value-sets) to be installed traces out a spiral trajectory when plotted on the PH'4-stabilization TET. As the values at each Stage cumulate, the sense of self becomes progressively stronger and a person is more individualized.

The sense of self starts in the Emotional Mode, which enables an immediate necessary sense of existence and uniqueness. This is a matter of sensitivity to feelings and a willingness to own them.

However, it soon becomes evident in social situations that your presence, though unmistakable and perhaps lovable, is somewhat unstable. You cry more than most. Your varying feelings make you unpredictable or even unreliable—and not only in the eyes of others.

It is common to become dissatisfied with the volatility and to doubt your own motivations and goals. Personal life may become chaotic or excessively inhibited to compensate for the seeming vulnerability intrinsic to emotional lability. The first challenge may therefore be labeled: "gaining control of your motivated presence" (as represented in PsH4K): and this is what Cycle-1 is about.

The various instigators of transition are shown in the diagram below and then briefly explained.


Growth Stages 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 give you more and better control over your motivated presence. 

Stage 1 is almost automatic in a healthy person. It starts with sensitivity to your own feelings, which is the basis of the Emotional Mode.

But this solo self-management and self-assertion can be hard to sustain.

In Stage-2, values from the Social Mode enable development of a public identity with unambiguous distinctiveness and an associated social acceptance and public support.

But, over time, your willingness to conform to group norms may diminish because they seems too inhibiting and controlling.

So in Stage-3, values from the Individual Mode enable you to develop a private and defined self-concept which can be owned and positively valued apart from any particular social group.

But, over time, privacy can lead to a loneliness and disconnection which then impairs self-esteem and potentially disturbs others in your groups.

So in Stage-4, values of the Sensory Mode enables you to feel good and socially connected through a regular flow of positive recognition and basic pleasures in congenial company.

Having reached this point, the original «sense of self» can now be referred to as «the (stable) self» and its emotions are contained.

Cycle-1 starts with a natural sensitivity from the Emotional Mode-μ1and concludes by spontaneously re-entering Mode-μ1 to generate a contained sensitivity. That assures a natural stability of the self—so long as you stay within your comfort zones.


Growth Stages 4(1) → 5 → 6 → 7 allow you to experience greater meaning via self-actualization.

Cycle-2 is a process in which comfort zones lose their attraction, so that unknown parts and potentials of the self can be realized. The first step involves becoming mentally and bodily energized.

In Stage-5, values of the Vital Mode enable the selection of new, suitable challenges that draw on your deeper potentials.

But new and demanding activities expose a person to dangers. Given development so far, only protection and guidance that are moral or ethical in nature will be willingly accepted.

So in Stage-6, values of the Transpersonal Mode enable an ethical and authentic mode of living that is experienced as fully defensible.

But the selflessness that is required can be too isolating, and individuality may become too inward.

So in Stage-7, values of the Relational Mode enable a specialness to infuse encounters with a select number of individuals.

Having reached this point, a person now possesses a natural and consistent empathic capacity.

Cycle-2 concludes by re-entering the Emotional Mode-μ1 to generate a more attuned and appropriate sensitivity that ensures automatic consistent empathy. The self is now solid and resilient in the face of life's vicissitudes, whatever they may be.

ClosedEmotions are Central for the Self

  • The full story is far more interesting and it starts here.
  • See a more detailed summary in the final Review.

Originally drafted:  4-Jan-2016. Last amended:25-Jan-2016.