Orientation to the Study

Why Study Pressures?

During the discovery of psychosocial pressures, an attempt was made to link Types in Principal Typologies with particular pressures.

Subsequently pressures were assigned to Types by analysis of the derived modes that generate the primal means as a spiral of growth.

The present task involves using the posted accounts of the Typologies to determine:

  • the likely primary psychosocial pressure underpinning the identity, structure, essence or existence of the Type;
  • the likely secondary psychosocial pressure that drives the use of the Type in practice.

If the 1° pressure accords with current assignments which are now well-established, alternatives will not be considered. Because the 2° pressure is a relatively new conception, alternatives will be considered.

In each case, the reader is assumed to have the necessary background knowledge which will not be repeated. If this is not the case, a link is provided to the relevant posted details.

Warning

In performing these investigations, it is easy to get confused and lose focus on the essence of a pressure.

Remember that the goal is to identify a neuro-biologically based instinct-type force, the psychosocial pressure, that is dominant for a particular Type—either for its existence (1°) or its operation (2°).

The term used for this pressure must not be confused with the same word referring to phenomena or feelings that occur during the process or following the result e.g. the well-being pressure is not the same as a feeling of well-being even if it may lead to that feeling. Pressures may be counterproductive, so succumbing to well-being may lead to discontent or misery.

ClosedMore examples:

Performance is not the same as activity, functioning or an achieved result.

Certainty is not the same as wanting certainty, becoming certain or having dependable knowledge.

Well-Being is not the same as desiring or experiencing satisfaction or comfort.

Acceptability is not the same as something being accepted.

Understanding is not the same as analysing, discovering or needing and wanting understanding.

Autonomy is not the same as being free or exercising autonomy.

Selflessness is not the same as helpful, impersonal or impartial activity.

The Principal Typology is the origin of all controls within the Primary Domains, and therefore understanding its structure and function is essential. In particular, the role of psychosocial pressures needs examination and clarification.

Typology Essentials Table (TET) has proved itself as a fundamental tool for understanding Typologies, especially the Root and Principal Typologies. It is also relevant to the Q-Typologies.

The Executing Duality, the X and Y Axes labels, clarifies the crucial psychosocial dimensions when optimizing for the Domain.

The Approach Duality, methods on the two diagonal, reveal the Apollonian and Dionysian dimensions of control,

The Quadrants are sharply distinct, and often their pairing to form vertical and horizontal hemi-sections provide illumination.

Conversion of Types to Modes provides the basis for a Spiral which represents development of a Primal Means over time.

This Spiral is the basis for a triplet control structure comprising an original Tree where modes become determinants for meeting the Primary Need of the Domain, a structural hierarchy based on that Tree, and the final Tree that represents a controller of the Primal Means.

Originally posted 31-Aug-2026.