Theory of subtypes.

About subtypes, psychodynamics and the development of intertype skills from the perspective of associative socionics.

The purpose of the article is to consider regularities of subtype formation in regards to the development of intertype abilities. Subtype formation is associated with the mechanisms of Model A; in the process of acquisition of new knowledge and experience in various fields of human activity, functions improve. This means that the external environment –  one’s culture and society – has a huge impact on the development of intertype abilities. According to the theory of subtypes , a person can thrive in almost any area despite external influences.  However, those that relate to the types with radically opposing functions will not be areas of strength or expertise.

Key words: socionics, psychology, psychodynamics, psycho-diagnostics, personality type, subtype, psychic energy, adaptation, compensation.

Table Of Contents.

1. Introduction.
2. The process of adaptation and its role in the development of intertype abilities.
3. Criticism of the theory of subtypes.
4. Identification of the subtypes by the functional and psychodynamic profiles.
5. Regularities of subtype formation.
6. Psychoanalytic basis of socionics models.
7. The alternative subtype theory.
8. Conclusion.

Introduction.
I invite readers to reflect upon whether it is possible for a sociotype to develop the abilities of another, how this may occur and the significance of subtypes in this process.  Within associative socionics, the term subtype is synonymous with personality type and is acting in compensation with the underlying sociotype. An analogy of subtype would be ”additional temperament”; in addition to the four “pure” types of temperament, it is possible to determine one which is slightly less evident; sanguine-choleric or sanguine-phlegmatic.     Temperament and psychotype have something in common: both reflect the psyche’s innate properties. Assumably the differences between individuals of the same type can be explained by the presence of other types’ traits in compensation for the properties of a base type. This article was written in order to highlight the issue from the perspective of associative psychodiagnostics (APD).  I ask, which subtypes are more or less likely to compensate for their basic type?

The development of other types of abilities is based on the principle of balancing four psychic energies: Ego, Id, Superego and Superid. The principle of energy balancing was described in the article by O.Tangemann “Associative model” (1). Imbalance of psychic energies is initiated and serves as a source of diversity and uniqueness of the spiritual world of man, as well as a source of psychodynamics – internal conflicts, leading to a stronger psyche or its depletion. As practice shows, people of the same type can vary in terms of psychodynamics.

The term psychodynamics refers to the way in which psychic energies (PE) interract within the human psyche, and how such are reflected in non-verbal preferences as well as in thinking, behavior, emotions and internal conflicts. Psychodynamics of man’s inner world is described and registered as a psychodynamic profile (PP) which corresponds with three pairs of dicho tomic traits.  Three pairs of dichotomic traits define four basic typological groups by their type of psychic energy:  Ego, Id, Superego and Superid.

Psychodynamics is represented by the TPE model which shows the impact of each type of energy in the psyche from strong to weak:
1) base or leading TPE, 2) compensation TPE, 3) neutral TPE 4)Insufficient.

Personality type corresponds with the main TPE, the subtype with compensating TPE; all three TPEs except the base TPE can be considered as TPE subtypes.

Psychodynamic profile as well as subtype are considered as relatively stable psychophysiological characteristics of the personality type and are associated with the temperament and the type of higher nervous system. Often, but not always a correlation exists between temperament and the base TPE (type of psychic energy). TPE is detected by a number of criteria and the temperament is one of these criteria.

It is well known that temperament and psychological type are innate and do not change over a lifetime. It can be assumed that the influence of external factors may affect the compensating TPE that will change the subtype, and impact on a person’s character. For example, a person with extraverted psychodynamic profile, with age may be more introverted or vice versa. So, subtype will change, but the type and temperament will remain the same.

When people experience a psychological crisis, as a rule, the change in psychodynamics will follow accordingly. Comfortable mental and physical state is associated with psychological balance – normal or typical distribution of energy in the psyche. Conflicts are often accompanied by disturbances of mental balance. If the crisis is short, the balance is restored automatically after a while – “time heals all wounds.”

But if the conflict cannot be resolved in the short term, the psychological condition worsens and leads to depression, nervous breakdown and other ailments of body and soul. In this case we are talking about psychological imbalance, which can cause a variety of mental disorders.

Imbalance in the psyche, usually manifests itself in the displacement of the base TPE towards compensating TPE. This means that the subtype energy is not confined solely to compensation, but claims to take on a leading role in the psyche. Sometimes dominant energy completely displaces the subtype and reduces its influence to near zero.

Thus, the changes in the energy balance within the same psychodynamic profile may cause psychological disturbances and development of internal conflict. Emotional balance is restored during the counseling using associative psychodiagnostics (APD).

As practice has shown people wishing to understand their type, often doubt between pars of similar functions:   or  ,   or  ?  

Doubts relate to the base TPE group and the pairs of dichotomies which determine those groups: rationality (J) – irrationality (P);  extraversion (E) –  introversion (I). For example, an intuitive –logic person cannot understand whether he is rational or irrational, introvert or extravert? To a lesser extent people will doubt about the dichotomy of static and dynamic, as this trait is not easy to determine using a verbal diagnostic method. Often people either do not know how to identify this trait or use the wrong methods of diagnosis. A nonverbal method developed by O. Tangemann makes it possible today to effectively solve this problem and many others related to type diagnostics.
What else hinders people’s understanding of their personality type? The dichotomic traits  are descriptive and the descriptions differ from one author to another. Criteria for determining dichotomies will also vary between different socionists. And last but not the least is this fact: the more balanced a person’s dichtomic traits, the more difficult is to understand what prevails: intuition or sensation, logic or ethics. People better notice and realize in themselves those personality traits which  are in a contrast quantitative ratio, for example, 80 % for logic and of 20% for ethics.  In this case we say that the traits are imbalanced, ie some properties are clearly in excess and the other are explicitly lacking other.

2. The process of adaptation and its role in the development of intertype abilities.

The development of intertype abilities occurs through balancing functions in pairs or so called “channels”, for example, ethics of relations    is balancing with the ethics of emotions , business logic    is balancing with the theoretical logic .

It happens in everyday life while the person is exercising his functions.  If the person shows expertise in a “weak” function, socionists say that this function is “filled” with experience and knowledge but still remains weak according to the model A.

The processes underlying the development of intertype abilities do not differ radically from the laws of cognitive development which have been described by the French psychologist Jean Piaget (1977): balancing, assimilation, accommodation (2). Piaget studied the intellectual development of children and found out that children pass natural stages of intellectual development.

However, given the fact that the person is able to learn new things throughout life and grow spiritually, Piaget’s theory is relevant to the concept of personal development as a whole, at the intellectual and moral levels. It is no coincidence that American psychologist L. Kohlberg (1984) developed a theory of moral development based on the principles of learning new information, described by Piaget. (3)

Let’s dwell on the question, how do people process and learn new information? Education, training and maturation of the nervous system affect the ability to learn something new. According to Piaget, the person naturally possess mental structures (schemas), which are used in the process of interaction with the outside world. At the heart of the development is a person’s ability to adapt to the new conditions that go beyond the usual situation. Successful adaptation can be regarded as the development of new habits, concepts, skills, characteristics, patterns of behavior that lead human consciousness in alignment with reality. If the adaptation does not occur for any reason, then there is a feeling of discomfort that may result in conflict and stagnation.  In the worst cases people develop neuroses and psychological disorders that require the intervention of a psychologist or psychiatrist.

According to Piaget, the adaptation occurs through processes of assimilation and accommodation. Assimilation means familiar reaction to the stimulus generated on the basis of interaction with the environment. Accommodation means a new, modified response on the basis of the experience gained in unusual circumstances. Assimilation and accommodation facilitate development of cognitive structures, the formation of new ideas, behaviors, attitudes, habits.

For all known situations there is its own scheme to respond to stimuli. This psychological state is comfortable and comparable to the state of balance. The imbalance occurs when a person is faced with something new, unknown, not having an adequate form of response, not knowing ways to resolve the issue. This person may be trying to assimilate the situation, using the usual reaction, but sees the ineffectiveness of the old approach. This psychological state is equivalent to the internal conflict or challenge. The desire to return to the balanced state motivates a person to search for answers, to access new levels of reality awareness. Thus, the process of adaptation is a driving force behind the personal development.

A personality grows  when faced with difficulties, accumulating experience of conflict resolution and new response schemes. The richer and more varied the personal experience is, the more confident  he feels in different areas of life. This allows the person to see the world through the eyes of other people and adopt some of their characteristics. This way people develop intertype characteristics using their innate ability to psychologically adopt themselves to the changing environment.

Of course, it is easier to develop the abilities of similar types, with the same strong and weak functions of the psyche. Practice of diagnostics indicates that it is easier to adopt the style of thinking and behaviors of people with similar interests and from the same “club of interests” (NT, NF, SF, ST). If a person belongs to the club of scientists (NT), he usually has areas of commonality with all “scientists”: interests in theory, technology as well as similar professional aspirations and problem solving skills. People from the same club of interests often have a similar appearance and easily find topics for discussion. It is harder to develop the qualities of people from the other clubs. The most difficult is to develop properties of people that are referred to in Socionics as “duals”; the strengths and weaknesses of duals are radically opposed.

The majority of people are able to find their own personality type themselves by doing tests and reading type profiles. They also can decide which type group they belong, be it an interest club or TPE group. However, they may still have some doubts and consider at least two type options as highly probable. As practice of diagnostics shows, they usually doubt between their actual type and subtype.

3. Criticism of the theory of subtypes.

Theories about subtypes emerged to explain the differences between people of the same sociotype. The founders of the theory of subtypes in socionics are V. Meged, A.Ovcharov (4) Gulenko (5). A brief overview of their theories can be found in the critical review written by D. Lytov (2006). In the article “Subtypes, masks, accents” Lytov examines the advantages and disadvantages of such theories and indicates that the hypotheses and methods of deduction of subtypes differ and often contradict one another.  An important problem in distinguishing between types and subtypes is the fact that the description of the subtypes largely coincide with the descriptions of personality types.

As a result of his reflections D. Lytov comes to the following conclusion:
“The above-mentioned disadvantages of hypotheses about the subtypes do not allow to use them safely in socionics diagnostics and counseling. In this case, there is no doubt that the people within each type have many differences, and these differences can be classified. The problem, in my opinion, is that socionists, while trying to create a theory of subtypes cannot get free from slavery socionics terminology and go beyond its framework; trying to describe something new, they just create a modification of the old socionics terms “(6).

Another socionist, A. Sapegin suggests in the article “Subtypes,” that the hypothesis of subtypes could arise from errors in typing. He believes that the intention of the authors was to create classification of intra-type differences in order to more accurately determine the type. However, due to the fact that theories have gaps and lack clear explanations, they do not help but hinder type diagnsotics.  According to A. Sapegin:

“The introduction of the notion of subtype without specifying the purposes for which it is introduced, only adds further confusion in type identification of real people. For example, in regards to an SLI who is defined as ILE (which happens quite frequently), you can always say that it is ”ILE with a SLI – subtype ” or “it is a sensory subtype,” or any other subtype – in accordance with the terminology of a particular school “(7) .

A. Sapegin is inclined to think that socionists introduced the subtypes to justify contradictions in the process of diagnostics. He also suggests that socionics typology describes all the necessary mental interaction with the environment in order to identify the type and does not require additional classification of difference such as subtypes.

V.Talanov and some other authors have the opposite view, believing that the personality type can be of any subtype of the 15 remaining types, and even have a more complicated shape of a subtype – profile:
“However, the 16 types of people (socion) cannot be broken down into subgroups indefinitely. In fact, there will be not enough, neither 32, nor 256 types are sufficient for an exact description of all people. Thus, the focus on the accents of only the second and third sociotypes in the type-profile already generates more than 4,000 subtypes Therefore, the best approach to use in characterizing the real person is not only through one personality type, even with an additional indication of the accents of the type like “especially strong  logic” but by creating an integral grand profile of all 16 types as subtypes. In this case, the subtype- profile reveals the entire set of “standard” types with a different height and severity and describes exhaustively the person “(8).

In the Moscow Research Institute of Socionics the typology of A. Afanasiev, known as “psihosofiya,” is used as a subtype-theory.   According to T. Prokofieva, both typologies (socionics and psychosofia)  complement each other, as socionics typology relates to information – and psihosofiya relates to energy metabolism in the environment. The merger of the two typologies suggests to consider not just the 16 socionics’s  or psihosofiya’s 24 personality types, but 384 psychological types all together.  This, in the opinion of T. Prokofieva, leads to a more accurate psychological profile (9).

The author of this article supports the view of  D.Lytov and others who believe that we should take into account intra-type differences. It is important that the theory explains the mechanism of subtype formation and be related to socionics theory as whole.  It is also necessary to confirm the existence of subtypes by practice of diagnostics, to consider and avoid the disadvantages of the above theories about subtypes. To this end, the author introduces the reader to assess the theory of subtypes which was developed and used at the School of Associative Socionics.

4. Identification of the subtypes of the Functional and psychodynamic profile.

As you have already understood from the article, people tend to develop the abilities of the types that belong to their subtypes. According to the TPE  model, not all types are equally likely to become  the subtypes of any type in particular. I would like explain the principles of type and subtype identification in TPE system.
The identification of subtypes is based on the application of two models: Model A and the TPE model (1). With the help of the TPE model I determine psychodynamic profile, which consists of  TPE type and TPE subtype.  To identify the functional profile or the actual sociotype I use preferences in socionics functions.  Along with the Model A, I use the concept of “interest clubs” such as NT, ST, NF and SF.
Originally interest groups, known in socionics as “clubs” have been described by J. Myers in the book “Everyone Has His Own Gift” (10). In Socionics these groups are known as “activity preference”.   Groups are formed by the intersection of two dichotomies: intuition, sensing, logics and ethics: scientists (intuition and logics), humanitarians (intuition and  ethics), managers (sensory and logics) and socials (sensory and ethics). Communication with representatives of the same club facilitates the  professional growth.

The first division of the 16 types into groups with similar characteristics of rationality and irrationality, introversion and extraversion was conceived by Carl Jung in his work “Psychological Types” (11). In theory, these small groups of socionics types commonly known as “socionics temperaments” or “bouquet”. Later, the theory of small groups was rethought by O. Tangemann from the perspective of associative socionics. As a result, along with the concept of the types of information metabolism (TIM) appeared a new concept of the types of psychic energy (TPE) and division into 4 groups:

– Rational extravert or Ego types
– Rational introverts  or Superego types
– Irrational extraverts  or Id types
– Irrational- introverts  or Superid types

On the typological characteristics of people belonging to a certain TPE, see the “Associative typology”. (12)
Type – diagnostics usually begins with an analysis of non-verbal preferences in art and music. This part is called the express-diagnostics which allows quick and efficient understanding of the type of personality through subconscious (not fully understood) preferences. The consultant asks the client to create a list of preferences in art and music with 8-10 favorite songs and works of art, as well as 3-4 unpleasant to the eye and ear. Consultant identifies psychodynamic profile for each criterion separately and then brings together the results.

If  the non-verbal preferences point to stronger rationality, the client’s psychodynamics are attributed  to the rational profile.  This particular profile means that two TPEs are equally possible for a leading role in the psyche: Ego and Superego. If consultant managed with a help of other criteria to establish that Superego is a leading TPE, then a person is balanced on the block Ego and develops the abilities of Ego types.

All in all, the model describes the following psychodynamic TPE profiles:
1. Extraverted profile: Ego – Id and Id – Ego
2  Introverted profile: Superego-Superid and Superid-Superego.
3. Rational profile: Ego – Superego and Superego – Ego.
4. Irrational profile: Id- Superid and Superid- Id.
5. The static profile: Superego – Id and Id – Superego.
6. Dynamic Profile: Ego – Superid and Superid – Ego.

For example, in the first stage of diagnostics the client was assigned rational psychodynamics and Superego as a leading TPE. According to the model A functional profile of (?) all 4 Superego- types have the following combinations:    LII  –  +,    LSI –   +  ,  ESI  –   +   and   EII –    + .  If the consultant doubts between the functions of  and   in  the client’s preferences then he chooses  automatically, as this function is related to the TPE Superego. Each subsequent conclusion is based on the previous one, which means consistency in judgment.

Once the personality type is identified the subtype displayed automatically from the psychodynamic profile. If the type has a rational profile, that means that subtype is also rational. For LII (INTj) rational profile means LIE (ENTj) subtype. Another example.  If the client’s type is SLI (ISTp) and his psychodynamics is introverted Superid-Superego, this  means an LSI (ISTj) subtype will be present.  Both types belong to the same club of managers. How to identify type and subtype by the TPE is briefly and schematically  described in the article “TPE System ” (13).

The next stage of diagnostics involves analysis of results from associative tests, as well as the views of the client about their type. It is useful also to ask them about the personal history of type diagnostics. The client may harbour doubts about its type, thus it is important to know the results of other socionics tests and opinions of other experts which typed the client previously. This is the stage of “objective verification”, meaning that there is a consideration of many different factors. As practice shows, the result of diagnostics often coincides with the two major types of doubt for the client.

5. Regularities of subtype formation.

Psyche is flexible. Personal development is mediated through the workings of mental functions. Each of us is able to a certain degree to develop the abilities of any particular type or groups of types.

Through the years of practice I came to the conclusion about the regularities of subtype formation:

1) Static types find it easier to develop static functions, and dynamic types develop  dynamic, since these functions are conscious for them ( in the mental block of model A). People more often use the functions of the mental block than the vital one. This means that mental functions are generally more developed than vital. For this reason, neither the theory of dimensions by A.V. Bukalov nor the traditional concept of quadras are not used in associative psycho-diagnoctics (APD).(14)

2) It is easier to develop the abilities of the two similar types from “your own” TPE group because of the same TPE values. If your type is LII you belong to Superego types and share values with the Superego quadra (15). You may find striking similarity with  LSI  and EII. These types share either a program or creative function with LII.  LSI as a subtype for LII  indicates the logical subtype, whereas EII is the manifestation of the intuitive subtype. Thus, we come to explain the original division of subtypes by programme and creative functions in  theories of  Gulenko, V. Meged and A. Ovtcharov.

3) Capacity for the development of other types’ abilities is not only due to the similarity of the same TPE values, but also to the similarity of Jungian functions. Within Socionics’s nomenclature this also means the area of similarity for an interest club (scientists, social, managers and humanities). LII belongs to the club of scientists (intuitive thinking, LIE, ILI, ILE) whose interests are related to logic and intuition. LII has got a capacity to develop the abilities of the other “scientists”.

4) It is more difficult to develop the ability of the types from other interest clubs like  managers (logics  and sensory), humanitarians (ethics and intuition), and in particular socials (ethics and sensory). For this reason, when defining subtypes within “your own” TPE group these types with a radically different functions are not considered to be subtypes.

6. Psychoanalytic basis of socionics models.

I have often heard criticism towards the TPE model for it sharing titles with those of model A: Ego, Superego, Id, etc. However, I believe that the use of familiar names from different models is appropriate if we want to point out areas of commonality between them and the concept from which they generated.  It adds lucidity if we remain true to the original concept of S.Freud, the originator of associating titles with blocks of personality structure.
Let’s consider, for example, energy Superego. This energy is associated in the model A with the block of the same name Superego which contains  vulnerable and role functions.  If we consider model A, then functions will vary for different types and may not coincide with Superego-functions in the TPE model      +  . Whatever the functions, they will be influenced by the energy Superego. The influence will be doubled for Superego types who have Fi and Ti as a program and role functions. For all other types, influence of Superego energy will subside and will depend on whether this type of energy serves as a subtype or not. Psychodynamic profile indicates energy distribution within a psyche and can be revealed by an expert or the Pattern test. 

Let’s look at the meaning of model A blocks in the TPE- system:   +   Superego – the energy of spiritual values, high ideals and aspirations, personal ulfillment. Family, school, work team, scouts, religious groups and other forms of collectivism are aimed to introduce people to the culture and societal norms of behavior. The person realizes the need to develop weak functions to the acceptable level in order to meet the needs of society and be accepted by the others. If we assume that the human psyche has a tendency to self-regulation and balancing, it becomes obvious why it is so important for a person to develop those functions. It is necessary for realization of the higher self. Whatever the talents are the person has to be socially accepted to be able to express them.

The person works on his weaker functions with the hope that his work will be appreciated by others. Praise increases self-esteem and the Ego, which in turn influences the motivation, supports the desire to live and work for the people. Development of the Superego function is necessary in order not to be rejected by the team, not to be an outcast. Thus, the ethical types may pay extra attention to learning theory, following the carrier in technology, ICT or science – nothing to do with people or ethics.. Logical types, on the contrary, will study humanities and show interest in ethical issues.  Although the function of the Superego block in the model A are not strong, they can be improved because they are considered to be conscious and hence stronger than the vital functions.

  +   Id is the energy of life, which is responsible for the desire to live, create and get the most out of life pleasures. Id includes unconscious impulses, passion, and irrepressible desire for enjoyment. Although each of us strive to meet our immediate needs, we are not always aware what exactly we need to do to bring happiness into our life. The answer to this question is hidden in the functions of Id- block in the model A. This block belongs to the vital ring (subconsious), and that is why we are not aware of the need to develop those functions. Id energy is opposite in meaning to Superego energy. Id values are aimed at satisfying. Each of us should value life more than anything and to be a little “selfish”, not to forget to satisfy ou own basic needs, and maintain a thirst for life and others.

  +   Superid is the energy of “personal security”. In associative socionics theory Superid correlates with the collective unconscious and archetype Shadow in the concept of  C.G. Jung. Function of the Superid block in the model A the least
conscious and are the weakest link in the psyche. Superid block in the Model A is analogy to the vulnerable function.  The person is least capable to stand for himself, to impose his will on society or to influence public opinion
by using the functions of this block. Sometimes the person can be moody and indecisive as a child in need of care from the parents. This is where support and energy supply is mostly needed from the others. I assume, that this part of
the psyche plays an important role in the ethical development of personlity. It signifies a limit of self-sufficiency and leads the person to realize the dependence on socion: one for all and all for one. 

 It becomes clear that the functions of the Superid block in Model A are ones which are very hard to develop for anyone. In this block every type has the functions of his “dual” and “activator” –  these are the names of opposite but not conflicting  types from the view of intertype relationship theory. For type LII, these will be ESE and SEI types.  Compared to Superego block where we find the functions which person is very capable to develop to the standard level and feels comfortable in their use, the Superid block functions cannot be developed adequately on their own; the person does not feel the potential within himself, has no wish to develop them and is unconcerned about what impression it may leave on others. Quite the opposite, people often act inadequately and this is how they attract attention of the types who are experts in the field. The bell is ringing for the help of duals, activators and the other types who can use the functions efficiently. This is a little maneuver  which helps to attract the right people and to protect from the harmful influence of the outside world. This is somehow similar to the cry of a child or SOS signal: “Is anyone there to help me, please?”

The main agenda of Superid is energy saving and self-preservation instinct. The irrationality of this instinct is that death is considered as a threat to life, and at the same time as a savior  – withdrawal from external influences. In the concept of the S. Freud both instincts ‘death instinct’ Thanatos and “instinct life” Eros are part of the unconscious. (16) The concept of O. Tangemann instinct “death” is related to the energy Superid, while “life instinct” Eros embodies the Id energy and libido.

  +   Ego is the center of the management and control not only the actions of the person but also the environment. The person feels most confident to use Ego –functions whatever they are in his model A. He compares and relates his desires in correllation with real, existent opportunities and make decisions. Here are the functions of personal influence, excellence and expertise. Person is attentive to changes in the environment and is ready to align himself to the environment for a greater personal benefit. Whether you are naturally an Ego-type or not, every type is capable to bring difference to the world by using the functions in the Ego block of Model A.
The Ego-energy is carried out in the psyche not only through its value functions Fe and Te but also through any other functions in block Ego of Model A. This is also true for three other types of energy.

Thus, the concept of O. Tangemann initiated the new direction of theory and research in socionics.  S. Freud’s theory of the psychodynamic relationship between the components of the personality structure found further implication in the description of psychodynamic profiles, which are named after the strongest psychic traits: extroverted, introverted, static, dynamic, rational and irrational. Each profile reflects on a certain psychodynamics as a type of interaction between different types of energy within the psyche.

For comparison, I want to remind the essence of dynamic relations in the concept of Freud:
“Freud believed that internal conflict is inevitable and natural for any personality, because the Ego has to satisfy the contradictory needs of the Id and Superego. If pressure on the Ego comes from the outside world (for example, an external threat to life), then the person experiences an “external” conflict. If the pressure occurs from the Id, then internal neurotic conflict can arise. In the case of pressure from the Superego, the person experiences internal moral conflict. The Ego is simultaneously a judge and a manager, which evaluates the disputing interests of the Id and Superego and makes decisions. Therefore, the Ego is responsible for the retention of psychological balance and for reaching a compromise in order to satisfy the needs of all conflicting parties.” (1)

At the level of socionic typology external conflict, life-endangering experiences have a deep involvement with Superid types and functions in Superid block of Model A; the main agenda of the Superid is to ensure personal security. The relationship between the Ego and Superid is dynamic and characterizes contrasts of human behaviour; such is most suitable for Ego and Superid types. Their manifestation of power and authority can suddenly be replaced by feelings of helplessness, withdrawal, indifference and detachment. Conversely, their opposites – Superid types – which prefer to adjust to their environment, may show eagerness to take control over it, and display excessive energy.

 Moral conflict between the energies of Ego and Superego is expressed in a strengthening of rational energy in relation to the irrational one. People strive to serve others, to benefit a family and wider community, align themselves with Superego values and  on the other hand they feel an acute need to impose their will on other people and control them.  Rational perception of the world is not flexible enough and is based heavily on judgment. The judgment does not allow them to go beyond “conventional” values and implies a certain line of conduct in society. As a result, people may suffer from fixed opinions, inability to adequately and timely adjust themselves to change.  Rather than stop and reconsider his values and opinions, the rational person persists in his initial course of conduct – even when the target has lost meaning, or the person encountered unexpected obstacles. Sometimes increased rationality may lead to undesirable behavior patterns and expressions of inadequacy, which are not typically rational. As you know, people have the ability to rationalize and find moral explanations for the most treacherous of acts.

Neurotic conflict between Ego and Id corresponds with the extraverted psychodynamics and extraverted profile. Excess of psychic energy is manifested in hyperactivity, increased emotional and physical activity. Bright extraverts are easily recognizable by behavior: sociability, loud speech and general mobility. Such people are described as full of life may have regular energy outbursts in action or emotional expression.  They may find difficult to keep in it in control at times check and can be annoying to others, especially more introverted types. People with extraverted profile may feel as a carefree child on the one hand and mature on the other, they want to play a serious and responsible role of the captain. They are torn between conflicting values being free from commitments and at the same time making decisions for other people, yet at the same time have little control of their own impulsive actions and desires.  These opposite character roles can lead to depletion of the mind and neurosis. However, the possibility of negative consequences exists only if Ego can not resolve the conflict. Ego in a healthy individual always takes on  a dominant role of a judge and mediator over the conflicting values of all types of energy within the psyche according to concepts of S. Freud and A.Augustinavichiute.

As you know, S. Freud taught the psychodynamics of the individual, which has nothing to do with the typology. This relationship between typological attributes and psychodynamics was intuitively recognized by the founder of socionics – Aushra Augustinavichiute. Otherwise she would not have borrowed the terms of the S. Freud’s concept. Surely it was more than a simple coincidence.   Further, these ideas were worthy explained and developed in the TPE model by O. Tangemann. This was a natural process, which logically followed from the concepts of predecessors.

7. The alternative subtype theory.

This part of the article is about subtype formation based on the energy and information flow in the model A. The theory that I have outlined above, describes the structure of subtype- formation on the basis of similar strength and weaknesses among the types.
The principle of similarity between the type and subtype is confirmed by the practice of diagnostics.  Some people show signs and abilities of the type that is called conflictor in intertype relational theory terms. These are the types which have the same model A functions in the mental block of Model A, yet in different positions. For example, vulnerable function of LII  (Se) is the program function of the type SEE, and on the opposite. The relationship between the types LII and SEE is prone to conflict, according to socionics theory.

This theory is able to explain the mechanism of the conflicting subtype formation if we consider alternative direction of information flow in the Model A. The theory of the conflicting subtype is based on the hypothesis of the information flow in the “rings of progress” described by T. Jakubovsky in the book “Socionics: How To Understand Oneself and Others.” (17) This is a well known concept in socionics theory, yet has nothing to do with actual type diagnostics. So-called rings of progress consist of 4 pairs of types which move in different directions towards each other, causing friction. In different rings are pairs of the types which are conflicting with  eachother.  When rotating in different directions, rings allow the exchange of information between those of types. The exchange of information does not pass without resistance, but is vital for the functioning of socion and social progress.

Different directions of motion of the rings of social progress are associated with the information flow in Model A. The top ring of the model is called evolutionary and the bottom ring – involutionalry (against evolution). In the upper block of model A is the same direction of flow as in the evolutionary ring – from right to the left – and the opposite is true for the lower ring of model A. In the top ring the information flows from the vital (subconscious) Id block to the mental (conscious) Ego block in the following order: From restricting function- to programme – creative – background – and back to restricting function. For the type LII, direction of the flow in the upper ring of model A will be as follows:   –   – –   –

Ti  .…………I…………. Te
Ne ………I….……  Ni
Se  .….I…….  Si
Fi   ………I…..…   Fe

Picture. 2  Model А for  LII – INTj .

In the lower ring information moves from the block Superid to the block Superego in a different direction in the following order: from suggestive function  – to the role – vulnerable  – activation – and back to suggestive function. For LII, the information flow in the lower ring of the model A will be as follows:   —   –   –   –  .

Due to the circulation of information in the upper ring every type develops the subtype of quasi-identical type.  It will be ILI as a subtype for the type LII.   If we assume that the flow of information in the top ring of the Model A  is more flexible it is also equally possible for LII to develop subtypes ILE and LIE.
The development of the subtypes of LIE and ILE would be less likely despite the similarity in functions of logic and intuition. The program function of LIE is a restrictive function for LII. It is naturally suppressed by the introverted logics Ti – a program function of LII. While the development of creative functions to the level of the program in ILE is also constrained by the program function of LII Ti. This does not mean that any one subtype will be stronger than the type, and for this reason all three subtypes are equally possible for LII.

Let’s consider the development of abilities of quasi-identical types ILE and LIE. It starts with the restricting function which is also called observation function, which for ILE is Ne – intuition of insight.  ILE (Don Quixote) perceives information of considerable doubt through the observation function Ni. It attracts his inquisitive mind, motivates to find the answer a the level of theory of possibilities (Ne+ Ti).  Information from Ni flows to Ne and Ti which work together on finding the solution and then referred back to the vital Id block and functions Te+ Ni. This flow of information leads to the exercising of functions that contributes to the development of abilities of LIE (Jack London). For LIE process is reversed: exercising functions of his vital Id block will lead to the development of abilities of ILE type. Can we observe or relate this hypothesis to the real life? Does it make sense?

ILEs are at their best people who supply ideas and create new theories to explain the world in which we live. Sooner or later, ILE will seek to fulfill abstract ideas into something tangible for the purpose of practical application.  Similarly, the practical focus of the LIE will be shifting to theories in an attempt to find hypothetical explanation for the regularities they observe in their daily activities. We should expect the development of theories from LIE, and hands on activities and business directed solutions from  ILE. The balance between the Id and the Ego blocks brings the feeling of harmony and content for any person of any type. Since the Id block is vital, childish and creative  the development of it’s functions can bring a lot of fun.

At the same time individual needs of vital Id block are worse realized. Information delivered to the restrictive function is not always interesting but can be irritating. Thus, ILE may not be aware of the need to develop the functions of his Id block all together. Due to the circulation of information in the lower ring of model A, we develop the abilities of our conflicting types. Conflicting  type for LII is SEE   +  ,and for ILE – ESI   + .

It is difficult to imagine the development of skills of a “conflicting type”, but it would be equally hard to ignore the development of functions in the Superego block of the model A. Superego block contains weak but conscious  functions and the weakness on such functions is well realized by the individual.  So, ILE (Don Quixote) is pushed by the society develop Fi + Se to the acceptable level  and thus to try on the shoes of his conflicting type –  ESI (Dreiser). ILE may show interest in people and  human relations. A good example is A. Augustinavichute (ILE) who created socionics theory and theory of intertype relations.

Dreiser (ESI), on the contrary, have  the natural ability to understand people may show interest in theories in attempt to understand the objective world. He may be driven to do so to achieve a status of a smart person or partly in order to protect himself from the unknown dangers. Thus, the development of the functions of  Superego block is felt for both types ESI and ILE as a vital necessity. That is why I call Superego block also a block of great ambitions.

8. Conclusion

According to the  TPE subtype theory, we are likely to develop the abilities of people who have similar strengths and weaknesses and, hence, similar types. At the level of typology these characteristics relate to types with similar functional profile.  The more similarity between the types the higher is the likelihood of one being a subtype for another.

The TPE – subtype theory is the first attempt not to describe subtypes, but to explain the regularities of subtype formation on the basis of empirical observations and tests statisitics.
The main conclusion should be drawn as following: subtype formation does not occur randomly but in accordance with the principle of functional similarity between types. Knowing the type of person, we can assume which subtypes he is likely to have on the basis of strength and weaknesses of his type. We don’t need any more to consider all the rest of the 15 types equally acceptable to take on the role of a subtype.

This is a big step forward and an advantage of a new subtype theory compared to DCNH system of V. Gulenko, which identifies subtypes exclusively at the level of small groups and does not describe principles and regularities of subtype formation. (18) According to V. Gulenko, the type can have as a subtype the small group to which it belongs, for example: ILE can have a creative subtype “C” . According to O. Tangemann, the group to which the type belongs represents the underlying nature of the type and hence cannot be considered as a compensation or a subtype.
Another important advantage of TPE subtype system is the relevance to socionics typology and the fact that it eliminates the disadvantages of many other subtype theories used today in socionics. It is derived from socionics theory. Many authors today who write about subtypes either suggest that any subtype is equally probable for any type or  refer to non-socionics typologies to serve as a subtype theory.  That is why the TPE subtype system  can be rightly regarded as the first systematic explanation of subtype formation in socionics.

For further study and research about subtypes I would like suggest following questions:
1) What would be the tendency of the percentage distribution of subtypes for a certain type?
During practice of diagnostics I noticed some interesting tendencies. For example, IEI has rarely EII and often EIE or IEI as a first subtype. EII on the opposite has often IEI as a subtype or IEE and hardly ever EIE and etc.
2)  How do subtypes affect intertype relationship?
There are some ideas but not yet explained and described in detail in relation to a new subtype theory.
3) What is the role of heredity in relation to subtypes? More research is needed to understand how types and subtypes are distributed within the family.
In order to answer these question, it is necessary to study the subtypes deeper and to collect statistics.

References

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