Introduction to the theory of intertype relationships
The theories discussed in the previous section are crucial for the analysis of intertype relationships. In Socionics, psychological types are referred to as types of information metabolism (TIMs) or sociotypes, whereas the group of all sixteen types is known as the socion (Augustinavičiūtė, 1998a). Each sociotype is subject to sixteen qualitatively different relationships with other types.
This paper presents an analysis of five types of relationships that are essential for understanding social information metabolism mechanisms. Descriptions of all sixteen relationships may be found in the collected works of Augustinavičiūtė (Augustinavičiūtė, 1998a), as well as other books (Filatova, 2009; Gulenko, 1995b; Prokofieva, 1999; Reinin, 2005). It should be noted that each relationship has a distinct character and particular dynamics, the knowledge of which gives general insight into interpersonal problems.
On the other hand, the Socionic model is limited only to predictions concerning the mechanisms of information exchange and processing, but there are several other factors influencing the quality of relationships between people. Among these factors are age differences, similarity of interests and worldviews, positions in the social hierarchy (e.g. in the workplace), physical attractiveness, social background, and psychological state at the time of interaction. Sometimes, these factors outweigh the Socionic ones.
Let us now consider which traits decide the compatibility or incompatibility of two TIMs (sociotypes). In our simplified cybernetic model of intertype interactions, each of the eight cognitive functions may be considered an input/output channel. The channels of both sociotypes should be connected by links, according to the processed IMEs. To evaluate the outcome of the resulting relationship, one should pay attention to five essential aspects:
- 1. The result of transactional analysis (TA) for each of the eight links,
- 2. The partners’ ability to help each other in the problematic areas,
- 3. The characteristics of IM functions in which identical IMEs are processed,
- 4. The symmetry/asymmetry of the relationship,
- 5. The order of IM in both sociotypes (evolutionary or involutionary).
Each of these aspects will be addressed below.
(i) Transactional Analysis (TA)
The TA model is a simple and useful tool for the analysis of interpersonal relationships (Berne, 1964). According to TA, the psyche has internal models of Parent, Adult, and Child (in the Socionic model these are Persona, Ego, and vital ring, respectively). During an interpersonal communication (transaction), one of these models is assumed by each participant.
Depending on the combination that arose, the transaction may be perceived as useful (compatible) or annoying (stressful). In Socionics, a complementary transaction occurs if both partners communicate at the same level (e.g. Child-Child). The Parent-Child and Adult-Child interactions are also considered positive. Conflict arises if one participant assumes the role of Adult and the other assumes the role of Parent. This combination is not favorable, as the message is typically rejected by the receiver and its informational content is not utilized.
Moreover, this form of transaction is the cause of psychological tension in one or both partners. Transactional analysis should be performed for each of the eight communication links between the types. The relationship is disadvantageous if there are any conflicting transactions.
(ii) Cognitive Functions
Cognitive functions may be treated as virtual processors carrying out the IM process. The deconstruction of our experiences into Jungian dichotomies is artificial. In fact, a thought is always accompanied by some emotional background. Moreover, a thought is always based on some conscious experience, as well as unconscious processing.
Therefore, we cannot effectively metabolize information using selected IMEs. All of them are engaged in this process. In other words, to solve everyday challenges one must operate on all eight IMEs. But in a single individual, only four functions are strong, and only two of them are conscious.
The efficiency of the four other functions (and IMEs placed in them) is poor without external aid. This means that our problem-solving process is slow and idiosyncratic compared to how it could be if all functions were well-developed. Of course, nature equipped each of us with instincts and basic intelligences to enable us to survive, even if we were alone on a desert island, but this is the most rudimentary level of existence. Civilization and its achievements are only possible because of typological diversity and social interaction.
(iii) Identical IMEs in Both Sociotypes
The placement of identical IMEs in both sociotypes should be considered, paying special attention to the accepting/producing quality of the stated functions. If the same IME occupies an accepting function in one sociotype and a producing function in the other sociotype, such a relationship will have a stimulating effect on IM in the type for whom the function is accepting. In this case, the accepting function of one partner is fed by the products of the producing function of the other partner.
This is not the case if the IME has a function of the same type in both partners i.e. both accepting or both producing. In this case, the rate of IM is not accelerated. Another important thing to consider is the characteristic of the receiving IM function. For example, information sent to the ignoring function of the partner will be ignored.
(iv) Symmetry and Asymmetry
Most intertype relationships are symmetrical, which means that the comfort or discomfort experienced by both participants is equal. This symmetry is also visible in the arrangement of links in the TA connection diagrams. However, each type can also form four asymmetrical relationships in which one of the participants will have an advantage over the other. These relationships, known as supervision and request, play a decisive role in the Socionic mechanisms of social progress. They will be presented in greater detail later in this paper.
(v) Sequence of IM
The fifth trait that needs to be considered in the analysis of relationships is the sequence of IM in the analyzed types. Generally speaking, intertype compatibility is greater if the direction of information metabolism is the same in both types (i.e. two evolutionary or two involutionary types). If partners think differently (i.e. one is involutionary and the other is evolutionary), there is always a degree of tension between them, and full agreement cannot be achieved, even if they are compatible in terms of TA. Of course, mild disagreements may be fruitful, as they stimulate intellectual curiosity.