Dynamic Structure of Perso­nality

Abstract

The concept personality, which used to be a philosophical and psychological problem, has in recent years become an object of medical studies and research. The discovery of epidemic encephalitis coupled with a better understanding of the functions of central! parts of the brain led to a different approach resting upon an anatomico-phyiological basis. In this connection, several theories were evolved which, corresponding to various degrees of brain development, founded personality upon several layers. One of these theories’ ds that of Fr. Kraus who accordingly differentiated the cortical from the deep type of personal having at his base physico-chemical forces of the organism. Ewald’s theory dealing with temperament and character was built on a similar basis, and so was the theory of Birnbaum who, on the analogy of root, trunk and crown (the main parts of a tree), interpreted the problem of personality on the basis of corporeal, biological and psychical layers. These and similar notions gave rise to a special theory, evolved by Hoffmann, called "the theory of layers".

(2) However, these views and sets of hypotheses are no longer consistent with specially observed phenomena. Present-day conception of man as a dynamic system and recent investigations concerning the human brain go to show that personality is in no way a static creation but rather a dynamic one in a state of continued motion and change. These facts call for a new approach that should take account of the dynamic aspect of personality. The new approach is exemplified in Sherrington’s afferent systems which start from periphery and 'link it up with the top most part of the brain. Each system has its own share in providing impersonality with a particular quality. Thus, it is through the interoceptive system that the corporal, biologic basis is created which lends to the individual his organic and biological features. The second, proprioceptive system, which proceeds from muscles, veins and joints, contains the energetic function which is produced by mobile energies. It is through this function that tone and strength come into being which provide qualities that go to the making of energetic character. The third, exteroceptive source originates from impressions and influences from the outside which, by linking up the personal with the external world, create and his external appearance. It is by common action of these three _5ystems resting, unlike the horizontal and static ones, upon vertical and dynamic foundations, that personality comes into being and develops as a dynamic conception which, by that very fact, is its causal explanation.

(3) However, the three sources that provide the individual with parti­cular qualities of their own do not act separately but jointly in mutual and constant connection. Thus, the interoceptive system (receiving impressions from within the body) brings its influence to bear upon the exteroceptive system which thereby receives an admixture of feelings and Impulses. In the same way, analogous interaction takes! place between the interoceptive and proprioceptive systems where certain changes within the corporal sphere become manifest in that of energy. Finally, similar interactions also exist between the proprioceptive and exteroceptive systems, where positive or negative qualities of proprioceptive impulses become manifest in behaviour and attitude toward the external world. It is through such interactions, which also operate in the opposite direction and affect all systems, that their dynamics find its expression and accounts for the changes occurring during growth with subsequent mutations.

(4) This concept of personality as a result of the afferent systems is of some importance in the classification and typology of personality as well. Thus, the varied typological systems that have attempted to classify types of personality under different names, could all be conceniently grouped into these three systems. The first type, the introceptive, is representative of people with strong feelings full of vitality and driving force, with corporeal impulses prevailing. The second type, the proprioceptive, is represented by strong energetic persons, strong-willed, full of spirit and bent on succeeding. The third, i. e the exteroceptive, type are "social" persons, interdependent and co-operative, adjusting their lives to the demands of the external world. A combination of positive and negative qualities of these three types results in some mixed types with, however, certain features predominating over others. This typology would provide a convenient classification of all known types, a classification. that would replace the earlier one and which could claim to be resting upon a natural- scientific and physiological basis. 

(5) Once adopted, this approach to the question of personality would result in a better explanation of a great many physiological and pathological changes. Thus, the developmental changes of growth, for all the influences and impressions from the outside, could be accounted for- as due to changes of internal impulses — predominantly displayed in a dynamic personality. The same explanation would hold good with reference to changes of personality in various conditions of psychosis; these are, in fact, nothing else but changes of personality that show in so many different ways. By the same token, the disorders: of the -interoceptive system could be regarded as the primary cause of the manic-depressive psychosis, the disorders having the sensual sphere as their place of action. Mental disorders in, schizophrenia, such as automatism, hallucination and paranoid ideas, are but manifestations of actions taking place in the three system. At the same time, changes in organic psychoses also belong to all of these systems, for here changes in personality result from an all-round attack due to the exogenous nature of reaction. Moreover, the conception of this dynamic structure of personality is a help to a better’ understanding of changes of personality in various internal maladies which, affecting the interoceptive side of the individual, have an effect upon the other two systems as well. This also leads to a clearer understanding of all the relations between the physical and the psychical which, in psychosomatic medicine, are nothing else but influences dynamically transferred from one system to others.