TESTING A HIERARCHICAL-RETICULAR MODEL OF THE PSYCHE: A CYBERNETIC FLUX ENGINE IN THE PERSONALITY SPHERE
Received: 16th March 2026, Revised: 24th March 2026, 26th June 2026, Accepted: 27th July 2026, Date of Publication: 11th August 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20319/lijhls.2026.12.2952Keywords:
Language, Personality, Structure, Hierarchical, ReticularAbstract
As part of structured systems theory, Cattell (1957, 1965) and Digman (1963, 1997) proposed hierarchical-reticular models of the Language of Personality Sphere (LPS). Hamilton (2026) retrofit their most promising framework, the stratoplex, with a cybernetic flux engine. The psychodynamic tripartite core of the stratoplex generates three functions: socialization, personal growth, and emotional regulation. The three engine functions are responsible for causal relations between deep traits (domains) that consist of the Big Five plus Psychopathy-Aggressiveness. Within deep traits, the engine specifies the operation of shallow traits (aspects). These shallow traits are hypothesized to serve as subsidiary coordinating structures. On the shell of the LPS, these aspects project surface traits (facets). Retrospective causal modeling of four studies (Total N = 1799) found stronger support for the stratoplex framework and cybernetic flux engine using Big Five data, as compared to 16PF data. Results support conceptualizing the socialization process as two circuits operating in parallel. The risk manages circuit contains the Conscientiousness (C) and Neuroticism (N) domains, with C inhibiting N. During emotional regulation, Intellect increases C while decreasing N, with C and N both diminishing Assertiveness (E2). The social dominance circuit contains the Psychopathy (P) and Agreeableness (A) domains, with Eclectic dominance inhibiting A, with A increasing Aggressiveness (P2). Consistent with Belief Systems Theory, aggressiveness can be justified via an authoritarian, emotional, or rational process. The results also support further differentiating the personal growth process by tracking the impact of Intellect (I) and Openness(O) on Enthusiasm (E1) and E2
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