Self-with-other representations and a taxonomy of motives: two approaches to studying persons

This article discusses two approaches to studying persons. Part 1 describes data gathering procedures that lead to an integrated visual display of particular self-representations of an individual in various spheres of life. "Self-with-other representation" is introduced as a central unit of analysis in this research. This concept is integrated into a method that is exemplified in this article by a description of how life can be injected into static trait characterization of a person. In the context of a case study, it is shown that the method provides information about how traits are organized in terms of self-with-other working models and the conditions under which a particular working model is likely to prevail. Part 2 presents a new taxonomy of motives. This taxonomy is a product of having dipped into the area of operant conditioning and reformulating behavioral consequences into motivational causes. This intrusion into reinforcement theory has resulted in a two-dimensional classification system (referred to as PACK) that accounts for motives to keep or acquire positive experiences, and to cure or prevent negative experiences. After the taxonomy is described, it is used to organize motivational concepts in the area of goal-directed behaviors, and it is applied to purpose statements of individuals in different age groups.