Riemann-Thomann model
How do you tick
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The Riemann-Thomann model helps us understand how personalities are created. You can find out what the character analysis is all about here.
How different characters are created
What actually defines a person's character? Quite a complex question that many scientists have already addressed. The Riemann-Thomann model provides an answer: Our longings, desires and fears determine our being. And these are based on Basic needsthat – according to the theory – shape our decisions, our relationships and our entire life. The model was created by the two psychologists Fritz Riemann and Christoph Thomann developed – which explains the name of the method. According to the two experts there is four basic human aspirationsthat shape his personality.
Riemann-Thomann model: the four basic needs
Why do we get along great with some people straight awaywhile we just never get really warm with others? According to the Riemann-Thomann model, this can be explained by the same or different basic orientations. The scientists Riemann and Thomann assume four basic needs: Proximity, distance, duration and change. These values are related on a scale. You can imagine it like a cross. At the top is duration, at the bottom change – that's one scale. On the left is proximity and on the right is distance – this is the second scale. So the famous comes about Riemann-Thomann Cross.
That means: some people are special proximity-orientedlooking for others distance. Some love the constant one Change and changewhile some prefer to resistance switch. Let's take a closer look at the basic human orientations. As you read, try to determine how high your level is in each case. It is important to note that there are no worse or better basic features – so we shouldn't be too judgmental.
Proximity-oriented
Do you love to work in a team, can you trust others and do you enjoy exchanging ideas with people around you? For proximity-oriented people a loving togetherness extreme important. They are very social and need both physical and emotional closeness to be happy.
Distance-oriented
Can you be good to yourself Do you want to distance yourself from groups and live out your individuality? These points speak for a Distance orientation. Those who are particularly distance-oriented do not want to get lost in the crowd (or in a team). Your own independence and freedom are more important than anything else.
Permanently oriented
What do you think of change? Long-term oriented people can do without it. You will stay in the same job, same place of residence and have the same circle of friends. Fixed routines and processes are essential for them. You value reliability and planning – a regular life is part of that. However, they can seem a bit inflexible to others.
Change-oriented
Do you get bored easily? Do you need a lot Variety and versatility, to be happy? Then you are more change-oriented. You constantly need something new to be satisfied. Doing the same thing every day – that is a real torture for you. Change-oriented people are often very spontaneous and sometimes take risks. But sometimes they can also seem a bit chaotic because a lot of things change in their lives.
When basic needs collide
As you read, you may have recognized yourself at one point or another. Don't forget: The Riemann-Thomann model is about Scales: Very few of us are 100 percent proximity-oriented or 100 percent change-oriented. So if you were able to identify tendencies in yourself, that's perfectly fine.
But what happens when you meet your level of basic needs come across a person who has completely opposite values? Now it's getting difficult! Anyone who finds a high degree of closeness on the closeness scale will perceive a distance-oriented person as cool and repellent. In turn, the closeness-oriented character comes too emotional and maybe even affectionate in front.
There may also be differences on the changing scale. You should be a character who constantly enforce new ideas want, but your teammate would prefer holds on to old structures, it could crash.
That's why this is Conclusion from the Riemann-Thomann model: People who have similar basic needs get along best with each other. Logical: They have similar attitudes and are therefore particularly personable.
Riemann-Thomann model: It all depends on the context
Similar ideas of Proximity, distance, duration and change So weld us together. But one point must not be forgotten in this regard: it always comes on the context and the respective life situation at.
Private could you be someone who really enjoys trying new things. in the job but do you prefer to hold back because you don't want to endanger your safe job. It can happen, for example, that you find it very difficult to work with someone – but you would get along very well privately because you have the same basic needs. We behave differently depending on the role, one should not forget that when interpreting the Riemann-Thomann model!
Have you also heard of the DISG model or the Big Five? These are another way of capturing different types of characters!
You can also find many other exciting topics relating to personality development in the BRIGITTE Community. Have a look!