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- What other areas is Tripartite analysis used in?: [1]
- This was initially attached to the last item in chapter 13 in this series (but is now placed in chapter 29)), but due to its length I place it as a separate category and will build on its presentations.
- What are other Tripartite models in psychology besides the mentioned ones?: [2]
- What other areas of psychology use Tripartite models?: [3]
- What other Tripartite models are there in social psychology?: [4]
- What other areas of social psych use Tripartite models?: [5]
- What are other Tripartite attitude models besides ABC?: [6]
- Tripartite Aspects of Naming conventions in street gangs: [7]
[1] Internet query: "What other areas is Tripartite analysis used in?"
AI (overview) response: Tripartite analysis is a framework used in many fields to understand a complex system by dividing it into three distinct parts or components. The specific components vary by discipline.
Politics and government- Branches of government: Many democratic governments, including the United States, use a Tripartite system of separation of powers with distinct
legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- The legislative branch (Congress) creates the laws.
- The executive branch (the president and associated agencies) enforces the laws.
- The judicial branch (the Supreme Court and other federal courts) interprets the laws.
- Tripartism in labor relations: This involves three key parties—representatives of the government, employers, and workers (often through unions)—who cooperate on labor policies.
- Max Weber's Tripartite Classification of Authority: In sociology and political science, Max Weber proposed that legitimate political authority is divided into three types: traditional, charismatic, and rational-legal.
- The Roman Republic: The government of ancient Rome also featured a Tripartite structure, including the Senate, the consuls, and public assemblies.
Psychology
- The Tripartite Model of Anxiety and Depression: This model explains the high comorbidity between depression and anxiety using three factors:
- Negative Affect: A shared component reflecting general distress and negative mood.
- Low Positive Affect: A distinguishing factor for depression, involving reduced energy and enthusiasm.
- Anxious Arousal: A specific factor for anxiety, characterized by physiological hyperarousal.
- Freud's Id, Ego, and Superego: Sigmund Freud's model of the psyche consists of three interacting parts:
- The Id: Represents primal, instinctual desires.
- The Ego: The realistic, mediating part of the mind.
- The Superego: The moral conscience representing societal ideals.
- The Tripartite Model of Attitudes: This model posits that an attitude is composed of three components:
- Affective: Feelings or emotions toward an attitude object.
- Cognitive: Beliefs or thoughts about the attitude object.
- Behavioral: Past actions and future intentions toward the attitude object.
Biology and classification
- The Three-Domain System: This taxonomic classification system, introduced in 1990 by Carl Woese, divides all cellular life into three domains:
- Archaea
- Bacteria
- Eukarya (including protists, fungi, plants, and animals).
Philosophy
- The Tripartite Theory of Knowledge: This traditional view in epistemology, often traced to Plato, defines propositional knowledge as "justified
true belief".
- Belief: You must believe a proposition.
- Truth: The proposition must be true.
- Justification: You must have a good reason for your belief.
Theology and religion
- The Tripartite View of Human Nature (Trichotomy): This Christian theological belief holds that humans are composed of three distinct parts: body, soul, and spirit. This view is in contrast to the bipartite (dichotomy) view, which holds that the soul and spirit are the same.
[2] Internet query: "What are other Tripartite models in psychology besides the mentioned ones?"
AI (overview) response: In psychology, Tripartite models are used in many areas beyond Freud's structural model of personality and the model of anxiety and depression. The following are other prominent examples of Tripartite frameworks in psychology.
Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of IntelligencePsychologist Robert Sternberg's theory argues that intelligence is not a single, measurable entity but a combination of three distinct forms:
- Analytical intelligence: This is the academic, problem-solving intelligence measured by standard IQ tests. It involves analysis, evaluation, and comparison.
- Creative intelligence: This is the ability to deal with new and unusual situations and generate new ideas or solutions. It involves insight, synthesis, and developing novel approaches.
- Practical intelligence: This is "street smarts," or the ability to adapt to, shape, or select a new environment. It involves applying knowledge to real-world problems and navigating daily life effectively.
Tripartite Model of Personal Identity
This framework suggests that a person's identity is composed of three overlapping layers:
- Individual level: Unique, personal aspects of the self, such as genetic endowment and unique life experiences.
- Group level: Shared aspects that arise from membership in various social groups, such as ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation.
- Universal level: Qualities shared by all human beings, such as biological and physical similarities and common life experiences.
Tripartite Model of Attitudes
This model posits that an attitude is composed of three components that, when in harmony, create a consistent response toward a person, object, or situation:
- Cognitive component: A person's thoughts and beliefs about the attitude object.
- Affective component: The emotional feelings associated with the attitude object.
- Behavioral component: Past actions and a person's predisposition to act in a certain way toward the attitude object.
The Tripartite Model of Fear
This model, often studied in relation to phobias, suggests that the fear response comprises three loosely coupled components:
- Subjective distress: The emotional and cognitive experience of fear and anxiety.
- Behavioral avoidance: The observable actions a person takes to escape or avoid the feared stimulus.
- Physiological arousal: The physical symptoms of fear, such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and sweating.
Tripartite Model of Wellbeing
Also known as the three-dimensional model of mental wellbeing, this framework proposes that a comprehensive view of mental wellness includes three distinct but related dimensions:
- Subjective (Hedonic) wellbeing: The experience of a person's emotions, such as high positive and low negative affect, and overall life satisfaction.
- Psychological (Eudaimonic) wellbeing: A person's optimal functioning in their private life, including autonomy, a sense of purpose, and continued personal growth.
- Social (Eudaimonic) wellbeing: A person's optimal functioning in their social life as a contributing member of society, including a sense of belonging and community.
[3] Internet query: "What other areas of psychology use Tripartite models?"
AI (overview) response: In addition to the ones already mentioned, Tripartite models are used in several other areas of psychology.
Memory- The Multi-store Model of Memory: Also known as the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, this framework posits that memory consists of three distinct stores
or stages that information must pass through.
- Sensory Memory: Holds information for a fraction of a second, matching it to an environmental stimulus.
- Short-Term Memory: A limited-capacity store that holds information for about 30 seconds unless it is actively rehearsed.
- Long-Term Memory: A vast, permanent store for a person's memories, knowledge, and skills.
- The Tripartite Working Memory Model: Developed by Baddeley and Hitch, this model proposes that working memory consists of three components.
- Central Executive: Controls the flow of information and directs attention.
- Phonological Loop: Temporarily stores and processes auditory information.
- Visuospatial Sketchpad: Temporarily stores and manipulates visual and spatial information.
Addiction
- Three-Stage Model of Addiction: This model describes addiction as a cycle progressing through three interconnected stages that become more
intense over time.
- Binge/Intoxication: The initial stage driven by the rewarding and pleasure-seeking aspects of substance use.
- Withdrawal/Negative Affect: This involves the negative emotional and physical state that emerges when substance use stops, motivating the person to use again for relief.
- Preoccupation/Anticipation (Craving): The final stage where the individual is consumed by thoughts and cravings for the substance, leading to compulsive seeking.
Psychotherapy
- Tripartite Therapy Model: This framework focuses on the three interconnected relationships within the therapeutic process to achieve positive
outcomes.
- The Therapeutic Alliance: The bond between the client and the therapist.
- The Client's Internal System: The relationship a client has with themselves.
- The Client's External Relationships: The client's relationships with other people in their life.
Meaning in life
- Tripartite Model of Meaning in Life: This model proposes that a sense of meaning comes from a combination of three factors.
- Coherence: A sense of order, predictability, and comprehension of one's experiences.
- Purpose: A feeling of having goals and a direction in life.
- Mattering: A feeling that one's existence is significant and valuable.
Social psychology
- Tripartite Influence Model: This model explains how eating disorder pathology develops from pressures in a person's social environment.
- Family: Influence and expectations from family members.
- Peers: Social pressures from peers regarding appearance.
- Media: The impact of media portrayal of ideal body types.
[4] Internet query: "What other Tripartite models are there in social psychology?"
AI (overview) response: In social psychology, Tripartite models are used to break down complex phenomena into three distinct but interacting components to better understand their origins and effects. Key examples include:
The Tripartite model of prejudiceThis model breaks prejudice down into three components:
- Cognition (Stereotypes): The beliefs and thoughts about a group and its members. Stereotypes are often mental shortcuts that can be over-generalized and inaccurate.
- Affect (Emotions): The emotional reactions and feelings associated with a group, such as fear, disgust, or hostility.
- Behavior (Discrimination): The unjustifiable, negative actions directed toward a group and its members. Discrimination can be overt and conscious or more subtle and implicit.
The Tripartite influence model of body image
This model identifies the three primary socio-cultural sources of pressure that influence a person's body image and can lead to eating disorders:
- Parents: Familial messages and attitudes about weight, shape, and appearance.
- Peers: Social pressures from peers regarding appearance and body ideals.
- Media: The influence of media portrayals of idealized body types.
- This model also includes two mediators—internalization of appearance ideals and social comparison—that link these influences to body dissatisfaction and eating pathology.
The three-factor model of social identity
This model proposes that social identity, or a person's sense of self based on their group membership, is made up of three factors:
- Centrality: The importance of a group to a person's self-concept, or how much they think about being a member of that group.
- Ingroup Affect: The emotional feelings a person has toward their group, which can be a mix of positive and negative emotions.
- Ingroup Ties: The sense of belonging, closeness, and perceived similarity with other members of the group.
The Tripartite theory of social well-being
This model, proposed by Corey Keyes, suggests that social well-being is composed of three facets related to functioning as a productive member of society:
- Social Cohesion: A sense of belonging to a community and feeling that the community is safe and stable.
- Social Contribution: A feeling of contributing value to society.
- Social Acceptance: A sense that others hold positive attitudes and views toward people of similar background and social identity.
[5] Internet query: "What other areas of social psych use Tripartite models?"
AI (overview) response: In addition to the Tripartite models of prejudice, body image, identity, and social well-being, social psychology utilizes Tripartite frameworks to analyze other complex phenomena. These models help researchers break down and understand the different components that contribute to a social behavior or attitude.
The Tripartite model of social comparisonSocial comparison, the process of evaluating oneself by comparing with others, can be broken down into three types.
- Upward social comparison: Comparing oneself to someone perceived as superior to see how one measures up. This can motivate self-improvement or, conversely, cause feelings of inadequacy.
- Downward social comparison: Comparing oneself to someone perceived as inferior to boost one's self-esteem.
- Lateral social comparison: Comparing oneself to a similar peer to confirm one's status or abilities.
Three types of social influence
Social influence can be divided into three distinct types that explain how others change our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- Conformity: Adjusting one's behavior or beliefs to match those of a group due to real or imagined group pressure.
- Compliance: Changing one's behavior in response to a direct request from another person, often a peer or someone without authority.
- Obedience: Complying with the demands or orders of an authority figure.
The three-component model of aggression
Aggression is a complex behavior with multiple contributing factors. One Tripartite model synthesizes these factors into biological, psychological, and socioeconomic influences.
- Biological influences: Genetic predispositions, brain chemistry (neurotransmitters), hormones, and substance use.
- Psychological influences: Personality traits, cognitive processes (like interpreting social cues), emotional regulation, and mental health conditions.
- Socioeconomic influences: Interpersonal conflicts, social inequality, cultural factors, and environmental stressors like poverty.
The Tripartite model of self-concept
This model suggests that the self-concept is composed of three overlapping levels of self-representation. The level that is most active and influential in a given situation depends on situational cues.
- Individual self: Unique traits and characteristics that differentiate a person from others, such as personality and skills.
- Relational self: Aspects of the self that are defined by a person's close relationships, like being a good partner, friend, or family member.
- Collective self: Identity derived from a person's membership in various social groups, such as their ethnicity, nationality, or professional affiliation.
[6] Internet query: "What are other Tripartite attitude models besides ABC?"
AI (overview) response: The most widely known "Tripartite attitude model" is the ABC model (Affective, Behavioral, Cognitive). However, other psychological models use a Tripartite structure to analyze attitudes or related phenomena. A significant example is the Campbell Paradigm, which is a variant of the classical Tripartite model.
The Campbell Paradigm- The Campbell Paradigm is a variant of the classical Tripartite model first proposed by Donald T. Campbell. It is not a separate set of three components but a methodological and theoretical refinement of the original ABC model, designed to better explain the link between a person's attitude and their actual behavior.
- The key distinction of the Campbell Paradigm is that it accounts for the cost of behavior. The model suggests that the link between an individual's underlying (latent) attitude and their manifested behavior is not straightforward. Instead, it is compensatory: a person's willingness to perform a specific action related to an attitude depends on the costs associated with that behavior.
The three elements in the Campbell Paradigm's formulation of the Tripartite model are not the simple components of ABC but are arranged hierarchically by cost:
- Low-cost indicators (Verbal assertions): Expressing agreement or verbal approval for something.
- Moderate-cost indicators (Verbal reports of compliance): Stating that you have complied with a certain behavior.
- High-cost indicators (Behavioral manifestations): The most demanding, observable actions.
This framework is not an alternative to the ABC components but a behavior-predictive reinterpretation of how those components relate to action.
Related Tripartite models and theories
While not strictly models of attitude structure in the same way as the ABC model, other psychological theories use a Tripartite framework to analyze related concepts:
- The Theory of Planned Behavior: This theory, proposed by Icek Ajzen, predicts behavioral intention from three variables:
- Attitude toward the behavior
- Subjective norms
- Perceived behavioral control
- The Tripartite Model of Anxiety and Depression: As mentioned previously, this model organizes the symptoms of anxiety and depression into three components: Negative Affect, Low Positive Affect, and Physiological Hyperarousal. While this is a model of psychopathology rather than attitudes, it uses a three-factor structure to understand a complex psychological state.
- The Triangular Theory of Love: Psychologist Robert Sternberg proposed that love is composed of three components: Intimacy, Passion, and Commitment. The varying levels of these components can create different types of love. This is a Tripartite model of a specific, emotionally-driven type of attitude.
Page initially created: Wednesday, Sept. 10th, 2025... 3:38 AM
Initial posting: Sunday, Sept. 21st, 2025... 1:49 PM