Table 1 Comparison of the experiential and rational systems according to Cognitive-Experiential Self Theory
Experiential | Rational |
|---|---|
Holistic | Analytic |
Emotional; pleasure-pain oriented (what feels good) | Logical; reason oriented (what is sensible) |
Associationistic connections | Cause and effect connections |
Outcome oriented | Process oriented |
Behaviour mediated by vibes from past experience | Behaviour mediated by conscious appraisal of events |
Encodes reality in concrete images, metaphors, and narratives | Encodes reality in abstract symbols, words and numbers |
More rapid processing oriented toward immediate action | Slower processing oriented toward delayed action |
Slower to change; changes with repetitive or intense experience | Changes more rapidly; changes with speed of thought |
More crudely differentiated; broad generalization gradient; categorical thinking | More highly differentiated; dimensional thinking |
More crudely integrated; dissociative, organized in part by emotional complexes (cognitive affective modules) | More highly integrated |
Experienced passively and preconsciously; seized by emotions | Experienced actively and consciously; in control of our thoughts |
Self evidently valid; "Seeing is believing" | Requires justification via logic and evidence |