The Common Integrative Framework (CIF)

Abstract

While it is often assumed that the mind can only be understood in terms of the brain, this has been to the detriment of psychological science. The dearth of consensus on how to integrate diverse findings in psychological fields highlights this fact. This manuscript presents and explicates the Common Integrative Framework (CIF) as a viable dimensional model for the representation of all subjective, phenomenal states of consciousness, as well as the basis for a unified framework of general psychology. First we present the history of similar models before systematically laying out the relevant components and structural sections of the CIF: The four dimensions (executive-cognitive functioning [X], phenomenological intensity [Y], affective valence [Z], and sense of self [SoS]) as well as the quadrants and interquadrant regions of the vector space. The framework’s presentation incorporates a transdiagnostic analysis of psychopathologies, as well as a phenomenological characterization of the major classes of psychoactive substances. A preliminary experience-sampling study yielded a dataset of experiences (n = 204), which were analyzed with a multitude of statistical and visualization methodologies including scatter and contour plots, heatmaps, and multiple OLS linear regression models. Results found that the configuration of experiences aligned with the predicted structures; demonstrated the utility of distinguishing groups, individuals, and concepts on the basis of characterizing subjective experience; and the predictive diagnostic capabilities of the applied framework when paired with demographic information. The preliminary findings of the study and literature review together support the CIF as a valuable tool that provides context for both the design and interpretation of a wide range of psychological research, warranting future studies.