Riemann-Thomann Model

Two fundamental axes of human needs — Closeness vs. Distance, Permanence vs. Change — form four basic drives. Every person has an individual profile on this cross.

Fritz Riemann / Christoph Thomann Grundformen der Angst (1961)

The Riemann-Thomann cross

In 1961, Fritz Riemann described four existential basic fears in "Grundformen der Angst" that at the same time mirror four basic needs. Christoph Thomann made this model usable for team work and communication consulting in the 1990s.

The four basic drives

  • Closeness — bonding, harmony, belonging. Fear: isolation.
  • Distance — autonomy, objectivity, independence. Fear: being engulfed.
  • Permanence — order, security, continuity. Fear: chaos.
  • Change — variety, spontaneity, freedom. Fear: stagnation.

No pole is "better" — the art lies in balance and in understanding your own preferences and those of the person across from you.

Self-assessment (12 questions)

How strongly do you agree with each statement? (1 = not at all, 7 = completely)

Not at all Completely 4
Not at all Completely 4
Not at all Completely 4
Not at all Completely 4
Not at all Completely 4
Not at all Completely 4
Not at all Completely 4
Not at all Completely 4
Not at all Completely 4
Not at all Completely 4
Not at all Completely 4
Not at all Completely 4

Inspiriert von Fritz Riemann / Christoph Thomann — Riemann-Thomann Model

Applied to

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Trivia

  • "Grundformen der Angst" by Fritz Riemann appeared in 1961 and is to this day one of the best-selling psychology books in the German-speaking world.
  • Christoph Thomann transferred the Riemann model into couples therapy and team consulting — the "cross" is his invention.
  • The model is used in the Swiss Army for leadership development.
  • There is no "ideal" point on the cross — conflicts arise when opposing types fail to understand each other.
  • In the German-speaking world, the Riemann-Thomann model is among the top 3 personality models used in coaching and mediation.