rThe PEP is based upon its own unique constructionist psychological theory developed Personal Ecology is a comprehensive theory of personality or personal behaviour. Important notions such as self-expansion, self-presentation, attachment theory and cognition inform the underlying Personal Ecology model.

The theory addresses the difference between the two ‘selves’ in any individual- the front stage and the back stage; offers understanding of psychological strategies an individual uses; highlights hidden unconscious issues and obstacles.

Personal Ecology models human behaviour against seven dimensions which are shown pictorially below. The model is essentially a constructionist view of self in which the co-creation of self and environment is predicted and modelled. The dimensions are

1. Self-definition
2. Self-expansion
3. Self-presentation
4. Trust
5. Empathy
6. Information processing
7. Control

The author of the model is Simon Walker, who worked at Oxford University between 2000 and 2003 developing the concepts through a research degree.

The theoretical model is supported by a proprietary web-based prolfing tool which has tested more than three hundred indivduals for their own personal ecology. Evidence from this research has suggested that the dimensions are useful and valid as an explanatory model of individual behaviour.

The Personal Ecology model is being used as a psychological model on the MA course in Coaching and Mentoring at Oxford Brookes University. It also forms the basis of numerous applications which are referred to on the Human Ecology web site.