Temperamental properties and personality organisation in individuals with alcohol dependence

Abstract

Introduction and aim: The clinical approach to the diagnosis of mental disorders focuses on identifying mechanisms that predispose to pathology. Temperament, which is determined by biological factors, mediates, among others, the need for stimulation, which may manifest in risky behaviours, including problematic alcohol use. The aim of the study was to verify the relationships between temperamental properties and dimensions of personality organisation in alcohol-dependent individuals. Materials and methods: The study involved 91 alcohol-dependent individuals (26 women and 65 men). We used the PTS Temperament Questionnaire to measure the strength of excitation, the strength of inhibition and the mobility of nervous processes; the Inventory of Personality Organization (IPO) to assess the dimensions of personality organisation: primitive defences, identity diffusion, reality testing, aggression and moral values; as well as a demographic questionnaire. Results: Significant relationships were found between the strength of inhibition and mobility of nervous processes with all dimensions of personality organisation: primitive defences, identity diffusion and the ability to test reality, as well as aggression and moral values. The strongest relationship was demonstrated between the strength of inhibition and aggression. A weak, negative correlation was also noted between the strength of excitation and identity diffusion. Exploratory analyses further showed that the stronger the temperament type (higher strength of excitation and inhibition), the smaller the impairment of personality organisation in the group of alcohol-dependent individuals. The most severe disorders of personality organisation were shown by alcohol-dependent individuals with a weak temperament. Conclusions: Both correlational and exploratory analyses have shown that biologically determined temperamental traits are related to the abnormally developed personality organisation in alcohol-dependent individuals.