Character Profiles Research Articles

Temperament and character as risk factor for suicide ideation and attempts in adults with autism spectrum disorders.

Persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are suggested to have an increased risk for suicide ideation and suicide attempts, but this topic is largely understudied. Research indicates that temperament and character traits are associated with suicidal behavior in persons without ASD, with higher scores for novelty seeking (NS), harm avoidance (HA), and self-transcedence (ST), and lower scores for self-directedness (SD) and cooperativeness (CO). Usually persons with ASD have temperament and character profiles with high HA, and low NS, reward dependence (RD), SD, and CO. The aim is to investigate whether there is a relationship between temperament and character traits and suicide ideation and attempts in adults with ASD. Seventy-four adults with ASD participated by completing self-report measures on suicide thoughts and behavior, depression, and temperament. Independent sample t-tests were conducted to compare scores between attempters versus nonattempters and between ideators versus nonideators. Regression analysis was performed to explore the predictive value of temperament and character. T-tests showed lower NS and SD, and higher HA for ideators versus nonideators, but not for attempters versus nonattempters. Regression models showed no significant relation between suicide ideation and NS, SD, HA after the latter were controlled for the significant influence of depression. Temperament and character can probably not be used for predicting suicide ideation and attempts, based on results from the current sample. Clinicians must take note of the high prevalence and risk of depression among persons with ASD, which may be under-reported. Autism Res 2020, 13: 104-111. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: The aim of the current study was to uncover risk factors for suicide ideation and attempts in adults with autism, since this urgent topic is largely understudied. We initially investigated whether temperament and character could be risk factors, but found no association. However, we did find that depression might be a high predictor for suicide ideation, which could remain under-reported in adults with autism, due to impaired communication and problems with expressing emotions and thoughts.

Violence, Suffering, and Social Introspection: James Baldwin's Another Country

This research examines and expands on the critical outlook concerning the scope and function of identity in the literature of James Baldwin. Looking at Another Country specifically, the essay expounds on the universality of oppressive conditions shown to operate across factors of race, gender, and sexuality. Critical discussion has largely focused on Baldwin’s construction of male identities and sexual experiences; this essay argues for the importance of the novel’s female psychological depictions and how these character profiles operate in relation to male profiles. A significant universal aspect considered is the visibility of trauma: how its appearance communicates repressed pain and influences an observer’s sense of social consciousness and individual introspective capabilities. Furthermore, the trauma and associated psychological conditions are explicitly tied to the characters’ races, genders, and sexualities; consequently, critical theory is used in the reading of key passages. Though historical elements of 1960s America will be mentioned in analysis, the scope of the essay will be focused on literary passages from the book and responding to previous scholarly criticism. Three primary themes of emphasis are violence as a prompter for social consciousness, intertwined oppressions, and the function of female characters in the novel.

Temperament and character profiles of medical students associated with tolerance of ambiguity and perfectionism.

BackgroundCertain personal attributes, such as perfectionism and tolerance of ambiguity, have been identified as influential in high achieving students. Medical students have been identified as high achievers and perfectionistic, and as such may be challenged by ambiguity. Medical students undertake a long and challenging degree. Personality has been shown to influence the well-being and coping and may equip some students to better cope with challenges. This paper examines the association between temperament and character personality profiles with measures of tolerance of ambiguity and with both adaptive and maladaptive constructs of perfectionism.MethodsA self-report questionnaire collected data on a sample of 808 Australian medical students in 2014 and 2015. Personality was measured using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCIR-140) and classified traits as profiles using a latent class analysis. Two profiles were found. Profile 1 was characterized by low-average levels of Harm Avoidance, and high to very high levels of Persistence, Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness. Moderately-high levels of Harm Avoidance and high levels of Persistence, Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness characterized Profile 2. Moderation regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between the personality profiles with levels of Tolerance of Ambiguity (MSAT-II), Perfectionism-Concern over Mistakes and Perfectionism-High Standards (FMPS), considering demographic characteristics.ResultsStudents with Profile 1 were higher in levels of Tolerance of Ambiguity, and Perfectionism-High Standards, and lower levels of Perfectionism-Concern over Mistakes compared to Profile 2. These findings remained statistically significant after adjusting for age and gender. A significant personality by age interaction on Tolerance of Ambiguity was found. While higher levels of Tolerance of Ambiguity were associated with older age overall, it remained low across age for students with a personality Profile 2.ConclusionsA particular combination of personality traits was identified to be associated with low Tolerance of Ambiguity and high levels of maladaptive Perfectionism. An intolerance of ambiguity and over concern about mistakes may be maladaptive and underlie vulnerability to stress and poor coping. The psychobiological model of personality provides insight into traits that are stable and those that can be self-regulated through education and training. The interaction between biological mechanisms and socio-cultural learning is relevant to a sample of medical students because it accounts for interaction of the biological or innate aspects of their personal development within an intense and competitive learning environment of medical school.

The Age of “Amok”

The proliferation of mass-shootings in the United States since the 1960s has produced a character profile of largely unremarkable, middleclass male culprits who transform particular places of civil peace – schools, universities, shopping malls – into landscapes of war. On the one hand, the lack of clear motives has led mystified psychiatric experts to draw correlations between such events and “running amok” – the phenomenon of sudden outbursts of homicidal violence observed since early modernity in Southeast Asia. On the other hand, the details of how such acts are carried out as well as the notes of some perpetrators suggest that mass-shootings could also be understood as “interpretations” of American postwar society: from the “lonely crowd” of suburbia via “Reaganomics” to the present politics of fear and resentment to a society of preemptive control.

Temperament and character profiles and impulsivity as predictors of drop-out in patients with alcohol-substance use disorder

Amaç: Bu çalışmada alkol madde kullanım bozukluğu gibi depreşmenin/yinelemenin sık olduğu hasta grubunda tedaviyi yarım bırakma öngörücüleri araştırılmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Erenköy Ruh ve Sinir Hastalıkları Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi AMATEM (Alkol Madde Tedavi Merkezi) Kliniğine alkol ve madde kullanım bozuklukları tanıları yatarak tedavi programını tamamlamış 60 hasta ve tedavisini 1 tamamlamadan çıkmış 28 hasta çalışmaya alınmıştır. Katılmayı kabul eden hastalara klinik değişkenleri bu çalışma için hazırlanmış olan sosyodemografik veri formu ile Bağımlılık Profil İndeksi (BAPİ), Mizaç ve Karakter Envanteri (MKE) ve Barratt Dürtüsellik Ölçeği (BIS-11) ölçeği uygulanmıştır.Bulgular: Yatışını tamamlayan grupta zarardan kaçınma, ödül bağımlılığı, sebat etme, işbirliği yapma, BAPİ toplam puanı, BAPİ tanı alt ölçeği anlamlı olarak daha yüksekti. Çok değişkenli indirgenmiş modelde yatış tamamlanan ve yatış tamamlanmayan grubun ayırmada yenilik arayışı, sebat etme, işbirliği yapma, BAPİ toplam puanının anlamlı-bağımsız etkinliği gözlenmiştir.Sonuç: Bağımlılığa yol açtığı ileri sürülen yenilik arayışı ve ödül bağımlılığı kişilik özelliği olarak tedaviyi tamamlayan hastalarda anlamlı farklı bulunmuştur. Tedaviyi yarım bırakan hastaların sebat etme ve işbirliği yapma konusundaki yetersizlikleri tedaviyi yarım bırakmanın önemli-bağımsız belirleyicisi olarak saptandı.

Temperament and Character Profiles Associated with Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify temperament and character profiles associated with internalizing and externalizing problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). MethodsChildren with ADHD (n=114, 8.51±1.87 years) were selected from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Jeju National University Hospital. They were diagnosed by Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version and evaluated using the Advanced Test of Attention and Korean Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition. Their parents completed the ADHD Rating Scale, Korean-Child Behavioral Checklist, and Junior Temperament and Character Inventory. ResultsThe participants with both internalizing and externalizing problem had more severe ADHD symptoms and significantly higher novelty seeking, harm avoidance, and self-transcendence, as well as lower self-directedness and cooperativeness than those who had not comorbid problems. Harm avoidance was correlated with their level of internalizing problems regardless of severity of ADHD symptoms. In addition, novelty seeking and sex (male) were being associated with the level of externalizing problems. ConclusionDifferences were observed in the temperament and character profiles of children with ADHD according to their comorbid psychopathology. Results suggested that temperament and character profiles may affect the comorbid psychopathology in children with ADHD regardless of ADHD symptom severity.

Efforts to Improve Learning Outcomes Using Cooperative Integrated Reading Models and Composition in Javanese Language Subjects Character Profile Material

Proses pembelajaran Bahasa Jawa di kelas VII A SMPN 3 Kediri mengalami masalah terutama dengan penggunaan metode pembelajaran. Selama ini guru hanya menggunakan metode ceramah dalam kegiatan belajar mengajar (KBM). Metode ceramah ini menempatkan guru sebagai satu-satunya sumber belajar, sehingga membuat peserta didik tidak bisa menggunakan kemampuan mereka dengan optimal. Hal ini menyebabkan rendahnya hasil belajar peserta didik yang hanya sebanyak 38% saja peserta didik yang memiliki nilai tuntas KKM.Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui peningkatan hasil belajar peserta didik kelas VII A SMPN 3 Kediri di Semester Ganjil Tahun Pelajaran 2018/2019 pada pelajaran Bahasa Jawa materi Profil Tokoh melalui Metode PembelajaranCooperative Integrated Reading and Composition.Untuk mencapai tujuan ini digunakan metode penelitian tindakan kelas.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan dimulai prasiklus terdapat 9 peserta didik tuntas dengan nilai rata-rata 69,6 dan persentase indikator keberhasilan sebesar 38% peserta didik tuntas KKM. Siklus 1 terdapat 13 peserta didik tuntas dengan nilai rata-rata 75,4 dan persentase indikator keberhasilan sebesar 54% peserta didik tuntas KKM. Siklus 2 menunjukkan 19 peserta didik tuntas dengan nilai rata-rata 82,5 dan indikator keberhasilan sebesar 79% peserta didik tuntas KKM. Dengan demikian metode pembelajaran Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik kelas VIIA SMPN 3 Kediri di semester ganjil tahun pelajaran 2018/2019 pada pelajaran Bahasa Jawa materi Profil Tokoh.

Co-design with Children: Using Participatory Design for Design Thinking and Social and Emotional Learning

Abstract This paper discusses leveraging design thinking techniques for involving children in serious game design in Japanese elementary schools. Our action research project approach accomplished two different goals: (1) to inculcate design thinking in pupils, and (2) to sensitize children on bullying victimization. Our approach uses a range of participatory design methods to distil design ideas from children and to support their design thinking aiming to boost children’s creative confidence and develop social and emotional skills. Key findings from our project are: (1) children made valuable design contributions including realistic bullying scenarios, language content, user interface design, storyline progression, character profiles, coping strategies etc., and (2) participatory design and design thinking stimulated ethical reasoning, reflection and empathy in children on bullying victimization. Our approach is unique in the current design thinking landscape, because it moves from designing “thing” (object) to designing “think” (bullying sensitization). Future research should focus on highlighting ways how participatory design and design thinking enrich and complement each other. The significance of our paper stems from the simple standpoint that those participating in a design should gain from participating in the design process. Takeaways for practitioners are: (1) building relationships with stakeholders, especially children, (2) empathy and user research techniques, (2) translating field data into usable insights, (3) idea-generation and rapid concept development, (4) product co-prototyping, (5) user engagement and co-creation, (6) multiple perspectives on effective communication.

Uncovering the complex genetics of human character

Human personality is 30–60% heritable according to twin and adoption studies. Hundreds of genetic variants are expected to influence its complex development, but few have been identified. We used a machine learning method for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to uncover complex genotypic–phenotypic networks and environmental interactions. The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) measured the self-regulatory components of personality critical for health (i.e., the character traits of self-directedness, cooperativeness, and self-transcendence). In a discovery sample of 2149 healthy Finns, we identified sets of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that cluster within particular individuals (i.e., SNP sets) regardless of phenotype. Second, we identified five clusters of people with distinct profiles of character traits regardless of genotype. Third, we found 42 SNP sets that identified 727 gene loci and were significantly associated with one or more of the character profiles. Each character profile was related to different SNP sets with distinct molecular processes and neuronal functions. Environmental influences measured in childhood and adulthood had small but significant effects. We confirmed the replicability of 95% of the 42 SNP sets in healthy Korean and German samples, as well as their associations with character. The identified SNPs explained nearly all the heritability expected for character in each sample (50 to 58%). We conclude that self-regulatory personality traits are strongly influenced by organized interactions among more than 700 genes despite variable cultures and environments. These gene sets modulate specific molecular processes in brain for intentional goal-setting, self-reflection, empathy, and episodic learning and memory.

2.48 Temperament and Character Profiles Associated With Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Children With ADHD

2.48 Temperament and Character Profiles Associated With Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Children With ADHD

Temperament and character profiles for children with ADHD with and without tic disorders

There is no research about whether ADHD with tic disorder that temperamental features that differ from the ADHD. This research aimed to identify temperament and character profiles for children with ADHD according to tic disorder by comparing them with a healthy control group. A discriminant analysis was conducted to identify whether temperament and character profiles can discriminate comorbidity. The sample consisted of three groups (N = 40 per group): ADHD alone, ADHD with tic disorder and age- and sex- matched healthy control. The parents of 120 children (mean age 8.57 ± 1.71 years) completed the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI). The two ADHD groups showed higher novelty seeking and low persistence, self-directedness and cooperativeness than the control group. The ADHD alone group had lower scores for persistence and self-directedness than the other two groups. Temperament and character profiles were useful for discriminating ADHD from the control group. However, their discriminating power was relatively low for all three groups. Results indicated that differences in temperament and character in ADHD children were present according to comorbid tic disorders. JTCI's discriminating power for ADHD alone and ADHD with tic disorder was relatively lower than that of the combined ADHD group and the control group.

Filter Or Conveyor? Establishing Relationships Between Clinoform Rollover Trajectory, Sedimentary Process Regime, and Grain Character Within Intrashelf Clinothems, Offshore New Jersey, U.S.A.

Clinoform geometries and trajectories are widely used to predict the spatial and temporal evolution of sand distribution, but most analytical approaches underplay the significance of topset and shelf process regime in determining how and when sediment is conveyed downdip or stored on the continental shelf. We present an integrated study of clinoform rollover trajectory and detailed grain character analysis to assess the role of topset process regime in determining sand distribution and sediment character across clinothems. This study targets the topset, foreset, and bottomset deposits of four successive Miocene intrashelf clinothem sequences, which represent deposition under either river-dominated or wave-dominated conditions. Seismic reflection data was combined with core analysis and grain character data derived from 664 samples collected from three cored research boreholes. In river-dominated clinothems, the transfer of coarse-grained sediment occurs under both rising and flat-to-falling clinoform rollover trajectories, suggesting that process regime is more important in determining sediment delivery than clinoform trajectory; river-dominated systems are effective conveyors of sediment into deeper water. Wave-dominated clinothems deposited exclusively under rising clinoform rollover trajectories largely retain sand within topset and foreset deposits; wave-dominated systems are effective sediment filters. Notably, deposition under either river- or wave-dominated topset process regimes results in quantifiable differences in grain character attributes along clinoform profiles. Sediments in river-dominated systems are coarser, less well-rounded, and more poorly sorted, and show greater intersequence and intrasequence variability than those in wave-dominated systems; prediction of sediment character is more challenging in river-dominated systems. This study highlights the need for caution when attempting to predict downdip sand distribution from clinoform trajectory alone, and provides a novel perspective into downdip grain character profiles under end-member topset process regime conditions. The results of this study can be used to better constrain sediment grain-size and grain-shape distributions in process-based forward models, and have widespread applications in prediction of reservoir quality in both frontier and mature hydrocarbon basins.

MENGENAL PROFIL KARAKTER BANGSA JEPANG MELALUI FILSAFAT GANBARU

The title of this research is to Know the Japanese Character Profile. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of Ganbaru philosophy in the formation of the character of the Japanese nation. The concept of ganbaru; survive, never give up, and do the best, which is implemented on the daily behavior of Japanese society. With descriptive research method of analysis, can describe the elements forming the character of the Japanese nation. This research can show that ganbaru philosophy has been practiced in many aspects of Japanese society life to bring the nation of Japan forward in world level.Key words : Profile of character, philosophy Ganbaru, Japanese nation

Temperament and character profiles are associated with depression outcome in psychiatric secondary care patients with harmful drinking

BackgroundTemperament and character profiles have been associated with depression outcome and alcohol abuse comorbidity in depressed patients. How harmful alcohol use modifies the effects of temperament and character on depression outcome is not well known. Knowledge of these associations could provide a method for enhancing more individualized treatment strategies for these patients. MethodsWe screened 242 depressed patients with at least moderate level of depressive symptoms. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used for identifying patients with marked alcohol use problems (AUP, AUDIT≥11). After 6 weeks of antidepressive treatment 173 patients were assessed using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-R). Outcome of depression (MADRS scores across three follow-up points at 6 weeks, 6 months and 24 months) was predicted with AUP, gender, and AUP x Gender and AUP x Time interactions together with temperament and character dimension scores in a linear mixed effects model. ResultsPoorer outcome of depression (MADRS scores at 6 weeks, 6 months and 24 months) was predicted by AUP × Time interaction (p = 0.0002) together with low Reward Dependence (p = 0.003). Gender and all other temperament and character traits were non-significant predictors of the depression outcome in the mixed effects model. ConclusionsPossibly due to the modifying effect of alcohol use problems, high Reward Dependence was associated with better depression treatment outcome at 6 months. Harm Avoidance and Self-Directedness did not predict depression outcome when alcohol use problems were controlled.

Dark Time Matter: Dark Character Profiles and Time Perspective

Background: Humans seem to have a unique ability to consciously organize the flow of time (i.e., past, present, and future) and to intentionally choose goals and values (i.e., character: self, others, the universe). These two parts of human awareness have implications for individuals’ relation to a society that will flourish or perish. In fact, a balanced time perspective is suggested as necessary for the experience of well-being and optimal societal functioning. Nevertheless, low character development might be expressed as a Dark Triad: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. In the present study, we aimed to investigate if individuals differ in their outlook on time depending on their dark character profiles. Method: We re-analyzed data from a previous study in which participants (N = 338) responded to the Short Dark Triad Inventory and the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. However, here we use the Dark Cube (Garcia, 2017a), a model of malevolent character based on Cloninger’s biopsychosocial theory of personality and in the assumption of a Dark Triad, thus, clustering individuals in eight profiles (i.e., the combination of high/low in three malevolent character traits). Results: The results for each trait suggest multi-finality (i.e., same antecedents, different outcomes) and equifinality (i.e., different antecedents, same outcomes). For example, individuals high in narcissism presented a balanced time perspective when manipulative behavior was also high and psychopathy was low. Conclusions: In certain conditions, malevolent character is associated to a balanced time perspective. Thus, suggesting that in order to understand well-being and optimal societal functioning, we need to look at human awareness in relation to both time (i.e., past, present, future) and space (i.e., character: self, others, the universe).

Longitudinal associations of temperament and character with paranoid ideation: A population-based study

The aim of this study was to examine (a) the associations of temperament and character dimensions with paranoid ideation over a 15-year follow-up in the general population (b) the associations of explosive temperament and organized character profiles with paranoid ideation. 2137 subjects of the Young Finns Study completed the Temperament and Character Inventory and the Paranoid Ideation Scale of the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised in 1997, 2001, and 2012. Temperament dimensions of high novelty seeking, high harm avoidance, low reward dependence and explosive temperament profile were associated with the development of higher paranoid ideation. Regarding character, high self-directedness, high cooperativeness, and low self-transcendence and organized character profile were associated with lower paranoid ideation. These associations sustained after controlling for age, gender, and socioeconomic factors. However, the associations between temperament and paranoia mostly disappeared after taking character into account. Our study supported the hypothesis that personality dimensions contribute to the development of paranoid ideation. Temperament and character might combine a variety of single previously found risk factors into a more comprehensive framework for the developmental etiology of paranoia. Our findings provide evidence for psychotherapeutic interventions that support the self-regulation of temperamental vulnerabilities by internalizing mature concepts about the self and social relationships.

‘Because the ego started to grow bigger than the project itself’: a case study of founder’s syndrome on an educational community of practise

ABSTRACTIn 2010 I worked at Green Shoots, a nonprofit service-learning urban farming school started by John Browne. Despite an openly egalitarian community of practise ethic, Browne used his leadership to create a hierarchy at the school that eventually led to a walk-out by staff in which he responded by outright firing them. Using the theory of founder’s syndrome, or the tendency of a founder to subvert the aims of their organization, I examine Browne’s leadership and how his attitude destroyed the community of practise at Green Shoots. Findings reveal a character profile of Browne as a charming and inspirational teacher who engaged in a dominating leadership that contradicted the community of practise's ideals, creating further contradictions which resulted in disrespected students, disillusioned staff, and a founder unable to take responsibility for his leadership. Finally, I discuss the importance of addressing the power of founders so that founder’s syndrome does not impede the important work of educational nonprofits.

The Dark Cube: dark character profiles and OCEAN.

BackgroundThe Big Five traits (i.e., openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism: OCEAN) have been suggested to provide a meaningful taxonomy for studying the Dark Triad: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. Nevertheless, current research consists of mixed and inconsistent associations between the Dark Triad and OCEAN. Here we used the Dark Cube (Garcia & Rosenberg, 2016), a model of malevolent character theoretically based on Cloninger’s biopsychosocial model of personality and in the assumption of a ternary structure of malevolent character. We use the dark cube profiles to investigate differences in OCEAN between individuals who differ in one dark character trait while holding the other two constant (i.e., conditional relationships).MethodParticipants (N = 330) responded to the Short Dark Triad Inventory and the Big Five Inventory and were grouped according to the eight possible combinations using their dark trait scores (M, high Machiavellianism; m, low Machiavellianism; N, high narcissism; n, low narcissism; P, high psychopathy; p, low psychopathy): MNP “maleficent”, MNp “manipulative narcissistic”, MnP “anti-social”, Mnp “Machiavellian”, mNP “psychopathic narcissistic”, mNp “narcissistic”, mnP “psychopathic”, and mnp “benevolent”.ResultsHigh narcissism-high extraversion and high psychopathy-low agreeableness were consistently associated across comparisons. The rest of the comparisons showed a complex interaction. For example, high Machiavellianism-high neuroticism only when both narcissism and psychopathy were low (Mnp vs. mnp), high narcissism-high conscientiousness only when both Machiavellianism and psychopathy were also high (MNP vs. MnP), and high psychopathy-high neuroticism only when Machiavellianism was low and narcissism was high (mNP vs. mNp).ConclusionsWe suggest that the Dark Cube is a useful tool in the investigation of a consistent Dark Triad Theory. This approach suggests that the only clear relationships were narcissism-extraversion and psychopathy-agreeableness and that the malevolent character traits were associated to specific OCEAN traits only under certain conditions. Hence, explaining the mixed and inconsistent linear associations in the Dark Triad literature.

Temperament and character profile of college students who have suicidal ideas or have attempted suicide

ObjectiveSuicide is a major cause of death in university students. Personality traits have been suggested as possible risk factors for suicidal behaviors. This study looked at the relationship between the personality dimensions of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and suicidal behaviors. MethodA total of 5644 college students took the TCI test and the suicidality module of the M.I.N.I. The students were divided into the suicidal ideation group (n = 302; 5.4%) and the suicide attempt group (n = 301; 5.3%). Each group's TCI dimension and sub-dimension scores were compared with one another. To find out which TCI dimension affects suicide risk when depressed, regression analysis and mediation analysis were conducted. ResultsFirst, we adjusted for age, sex and depressive mood and compared the TCI scores of the participants based on their suicide risk. After the adjustment, self-directedness decreased in the suicidal ideation group while novelty seeking and persistence increased in the suicide attempt group. It turned out that self-directedness has a partial mediating effect between depressive symptom and suicide risk (β = −0.068 P < 0.001). ConclusionWe adjusted for depressive mood and it turned out that the suicidal ideation group is affected by character whereas the suicide attempt group is affected by temperament. Among the character dimensions, self-directedness was found to reduce the effect of depressive mood on suicide risk. Therefore, when evaluating suicide risk, assessing character dimensions, especially self-directedness along with depressive mood, a risk factor, will be helpful.

Perceived bitterness character of beer in relation to hop variety and the impact of hop aroma.

The impact of hop variety and hop aroma on perceived beer bitterness intensity and character was investigated using analytical and sensory methods. Beers made from malt extract were hopped with 3 distinctive hop varieties (Hersbrucker, East Kent Goldings, Zeus) to achieve equi-bitter levels. A trained sensory panel determined the bitterness character profile of each singly-hopped beer using a novel lexicon. Results showed different bitterness character profiles for each beer, with hop aroma also found to change the hop variety-derived bitterness character profiles of the beer. Rank-rating evaluations further showed the significant effect of hop aroma on selected key bitterness character attributes, by increasing perceived harsh and lingering bitterness, astringency, and bitterness intensity via cross-modal flavour interactions. This study advances understanding of the complexity of beer bitterness perception by demonstrating that hop variety selection and hop aroma both impact significantly on the perceived intensity and character of this key sensory attribute.