Character Dimensions Research Articles

How Language Can Influence Political Marketing Strategy and a Candidate's Image: Effect of Presidential Candidates' Language Intensity and Experience on College Students' Ratings of Source Credibility

The present study examines the effects of language intensity on presidential candidates' credibility. We manipulated language intensity levels and experience levels for hypothetical candidates for president of the United States. Manipulation checks confirmed the effectiveness of the experimental conditions. The dimensions of source credibility, character, and authoritativeness were confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. Analysis of variance indicated that candidates using low-intensity language received higher scores on character than did candidates using high-intensity language. Experienced candidates received higher scores on authoritativeness than did inexperienced candidates. Implications for political marketing of candidates are discussed.

P.6.b.009 High-risk alcohol relapse scale is a good instrument for predicting long-term abstinence after an episode of alcoholic hepatitis

Previous studies suggest that temperament and character may impact depression and anxiety through dysfunctional cognition. This study targets the mediating role of meta-cognitive beliefs in the relationship between Cloninger’s temperament and character dimensions and symptoms of depression and anxiety.One hundred and sixty-one healthy subjects filled out Cloninger’s Temperament Character Inventory (TCI), a Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Correlation and mediation analyses according to Baron and Kenny’s method were performed.Harm avoidance (HA) and self-directedness (SD) were related to depression and anxiety. HA was related to negative beliefs about uncontrollability of thoughts and to beliefs about cognitive confidence. SD was associated with the same types of meta-cognitive beliefs and with general negative beliefs. Cooperativeness (CO) was related to positive beliefs about worry, beliefs about cognitive confidence and to general negative beliefs. Self-transcendence (ST) was related to all types of meta-cognitive beliefs. Mediation analysis revealed that the relationship between HA and depression and anxiety is partially mediated by certain types of meta-cognitive beliefs. The same results were obtained for the relationship between SD and depression and anxiety. General negative beliefs fully mediated the relationship between CO and depression and the relationship between ST and anxiety.Meta-cognitive beliefs mediate the relationship between temperament and character dimension and depressive and anxiety symptoms, thus providing further evidence for the meta-cognitive theory of emotional disorders as presented by Wells and Matthews (Behav Res Ther 1996;32:867-870).

OR02-4 * MODEL OF ALCOHOLICS WITH INACTIVE ALDH2: IDENTIFYING PERSONALITY RISK FACTORS FOR ALCOHOL USE DISORDERS

Individuals with inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) show adverse reactions after ethanol intake, which is known to suppress the occurrence of alcohol use disorders (AUDs), nonetheless, some individuals with inactive ALDH2 do become alcoholics. It has been suggested that these individuals may carry factors facilitating the development of AUDs. In this series of studies, we attempted to identify the risk factors for AUDs, and to replicate the validity of existing factors, using the unique characteristics of alcoholics with inactive ALDH2 or the AIA model. The subjects were hospitalized male alcoholics with inactive ALDH2 (N = 91), male alcoholics with active ALDH2 (N= 81), and 201 age-matched healthy males. To examine the risk factors, we assessed the psychological characteristics of the study participants, and compared the results among the three groups. Among 15 known self-reported questionnaires, we employed the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) for this study. TCI is a 230-item self-reporting questionnaire used to assess the following four temperament dimensions: Harm avoidance (HA), Novelty seeking (NS), Reward dependence (RD), and Persistence (P); in addition, it is also useful to measure the following three character dimensions: Self-directedness (SD), Cooperativeness (C), and self-transcendence (ST). The score for HA was higher, while the scores for P, SD and C were lower in the alcoholics than in the control subjects. These results suggest that these personality characteristics may play a role in facilitating the development of AUDs.

Corrigendum

Corrigendum to Personality disorders in a community sample in Turkey: Prevalence, associated risk factors, temperament and character dimensions published in International Journal of Social Psychiatry, Volume 60 Issue 2, March 2014, pages 139-147. On page 139 of this article “ Participants with PD were more likely to have higher self-directedness and cooperativeness scores” should be “ Participants with PD were more likely to have lower self-directedness and cooperativeness scores”. On page 145-146 of this article “ As indicated by large effect sizes, we observed a strong association for all three PD clusters with higher TCI self-directedness sub-scale (SD total) scores; for cluster A and B diagnoses with higher cooperativeness sub-scale (C total) scores; and for cluster B diagnoses with higher SD1 (responsibility vs blaming), SD2 (purposefulness vs lack of goal direction), C4 (compassion vs revengefulness) and C5 (fairness/principles vs self-serving opportunism) sub-scale scores.” should be “ As indicated by large effect sizes, we observed a strong association for all three PD clusters with lower TCI self-directedness sub-scale (SD total) scores; for cluster A and B diagnoses with lower cooperativeness sub-scale (C total) scores; and for cluster B diagnoses with lower SD1 (responsibility vs blaming), SD2 (purposefulness vs lack of goal direction), C4 (compassion vs revengefulness) and C5 (fairness/principles vs self-serving opportunism) sub-scale scores.”

Can Personality Traits Affect Detention Length in a Forensic Institution?

The aim of the study was to assess whether the patients' personality traits may predict the length of current detention. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 56 male forensic in-patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Patients were assessed by means of the Temperament and Character Inventory and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Regression analysis has suggested that the character dimension, cooperativeness, and the type of offense were predictors of duration of current detention. Results suggest that information about the patients’ personalities may be helpful in better understanding and/or predicting the patients’ behaviors.

Spirituality and Its Relationship with Personality in Depressed People: Preliminary Findings

The relationship between spirituality and personality in patients with depression is complex and not much explored. The aim of our study is to examine the interconnection between the spiritual quality of life (QoL) and Cloninger's psychobiological model of personality in patients with depression. The sample consisted of 85 consecutive outpatients treated for depression. The measurements used were: Beck Depression Inventory, WHO-Quality of Life-Spiritual, Religious, Personal Beliefs, and Temperament and Character Inventory. The results have shown that higher harm avoidance, lower self-directedness and lower cooperativeness are personality dimensions associated with depression. The spiritual QoL has showed to play a significant role in depression, just as it has proved to be a unique predictor of lower depressive symptoms, adjusted for personality dimensions. The spiritual QoL itself is predicted by personality dimensions, self-directedness and self-transcendence implying that spirituality is a broader construct than the character dimension. Our findings may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of depression, spirituality and personality.

Contentment (Qana'ah) and its Role in Curbing Social and Environmental Problems

Contentment is an important dimension of virtuous human character (akhlaq) in the context of our attitude towards material provision and worldly sustenance, and our attitude towards sharing our sustenance with others. We first explore the position which the discipline of cultivating human character holds in Islam. It discloses the direct relationship of human character with our society and the environment. These relations are the foundation on which the treatment of contentment (qana’ah) is based. After defining the term qana’ah, we discuss the “good wholesome life (hayatan tayyibah)” mentioned in the Qur’an (al-Nahl 16:97) which denotes ‘self-contentment’. The term provides the premise that a virtuous and pure life in this world is based on human self-control towards his means of provision, his society, and the environment. With a disciplined human attitude towards material means, material abundance or scarcity of worldly things will not disrupt one’s conviction and self-sufficiency. We then discuss the by-products of non-contentment and greed such as wasting of food and other natural resources. This leads us to the topic of self-discipline in terms of dealing with the material world and our fellows. Finally we discuss the importance of self-discipline through frugal- moderation for individual and civilisational renewal.

Contentment ( Qanācah ) and Its Role in Curbing Social and Environmental Problems

Contentment is an important dimension of virtuous human character (akhlaq) in the context of our attitude towards material provision and worldly sustenance, and our attitude towards sharing our sustenance with others. We first explore the position which the discipline of cultivating human character holds in Islam. It discloses the direct relationship of human character with our society and the environment. These relations are the foundation on which the treatment of contentment (qana'ah) is based. After defining the term qana'ah, we discuss the “good wholesome life (hayatan tayyibah)” mentioned in the Qur’an (al-Nahl 16:97) which denotes ‘self-contentment’. The term provides the premise that a virtuous and pure life in this world is based on human selfcontrol towards his means of provision, his society, and the environment. With a disciplined human attitude towards material means, material abundance or scarcity of worldly things will not disrupt one’s conviction and self-sufficiency. We then discuss the by-products of non-contentment and greed such as wasting of food and other natural resources. This leads us to the topic of self-discipline in terms of dealing with the material world and our fellows. Finally we discuss the importance of self-discipline through frugal- moderation for individual and civilisational renewal.

Improving Diversity, Inclusion, and Representation in Radiology and Radiation Oncology Part 1: Why These Matter

The ACR Commission for Women and General Diversity is committed to identifying barriers to a diverse physician workforce in radiology and radiation oncology (RRO), and to offering policy recommendations to overcome these barriers. In Part 1 of a 2-part position article from the commission, diversity as a concept and its dimensions of personality, character, ethnicity, biology, biography, and organization are introduced. Terms commonly used to describe diverse individuals and groups are reviewed. The history of diversity and inclusion in US society and health care are addressed. The post-Civil Rights Era evolution of diversity in medicine is delineated: Diversity 1.0, with basic awareness, nondiscrimination, and recruitment; Diversity 2.0, with appreciation of the value of diversity but inclusion as peripheral or in opposition to other goals; and Diversity 3.0, which integrates diversity and inclusion into core missions of organizations and their leadership, and leverages its potential for innovation and contribution. The current states of diversity and inclusion in RRO are reviewed in regard to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The lack of representation and unchanged demographics in these fields relative to other medical specialties are explored. The business case for diversity is discussed, with examples of successful models and potential application to the health care industry in general and to RRO. The moral, ethical, and public health imperative for diversity is also highlighted.

La voce del trauma. Il caso di Petra Soukupová

This article deals with the Czech novel Zmizet (Disappearing, 2009) written by the young writer Petra Soukupova (1982) and winner of the prestigious literary prize Magnesia Litera (2010). The novel handles the personal trauma of its characters in their own family context. It is made up of three short stories whose main characters are children. Each story represents an instance of the traumatic event and its implications as possible ways of facing it. This analysis focuses on the main narrative elements used by the writer to express the psychological dimension of characters. It also investigates the language used by the author which successfully leads readers deep into the inner dimension of the novel’s protagonists.

Responsibility and cooperativeness are constrained, not determined.

Responsibility and cooperativeness are constrained, not determined.

The influence of COMT Val¹⁵⁸Met genotype on the character dimension cooperativeness in healthy females.

ObjectivesAlthough the Val158Met catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene has been linked with the temperament dimension Novelty Seeking (NS), new insights in this polymorphism might point to a major role for character features as well. Given that individual life experiences may influence Val158 and Met158 allele carriers differently it has been suggested that the character trait cooperativeness could be implicated.Case reportA homogeneous group of eighty right-handed Caucasian healthy female university students were assessed with the TCI and genotyped for the COMT Val158Met polymorphism (rs4680). Gene determination showed that eighteen were Val158 homozygotes, forty-four Val/Met158 heterozygotes, and eighteen were Met158 homozygotes. All were within the same age range and never documented to have suffered from any neuropsychiatric illness. Bonferroni corrected non-parametric analyses showed that only for the character scale cooperativeness Val158 homozygotes displayed significant higher scores when compared to Met158 homozygotes. No significant differences on cooperativeness scores were found between Val158 and Val/Met158 carriers or between Met158 and Val/Met158 carriers. No differences were observed for the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and the other temperament and character scales.ConclusionsOur findings support the assumption that the Val158Met single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) influences character traits and not only temperament. Our results add to the notion that Val158 homozygotes are considered to be helpful and empathic and it suggest that these cooperativeness character traits are related to the dopaminergic system.

An atypical anxious‐impulsive pattern of social anxiety disorder in an adult clinical population

An atypical subgroup of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) with impulsive rather than inhibited traits has recently been reported. The current study examined whether such an atypical subgroup could be identified in a clinical population of 84 adults with SAD. The temperament dimensions harm avoidance and novelty seeking of the Temperament and Character Inventory, and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale were used in cluster analyses. The identified clusters were compared on depressive symptoms, the character dimension self-directedness, and treatment outcome. Among the six identified clusters, 24% of the sample had atypical characteristics, demonstrating mainly generalized SAD in combination with coexisting traits of inhibition and impulsivity. As additional signs of severity, this group showed low self-directedness and high levels of depressive symptoms. We also identified a typically inhibited subgroup comprising generalized SAD with high levels of harm avoidance and low levels of novelty seeking, with a similar clinical severity as the atypical subgroup. Thus, higher levels of harm avoidance and social anxiety in combination with higher or lower levels of novelty seeking and low self-directedness seem to contribute to a more severe clinical picture. Post hoc examination of the treatment outcome in these subgroups showed that only 20 to 30% achieved clinically significant change.

Personality traits associated with suicidal behaviors in patients with depression: The CRESCEND study

The aim of the current study was to identify personality traits associated with suicidal behavior in patients with depression. Of the 1183 patients screened for an observational cohort study of depression, 334 (28.2%) who completed the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) were included in these analyses. To minimize the effect of current mood state, the TCI was performed 12weeks after initiation of treatment, and we adjusted for the severity of depression. Of the 344 participants, 59 had a lifetime history of at least one suicide attempt, 37 had a lifetime history of multiple suicide attempts, and 5 attempted suicide during the 12-week study period. At baseline, patients with a lifetime history of at least one suicide attempt, a lifetime history of multiple suicide attempts, and a suicide attempt during the study period expressed more serious current suicidal ideation than did those without such a history, despite the absence of differences among the groups in the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Of the seven personality scales of the TCI, lower scores on the self-directedness scale of the character dimension were associated with a history of at least one suicide attempt (OR [95% CI], 0.91 [0.87–0.96]; p<0.001), a history of multiple suicide attempts (0.91 [0.86–0.97]; p=0.003), and suicide attempts during study period (0.80 [0.69–0.94]; p=0.006). These findings suggest that depressed patients with a history of suicidal behavior differ from non-attempters with regard to personality traits, especially the character dimension of self-directedness. It is noteworthy that this result emerged after controlling for the effect of current mood state.

Psychological but not vasomotor symptoms are associated with temperament and character traits

Objective Recent evidence suggests that climacteric symptoms may be intensified by specific temperament and personality traits in postmenopausal women. In this study we investigate Cloninger's model of personality in relation to menopausal symptoms.Methods One-hundred and seventy peri- and postmenopausal women consecutively recruited from a menopause clinic of an academic hospital completed the Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-140) which measures four dimensions of temperament: Harm avoidance, Novelty seeking, Reward dependence and Persistence, as well as three dimensions of character: Self-directedness, Cooperativeness, and Self-transcendence. Menopausal somatic, vasomotor and psychological symptoms were also assessed using the Greene Climacteric Scale.Results In comparison to the norms of the Greek general population, postmenopausal women presented lower scores in Novelty seeking and Reward dependence and higher scores in Persistence, Self-directedness, Cooperativeness and Self-transcendence. Higher harm avoidance (the inclination to avoid potential punishment, be shy and fearful of uncertainty) significantly correlated with anxiety and depressive symptoms while lower Self-directedness (the ability to have the willpower to adapt to or overcome any changes) correlated with depressive symptoms only. By multivariate regression analysis, higher Harm avoidance and lower Self-directedness were independently associated with the presence of depressive symptoms. No significant associations were observed between TCI-140 traits and somatic or vasomotor symptoms.Conclusions Our findings indicate that most temperament and character traits according to Cloninger's model in peri- and postmenopausal women varied significantly as compared to the general population. Among several traits, high Harm avoidance and low Self-directedness were most strongly associated with psychological climacteric distress but not with somatic and vasomotor symptoms.

Food choice in disorders of eating behavior: Correlations with the psychopathological aspects of the diseases

Eating disorders (ED) are characterized by alterations in food choice and in the quantity and quality of nutrient intake. In a population of 124 female patients with ED (anorexia nervosa restricting subtype [AN-R, n=37]; AN bingeing-purging subtype [AN-BP, n=18]; bulimia nervosa purging subtype [BN-P, n=40]; and binge eating disorder [BED, n=29]) and healthy age-matched controls ([C], n=20) we compared food choice and macronutrient intake with psychopathologic symptoms of the disorders. Data were collected from the probands’ 7-day food diaries and the scores from two assessment scales (Eating Disorder Inventory-2 [EDI-2] and Temperament and Character Inventory-revised [TCI-R]) that measure symptom domains, dimensions of personality and character dimensions, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was applied to the nutritional data and scale scores. When compared to the values for the control group, intake of animal proteins (grams) was significantly lower for all patient groups, intake of lactoproteins was lower for the AN-R and AN-BP than BN-P and BED groups, intake of vegetal proteins was higher for the AN-R, AN-BP, BN-P and BED groups, intake of dietary fats was lower for the AN-R and AN-BP subtype groups, and intake of total carbohydrates and oligosaccharides was lower for the AN-R and AN-BP groups, and oligosaccharides also for the BED, when calculated in grams but not when expressed in percent. When studied as percent values animal proteins were lower in patients than in controls, lactoprotein in BN-P and BED, vegetal proteins higher in all the patients, fat lower in AN-R and AN-BP, while carbohydrates did not differ between patients and controls.Significant correlations emerged between food choice and TCI-R and EDI-2 scale scores. Food choice in ED might depend on alterations in neurotransmitter peptides, neuropeptides, and peripheral peptides, which regulate and are regulated by macronutrient intake and underlie psychological and temperamental alterations.

The role of temperament and character in the outcome of depressive mood in eating disorders

ObjectivesThe aims were to see which temperament and character dimensions were associated with depression, mainly with its outcome at two-year follow up in eating disorders (EDs). MethodsParticipants (N=151) were 44 Anorexia nervosa (AN), 55 Bulimia nervosa (BN) and 52 Eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) patients. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Rosenberg Self Esteem Questionnaire (RSE), Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-2) and Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) were administered. ResultsDepression at the beginning (t0) was severe in 22% of the cases. Harm Avoidance and Novelty Seeking had an effect on depressed mood at t0, mediated by Ineffectiveness. Responsibility (SD1) was associated with scores on the BDI at two-year follow up (β=−0.37, 95% CI −2.6, −0.6, p<0.01). ConclusionThe evaluation of personality dimension in EDs has therapeutic and prognostic implications: To enhance self-efficacy and self-directness is crucial for good clinical outcome.

EPA-1788 – Psychological symptoms in menopause associate with higher harm avoidance and lower self-directedness

Introduction Recently there is growing interest with regards to personality and character traits that may have an effect on the incidence and severity of climacteric symptoms. Neuroticism emerges as one important factor according to the Big-Five and Eysenck's models, but little is known about the possible relationship of menopausal symptoms and Cloninger's model of personality. Aims & Objectives The present study aimed to explore the relationship between Cloninger's model of personality and the severity of climacteric symptoms. Specifically, this study investigated whether certain temperament and personality traits associate with either psychological, somatic or vasomotor distress symptoms in menopause. Methods One-hundred-seventy menopausal women from a Greek University menopause clinic completed Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-140) which measures four dimensions of temperament: Harm Avoidance (HA), Novelty Seeking, Reward Dependence and Persistence, as well as three dimensions of character: Self-directedness (SD), Cooperativeness, and Self-Transcendence. Menopausal somatic, vasomotor and psychological symptoms were assessed using the Greene Climacteric Scale. Results Higher HA emerged as the most significant temperament trait influencing anxiety and depressive symptoms. Lower SD resulted in more depressive climacteric symptoms. A multivariate regression model further showed that higher HA and lower SD independently associated with more depressive symptoms, whereas years since menopause, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio influenced somatic and vasomotor symptoms only. Conclusions Our findings indicate that high HA and low SD associate to psychological climacteric distress symptoms, while somatic and vasomotor symptoms are independent of character or temperament traits and mainly influenced by menopausal age and body mass index.

Exploring personality features in patients with affective disorders and history of suicide attempts: a comparative study with their parents and control subjects.

Personality traits are important candidate predictors of suicidal behavior. Several studies have reported an association between personality/temperament traits and suicidal behavior, suggesting personality traits as intermediary phenotypes related to suicidal behavior. Thus, it is possible that suicide attempts can be accounted for by increased familial rates of risk personality traits. The aim of this work was to evaluate personality traits in affective disorder patients with attempted suicide and to compare them with the personality trait scores of their parents. In addition, ITC scores in the two groups were compared with a healthy control sample. The patients evaluated met the DSM-IV criteria for major depression disorder or dysthymia and had a documented history of suicide attempts. Psychiatric diagnoses of patients and parents were done according to the SCID-I and the personality was assessed using the Temperament and Character Inventory. We analyzed 49 suicide attempt subjects and their parents (n = 95) and 89 control subjects. We observed that temperament and character dimensions were similar between patients and their parents (P > 0.05). In particular, we observed that high HA and low P, SD, and CO were shared among families. Our study is the first to report that the personality traits of affective disorder patients with a history of attempted suicide are shared between patients and their parents.

EPA-1133 – Relationship of temperament, character and severity of psychopathology with aggression in alcohol dependent inpatient men

Aggression is suggested to be a predictive factor for alcohol use but the casual relationship between aggression and alcohol dependence is complex. Early aggressive acts are a risk factor for early onset alcohol dependence and aggression is suggested to be a long term individual characteristic which is probably in association with personality traits preexisting before the alcohol use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of personality dimensions with aggression among alcohol dependent inpatients and to control the effect of psychiatric symptom severity on this relationship. Participants were consecutively admitted male alcohol (n=94) dependent inpatients. Patients were investigated with the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and the Symptom Checklist-Revised (SCL-90-R). Character dimensions self-directedness (SD) and cooperativeness (C) were negatively and severity of psychiatric symptoms was positively correlated with severity of aggression and its dimensions. Low SD and C, which are indicative of a personality disorder, were predictors of aggression. When severity of psychiatric symptoms was included in analyses as an independent variable, it became the main predictor. Consistent with the hypothesis that aggression is an expression of poor character development, aggression was found to be more closely related with character compared to temperament dimensions. Nevertheless, our findings also suggest that the relationship between the aggression and character dimensions may be indirect through psychopathology. Therefore, when the aggression is the main problem, it is important to evaluate alcohol dependents for the personality dimensions and severity of psychiatric symptoms.