Emotional Composite Temperament Research Articles

An Updated Validation of Persian Versions of Six Personality Questionnaires: TEMPS-A, AFECTS, TCI, PANAS, NEO-FFI, PDQ-4

Background: The revision and updating of questionnaires are part of the list of comprehensive guidelines for using psychological questionnaires. The present study aimed to test the construct and convergent validity of the Persian versions of six personality questionnaires including the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A: 35 items), the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS: 48 items), the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI: 125 items), the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS: 20 items), the NEO-Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI: 60 items), and Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 (PDQ-4: 99 items). Methods: The data from four independent samples of Iranian adults ( N1 = 1137, N2 = 558, N3 = 496, N4 = 478; total N = 2669, 70% female, 32.8 ± 10.7 old years) were analyzed by exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Pearson correlations between constructs of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Short Form (PID-5-BF: 25 items) or the ICD-11 compatible Personality Inventory for DSM-5–Brief Form Plus, Modified (PID5BF+M: 36 items) and the personality measures were used to evaluate convergent validity. Results: Although the number of factors of TEMPS-A and PDQ-4 were slightly different from the original structures, the results supported the factor structure and reliability (all α between 0.68 and 0.92) of all measures. Most factors of all measures were significantly related to either the PID-5-BF or the PID5BF+M constructs (all P <.05). Conclusion: The findings supported both construct validity and convergent validity of all personality measures in Iranian samples. Mental health professionals can use the Persian version of all valid personality measures to draw personality profiles of adult populations.

A head-to-head comparison of eight unique personality systems in predicting somatization phenomenon

BackgroundIf somatization is an independent personality trait, it is not clear whether it is specific to the temperament or maladaptive spectrum of personality. We aimed at the head-to-head comparison of temperament and maladaptive systems and spectra of personality to predict both somatization and somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRD).MethodsThe samples included 257 cases with SSRD (70.8% female) and 1007 non-SSRD (64.3% female) from Western Iran. The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5), Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 (PDQ-4), Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A), Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS), and Positive Affect and Negative Affect Model (PANAS) was used to data collection. A somatization factor plus temperament and maladaptive spectra of personality were extracted using exploratory factor analysis. Several hierarchical linear and logistic regressions were used to test the predictive systems and spectra.ResultsAll personality systems jointly predict both somatization and SSRD with a slightly higher contribution for temperament systems. When the temperament and maladaptive spectra were compared, both spectra above each other significantly predicted both somatization (R2 = .407 versus .263) and SSRD (R2 = .280 versus .211). The temperament spectrum explained more variance beyond the maladaptive spectrum when predicting both the somatization factor (change in R2 = .156 versus .012) and SSRD (change in R2 = .079 versus .010).ConclusionAll temperament and maladaptive frameworks of personality are complementary to predicting both somatization and SSRD. However, the somatization is more related to the temperament than the maladaptive spectrum of personality.

Development a Conceptual Model of the Relationship Between Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament and Overeating behavior in Adolescences according to the role of Emotion Regulation Strategies

Development a Conceptual Model of the Relationship Between Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament and Overeating behavior in Adolescences according to the role of Emotion Regulation Strategies

Temperament traits mediate the relationship between CACNA1C polymorphisms and bipolar disorder in cisgender women.

The influence of temperament traits on bipolar disorder (BD) has been investigated. Both temperament traits and BD are partially genetically determined and seem to be influenced by variations in the CACNA1C gene. These variations presented a significant interactive effect with biological sex, although studies that evaluate this relationship are scarce. Here, we assessed the mediation effect of temperament traits on the relationship between two polymorphisms in the CACNA1C gene (rs1006737 and rs4765913) and BD according to sex. This is a cross-sectional study consisting of 878 Caucasian individuals (508 women and 370 men), aged 18-35, enrolled in a population-based study in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. BD diagnosis was evaluated using the clinical interview MINI 5.0, and temperament traits were assessed via the application of the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS). Mediation models were tested using the modeling tool PROCESS (version 3.3) for SPSS. Bootstrapping-enhanced mediation analyses in women indicated that traits anger (39%) and caution (27%) mediated the association between the rs4765913 SNP and BD, while traits volition (29%), anger (35%), and caution (29%) mediated the association between the AA haplotype (rs1006737-rs4765913) and the BD. No effect was encountered for cisgender men. Our model revealed that paths from CACNA1C SNPs to BD are mediated by specific temperament traits in women, reinforcing the definition of temperament traits as endophenotypes.

Affective and Emotional Temperament in Trauma-exposed Women With and Without Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Following Intimate Partner Violence

Objective: The present study was done to compare emotional and affective temperament in trauma-exposed women with and without Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following intimate partner violence. Methods: A total of 195 trauma-exposed women with and without PTSD participated in this study, and completed the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS). Collected data were analyzed by Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). Results: The mean scores of the group with PTSD were significantly higher compared to the group without PTSD in the overall scores of affective temperament, including cyclothymic, depressive, anxious, apathetic, Volatile, Dysphoric, obsessive, euthymic, disinhibited, euphoric, and also the emotional temperament, including anger and sensitivity. Conclusion: Findings suggest that emotional and affective temperament can increase the risk of developing PTSD following exposure to intimate partner violence.

The Role of the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Model in Predicting Negative Attitudes towards Delinquency in Students

The Role of the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Model in Predicting Negative Attitudes towards Delinquency in Students

A Causal Model for the Control of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases Using a new Temperamental Personality Theory in the General Population of Western Iran

Objective: Given the need for further studies on health-promoting behaviors, the present study aimed to investigate the antecedents of controlling risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) according to the affective and emotional composite temperament (AFECT) model and the mediating role of self-regulation. Materials and Methods: The samples of this cross-sectional study included 776 people resident in Kermanshah in Western Iran in 2019. The participants were selected using a cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the controlling the risk factors for cardiovascular disease questionnaire (CRC), the short form self-regulation questionnaire, and the AFECT scale. The structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Results: The analysis results indicated that there was a significant correlation between dimensions of AFECT and self-regulation with the control of risk factors for CVDs. The results also indicated that the dimensions of AFECT did not directly affect the control of risk factors for CVDs, but the mediating role of self-regulation was confirmed in this regard. Conclusion: According to the results, the dimensions of AFECT could affect the control of risk factors for CVDs through self-regulation; hence, the role of self-regulation in controlling CVDs should be taken into account.

Sensitivity is the dimension of temperament most associated with the progression from ideation to suicide attempts

BackgroundTo analyze the association between temperament (emotional and affective) and scrutinize the progression from suicide ideation to attempt, by using data from a large internet-based sample. MethodsIt is a cross-sectional study, based on the Brazilian Internet Study on Temperament and Psychopathology (BRAINSTEP). Temperament was assessed by the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS), and life-long suicidal behavior was determined by the adapted Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire (SBQ-17). Odds ratios were obtained through multivariate logistic regression and a multiple linear regression were used in the analysis. According to the “ideation-to-action framework”, we performed analyzes using two different reference groups: no suicidal ideation and suicidal ideation. ResultsThe affective temperaments that showed the greatest association with suicide attempts were depressive, cyclothymic, and volatile. The temperaments that reflected higher associations for progression from ideation to suicide attempt were cyclothymic, depressive, and euphoric. Sensitivity was manifested as the emotional temperament with the strongest positive association with the severity of suicidal behavior, followed by desire and control. Stability was estimated as the emotional trait with the strongest negative association with the severity of suicidal behavior. LimitationsIt is not a population based sample. BRAINSTEP is a self-selected sample whose participants are mostly women, who are highly educated and young. ConclusionsOur results suggest that temperament assessment using AFECT model may be relevant to assess the risk for the progression from ideation to suicide attempts. These results strengthen the “ideation-to-action” framework that risk factors to suicide ideators can differ from suicide attempters.

The role of affective temperament and emotional expression in predicting chronic fatigue in patients with cancer hospitalized in Ardabil City, Iran, during the autumn of 2016

BACKGROUND: Affective temperament and emotional expression can be important in the mental and physical consequences of patients with cancer. This study aimed to determine the role of affective temperament and emotional expression in predicting chronic fatigue in patients with cancer. METHODS: 110 patients with cancer, hospitalized in the surgery and hematology wards of Fatemi and Imam Khomeini Hospitals in Ardabil City, Iran, in autumn of 2016, were selected by purposive sampling and participated in this cross-sectional study. The Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS), Berkeley Expressivity Questionnaire (BEQ), and Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ) were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed by correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis using SPSS software. RESULTS: Chronic fatigue positively correlated with depressive (r = 0.69, P < 0.01), anxious (r = 0.59, P < 0.01), apathetic (r = 0.64, P < 0.01), dysphoric (r = 0.37, P < 0.01), volatile (r = 0.61, P < 0.01), irritable (r = 0.36, P < 0.01), disinhibited (r = 0.33, P < 0.01), and obsessive (r = 0.52, P < 0.01) affective temperaments, but it negatively correlated with cyclothymic (r = -0.35, P < 0.01), hyperthymic (r = -0.62, P < 0.01), euphoric (r = -0.69, P < 0.01), and euthymic (r = -0.21, P < 0.01) affective temperaments. Also, it was found that there was a negative relationship between chronic fatigue and emotional expression (r = -0.27, P < 0.01). Results of regression analysis showed that 79% of the total variance of chronic fatigue was explained by affective temperaments. In addition, 27% of the total variance of the chronic fatigue was explained by emotional expressiveness. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that we can consider the affective temperament and emotional expression as psychological factors underlying the chronic fatigue in patients with cancer.

The latent structure and reliability of the emotional trait section of the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS)

Background: The Emotional and Affective Composite Temperament (AFECT) model describes originally six traits of volition, anger, inhibition (fear and caution subordinate factors), control, sensitivity, and coping. However, fear and caution have shown opposite relatioships with criteria-variables, indicating factor independence. Objective: The current investigation aimed to advance in the evaluation of the psychometric properties of the emotional trait section of the Emotional and Affective Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS) by examining the suitability of a 7-factor structure and the reliability of each scale using data from a population-based sample. Methods: AFECTS was administered via face-to-face assessments in a single-session, population-based cross-sectional survey. Samples was composed of teenagers and adults (14 to 35 years). The latent structure and reliability were analyzed via structural equation modeling: confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the a priori correlated 7-factor model (with fear and caution designed as single-factors) and trait-scores reliability was assessed by the estimation of information curves. Results: Findings attested the suitability of the 7-factor model presumed to underline the item set of the traits section of AFECTS and information curve interpretation showed adequate levels of reliability for all trait-scores. Discussion: The 7-factor model showed robust indicators of construct validity for the AFECTS.

Analysis of association between temperament and psychological symptoms using the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament (AFECT) model: An internet-based survey

BackgroundTemperamental characteristics have been suggested as potential vulnerability markers or could help differential diagnosis among psychiatric disorders. The current study aimed to explore whether there are specific temperament profiles related to different psychological symptoms, according to the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament (AFECT) model. MethodsWe used a cross-sectional web-based survey collected from the Brazilian Internet Study on Temperament and Psychopathology (BRAINSTEP). The sample consisted of 16,495 self-selected volunteers assessed with the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS), Adult Self-Report Inventory (ASRI), and Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS). ResultsAll unstable affective temperaments (cyclothymic, dysphoric, and volatile) correlated, in different intensities, with all psychiatric symptoms assessed. Cyclothymic temperament was mainly related to borderline personality symptoms. Dysphoric and volatile temperament showed an association with attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms. Melancholic temperament was associated with major depressive symptoms, and euphoric temperament showed a positive correlation with maniac symptoms. Euthymic and hyperthymic temperaments were negatively correlated with all psychiatric symptoms. In addition, the assessment of the emotional traits of temperament showed that high volition, low anger, low sensitivity, and high control are characteristics that are not related to psychopathology. LimitationsThis study had a cross-sectional design, which does not allow an exact inference of cause and consequence. ConclusionsOur results suggest that temperament assessment using AFECT model may be relevant to assess the risk of developing psychological symptoms over the time. These results strengthen the theoretical framework that psychiatric disorders may be manifestations of the extremes of affective temperaments.

Low affective temperament consistency during development: Results from a large retrospective study

BackgroundTemperament is still regarded as a stable part of personality, an “endophenotype” developed early in life. However, how frequently temperament traits can change throughout life is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate affective temperament changes from late childhood to adolescence and from late adolescence to adulthood. MethodsWe used data from a cross-sectional web-based survey collected from the Brazilian Internet Study on Temperament and Psychopathology. We used the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale questionnaire to assess temperament at time of participation, and at age of 10–12 and 18 years, retrospectively, dividing affective temperaments into four major groups: internalized, externalized, stable and unstable. The final sample consisted of 36,255 participants from 24 to 40 years of age (71.9% women). ResultsMost of the sample (66.2%) changed to a different affective temperament group at adulthood. We found a significant decrease in internalized temperaments from 10–12 to 18 years of age (34.5% to 25.0% in women and 31.8% to 26.7% in men), parallel with an increase of externalized temperaments (14.1% to 20.3% in women and 17.3% to 19.6% in men). From 18 years of age to adult life, stable temperaments decreased slightly in frequency (37.9% to 32.5% in women and 38.6% to 36.8% in men), while unstable types increased (16.9% to 24.0% in women and 15.3% to 18.4% in men). LimitationsThe retrospective design and self-reported evaluation may bias self-perception. ConclusionsAffective temperaments often change over time, contrary to the classic view of temperament as a consistent phenotype.

The Role of the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament (AFECT) Model in Predicting the Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) in Students

The Role of the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament (AFECT) Model in Predicting the Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) in Students

Suicide risk, temperament traits, and sleep quality in patients with refractory epilepsy

ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to access the suicide risk (SR) in patients with refractory epilepsy and its association with temperament and sleep quality. MethodsA total of 50 consecutive patients referred for epilepsy surgery evaluation in the Porto Alegre Epilepsy Surgery Program were included. All patients had a detailed neurologic and psychiatric evaluation, including video-electroencephalogram (VEEG), high-resolution magnetic ressonance imaging (MRI), and neuropsychologic assessment. In addition, structured questionnaires were applied: module C of the MINI-plus (International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Brazilian version 5.0.0), Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). ResultsTen patients (20.0%) showed an increased SR. The most frequent location of the epileptic focus was in the temporal lobe (50%; n=25). Final diagnosis on VEEG comprised epilepsy in 74.0% (n=37), psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) in 8.0% (n=4), and both in 12%. Thirty patients (60.0%) received surgery indication. Mood disorders were the main psychiatric diagnosis, found in 19 subjects (70.4%), with major depressive disorder (MDD) encountered in 15 patients (55.6%). In the group, SR was more frequent in patients with sleep disorders (p=0.001) and elevated scores of high emotional sensitivity (p=0.003). ConclusionIn this cohort of patients with highly refractory epilepsy, there was a significant association between SR, sleep disorders, and high emotional sensitivity. Careful evaluation of these factors should be performed in these patients to fully access SR.

Affective temperaments and emotional traits are associated with a positive screening for premenstrual dysphoric disorder

ObjectivesPreliminary evidence indicates that premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) may be frequently co-morbid with bipolar spectrum disorders. In addition, the manifestations of PMDD seem similar to a subthreshold depressive mixed state. Nevertheless, the associations between PMDD and affective temperaments and emotional traits have not been previously investigated. MethodsA consecutive sample of 514 drug-free Brazilian women (mean age: 22.8; SD=5.4years) took part in this cross-sectional study. Screening for PMDD was obtained with the validated Brazilian Portuguese version of the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). Affective temperaments and emotional dimensions were evaluated with the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS). In addition, socio-demographic and data on menstrual cycle were collected. ResultsAccording to the PSST, 83 (16.1%) women screened positive for PMDD, while 216 (42.0%) women had no/mild premenstrual symptoms. The cyclothymic temperament was independently associated with PMDD (OR=4.57; 95% CI: 2.11–9.90), while the euthymic temperament had an independent association with a lower likelihood of a positive screening for PMDD (OR=0.28; 95% CI: 0.12–0.64). In addition, anger and sensitivity emerged as emotional dimensions significantly associated with PMDD. ConclusionsA positive screening for PMDD was associated with a predominant cyclothymic temperament, while an euthymic temperament was associated with a lower likelihood for a positive screening for PMDD. These data deserve replication in prospective studies.

The relationship between temperament and sexual orientation

BackgroundThe relationship between temperament and sexual orientation has been poorly characterized. We have used the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament (AFECT) model to evaluate this association in a large population sample. MethodsData from 16,571 subjects between 21 and 45 years old (mean age=29.1±6.3 yrs, 69.4% females) was collected anonymously through Internet in Brazil. ResultsRegarding affective temperaments, male cyclothymics and dysphorics had the lowest percentage of people with heterosexual orientation and the highest percentages of people with bisexual and homosexual orientations. The opposite profile was observed in hyperthymic and euthymic types. Among females, the volatile, cyclothymic, apathetic, disinhibited and euphoric types were less often observed in people with “pure” heterosexual orientation and more often in people with bisexual orientation. In men only, homosexuality was more common among the depressive, cyclothymic and dyphorics temperaments. Emotional trait analysis showed that heterosexual subjects differed statistically from all other groups by having higher scores of coping and stability and lower scores of sensitivity and desire. Overall, the effect sizes were small to moderate, with the largest differences between “pure” heterosexuals and people with bisexual orientation, particularly in women. Subjects with heterosexual orientation who have had homosexual experience and those with homosexual orientation presented intermediate scores. LimitationsCross-sectional design, lack of potentially important covariates (e.g., maltreatment) and data collected by Internet only. ConclusionExternalized and unstable traits were associated mainly with bisexuality. The group of heterosexuals with homosexual fantasies or experiences offers a new approach for the study of sexual orientation.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and weaker: How childhood trauma relates to temperament traits

Childhood trauma arises from damaging experiences and the absence of a secure and reliable environment for child development. Despite many studies on the risk for developing psychiatric disorders, much less is known on the relationship between traumatic experiences and personality traits. A total of 10,800 participants (mean age 27.7 ± 7.8 years old, 69.8% women) anonymously answered the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS) in the Brazilian Internet Study on Temperament and Psychopathology (BRAINSTEP). The results showed that total trauma score was associated with lower levels of positive traits (volition, control, coping, and stability), higher scores of negative traits (sensitivity, anger, anxiety) and a higher frequency of depressive and cyclothymic temperaments. Linear regression analysis showed similar findings for emotional abuse and neglect, whereas physical abuse and neglect were positively associated with more volition and coping as well as less fear, sensitivity and anxiety traits, especially in men. This study has a cross-sectional design and the sole use of self-reporting as the main limitations. In conclusion, dysfunctional temperament profiles were associated mainly with emotional trauma and sexual abuse. Some adaptive traits were associated with physical abuse and neglect, especially in men. These results reinforce the negative impact of emotional trauma and people's resilience to physical trauma, which may even translate into adaptive trait expression in males particularly. We propose that the “context-dependent nature” of stress should be further studied to break down the influence of specific types and contexts of adversity on psychological and psychiatric outcomes.

The Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS): Psychometric properties of the Spanish version in a community sample from Mexico City and comparison between remitted psychiatric patients

IntroductionAFECTS is a novel psychometric instrument that provides an integrated framework based on affective temperamental traits and their trait dimensions. It has the potential to be used in clinical and research fields to study psychopathology and mental health. It is now necessary to field-test this instrument with diverse populations and psychopathological entities. ObjectiveThe primary aim was to test the construct validity and the internal consistency of the Spanish Version of the AFECTS instrument on Mexican subjects. AFECTS characteristics were then compared between general population and stable psychiatric patients. MethodsA cross-sectional design involving 350 subjects from the general population in México City and 91 stable patients with a bipolar disorder (BPD, n=20), major depressive disorder (MDD, n=35), or with a schizophrenia (n=36) diagnosis. ResultsA six-factor structure in trait dimensions, explaining 61.4% of the variance, with a Cronbach׳s alpha of 0.93 was found. Euthymic (23%) and hyperthymic (12%) affective temperaments were the most frequent, while dysphoric (3%) and apathetic (3%) were the least. Trait dimension differences were found in Volition, Sensitivity, and the Instability Index between the groups, particularly those with a bipolar disorder. LimitationsUse of a self report instrument, and a small sample not representative of the Mexican population or patients with psychiatric conditions. ConclusionsThe Spanish Version of the AFECTS instrument has adequate psychometric properties. This version of AFECTS will allow the use of this instrument among Spanish speaking populations and contribute to the continued research efforts on integrative models such as AFECT.

Dysfunctional traits in obese women and underweight men

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide, together with its comorbidities. Our aim was to assess the emotional traits and affective temperaments, according to various Body Mass Index (BMI) groups, in a large sample. MethodsData was collected by a web-survey on psychological and psychiatric measures (BRAINSTEP). The BMI was evaluated by self-reporting and temperament was evaluated by the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS). The final sample consisted of 10,786 individuals (mean age 27.9±7.8 years, 70% females). ResultsAbout 40% of the sample had a BMI score higher than normal. The overall BMI score was particularly associated with a higher Desire and a lower Control and Volition (p<0.001 for all), especially in women. Obese females also had significantly lower Coping, Stability, and Caution. In males only, underweight individuals were more fearful and sensitive, and they had a lower Coping and Volition character than normal weight subjects, suggesting a more fragile and immature profile. Linear regression with several adjustments confirmed these associations. Regarding affective temperaments, a Depressive type was more prevalent among underweight subjects, an Obsessive type was associated with a normal BMI, and a Hyperthymic type was apparent in overweight individuals of both genders. Underweight males and females were more prone to having an internalized temperament. LimitationsOnly self-reporting measures were used in a cross-sectional design. ConclusionsObese women and underweight men have a more dysfunctional trait profile. Addressing these traits may be important for prevention strategies and, possibly, for weight reduction in women.

Emotional traits and affective temperaments in alcohol users, abusers and dependents in a national sample

BackgroundIt is unclear how temperament is related to alcohol-related behavior in large population studies. We have used the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS) model to evaluate how emotional traits and affective temperaments are associated with alcohol use, abuse, and dependence in the general population. MethodsData from 10,603 subjects (mean age=28.0±7.8 years, 70.3% females) was collected anonymously by the Internet in Brazil using the AFECTS model and the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Alcohol use was stratified into control, low use, abuse, and dependence groups. ResultsThe analysis of dimensional traits showed that Volition and Coping were lower, and Sensitivity was higher, in the abuse and dependence groups, with no differences between the Control and the Low Use groups. Alcohol consumption was also associated with lower Control, Stability, and Caution, and higher with Anger, Anxiety, and Desire, with significant differences between all groups. Regarding affective temperament types, alcohol abuse and dependence were associated with euphoric and cyclothymic temperaments in both genders, which was mirrored by a lower frequency of both euthymic and hyperthymic types. Only hyperthymics were overrepresented in the Control group for both genders. LimitationsData was collected by Internet only. ConclusionsA global dysfunction of emotional traits and a predominance of cyclothymic and euphoric temperaments were associated with alcohol-related behavior. Prevention and treatment strategies may be developed more effectively if these traits are taken into account.