Personality Traits Of People Research Articles

Photographs Elevate Truth Judgments About Less Well-Known People (But Not Yourself)

When people judge the veracity of statements, nonprobative photos increase “true” responses relative to when statements appear alone–“truthiness.” Two experiments tested whether photos influence truth judgments about people's personality traits as a function of the amount of knowledge possessed about the target person. In Experiment 1, participants indicated whether traits described an unknown person presented with varying amounts of descriptive information. Photos inflated truth judgments only with minimal information provided. In Experiment 2, photos inflated truth judgments for an unknown person but not for a best friend or one's self. When judging veracity, photos help prime related thoughts and images, increasing processing fluency, a metacognitive cue to truth. Consistent with findings that fluency effects result from the discrepancy between expected and actual fluency, it appears that it is the amount of information primed by the photo relative to that primed by other sources that affects how photos influence truthiness.

Character and Temperament Dimensions in Subjects with Depressive Disorder: Impact of the Affective State on Their Expression.

BACKGROUND:The depression is a cross-cultural condition that occurs in all cultures and within all nations with certain specificities, even though there are some differences in its manifestation. The hereditary load is of major importance, but also the individual personality factors, in the form of risk factors, are associated with the occurrence of depression. Personality characteristics have a significant impact on the occurrence of the recurrent depressive disorder and the outcome of the treatment as well.AIM:To identify the specific personality traits in people with the recurrent depressive disorder and the impact of the affective state on them.METHODS:Three questionnaires were used: a general questionnaire, Beck’s scale of depressive symptoms, and TCI-R (inventory for temperament and character).RESULTS:The most indicative differences in the dimensions are found in the Harm avoidance and the Self-direction dimensions, and most variable dimensions dependent on effective state are Novelty seeking and Reward dependence.CONCLUSION:The people with the recurrent depressive disorder have a different profile of personality traits (temperament and character) compared with the control group, and their characteristics depend on their current affective state.

The Concept and Treatment of Internet Addiction

The Internet now plays a very important role in our lives. However, for some people, Internet use can lead to a state that appears to meet the DSM definition for a mental disorder. In this review, we briefly discuss definition, symptoms, risk factors, prevalence, comorbidities, and personality traits of people who are susceptible to becoming addicts. In the second section of the article, various types of Internet addiction are discussed, focusing mainly on Internet Gaming Disorder and social networking survices (SNS) addiction. Regarding Internet Gaming Disorder, we discuss various types of the newly emerged Massive Multiplayer Online Games (MMO), as well as theories about why people become addicted to them. We do the same for the SNS Addiction for sites like Facebook and LINE; again, different types, as well as theories about why some people become addicts to such sites are discussed. Finally, preventive measures are introduced, focusing on a number of commonly used treatment methods, perticulary cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy.

Personality traits in people addicted to alcohol raised by parents with alcohol dependence

Abstract Introduction. Alcohol dependence syndrome constitutes a serious social problem not only due to personal and health consequences suffered by addicted individuals but also by their family members and, in particular, by children. Aim. The aim of the study was to make a comparison of self-image, narcissism, methods of coping with stress and aggression in people addicted to alcohol who were raised by parents addicted and not addicted to alcohol. Material and methods. 118 individuals addicted to alcohol were examined. There were 53 patients raised by non-addicted parents and 55 by parents addicted to alcohol. The average age of the group was 41.20 (SD=10.85) and the average period of alcohol addiction was 9.03 (SD=6.26) years. We used the following research tools: the Sociodemographic Survey of own construction, Adjective Check List ACL by Gough and Heilbrun, the Questionnaire of Narcissism by Denke, Hilgenstock and Müller, the Coping with Stress Questionnaire by Janke, Erdmann and Boucsein and the Aggression Questionnaire by Buss-Perry. Results. We found presence of statistically significant differences in respect of traits of self-image, narcissism, methods of coping with stress and severity of aggression in people addicted to alcohol who were raised by parents addicted and not addicted to alcohol. Conclusions. 1. Alcohol addicted women who were raised by parents with alcohol dependence are characterised by more negative self-image, greater need for getting support, dependence, fear of negative assessment by other people, passive ways of coping with stress and aggression not directly expressed - in comparison to the women raised by not addicted parents. 2. Men raised by alcohol addicted parents are characterised by greater narcissism and more often expressed physical aggression in comparison to men raised by not addicted parents.

Relationship between PTSD and pathological personality traits in context of disasters

One of the recurrent outcomes after a stressor event as a disaster is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which appears to be mediated, in part, by emotional, behavioral, and psychological responses, arising from the belief system associated with the traumatic experience. Studies suggest that personality traits are related to how individuals face or adapt in the event of disaster phenomena. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between PTSD, posttraumatic beliefs and personality traits in people who experienced disasters. 113 individuals participated in the survey, of both sexes (58.4% women) with ages ranging between 19 and 63 years (M=37.5; SD=12.1). We used the Dimensional Clinical Personality Inventory (IDCP), the Brazilian version of the Davidson Trauma Scale, and the Brazilian version of the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory. Among the findings, pathological personality characteristics relate positively with PTSD symptomatology, individuals who experienced disaster events presented more pathological personality traits when compared to those who did not experience these events, and negative beliefs were positively related with pathological characteristics of personality. We highlight the need for research on the relationships between personality characteristics and post-traumatic beliefs in order to promote more adequate interventions given the possible disease chronicity.

Personality Based On Colour Preferences and Its Relationship with Achievement Motivation

The primary objective of this investigation was to find out if there existed any relationship between the personality traits of people classified on the basis of their colour preferences and their respective achievement motivation. The study sample consisted of 110 college students (57 males and 53 females) randomly selected from diverse backgrounds within the age group of 18-22 years. The research instruments used were “True Colours Personality Test” by Don Lowry to measure the difference in personality traits and the 14 item short form of Ray Achievement Motivation Scale by J. J. Ray to measure the level of Achievement Motivation. The subjects filled both the questionnaires which were then evaluated and analysed by using SPSS. It was found that subjects classified in the Green category with cool, calm, collective and logical outlook have significantly positive correlate with levels of Achievement Motivation and the Orange and Blue colour category possessing characteristics like enthusiasm, spirituality, effective communication skills, imaginative, peace loving and flexibility had a impact but not in a significant level on their Achievement Motivation, whereas those classified in Gold have a negative Pearson’s Correlation coefficient indicating that the two parameters considered are inversely related. This could be attributed It is to the traits like lack of order, Dependable, Sensible and Anxious. The results and conclusions drawn from this investigation suggest that it can be applicable for a wider spectrum of the population.

PERSONIFICATION OF WAY OF LIFE TYPES OF YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN – GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY

The article presents the results of a study aimed at research of the characteristics of personification as the substantive characteristic of each type of the way of life ideals (matrimonial, bohemian, health, career, community, social, social-protection, gnostic) of young men and women – graduates of the university. Research methods: survey (questionnaire for study the way of life ideal), a content analysis of the open questions of the questionnaire, expert evaluation categories, methods of nonparametric statistics. Results. The article presents ideas about the way of life ideals, discloses its components and characteristics. In the article designated types of way of life ideals: matrimonial, bohemian, health, career, community, social-protection, gnostic. Established the features of personification of each type of boys and girl’s ideals (who are graduates of the university). The results show that all kinds of way of life ideals are personified; that there are attractive to young people personality traits of real people (or groups) whose way of life influences on the construction of their own ideals of life. It is shown that the differentiation of male and female personification of ideals occurs on different parameters: for the ideals of «matrimonial life» and «career life» appears only in the parameter singularity / community; for the ideal of «social life» – in the parameters singularity / community, the psychological portrait, similarities; for the ideal of «health life» – in the parameters singularity / community, the psychological portrait, a means of implementing, similarities. Application of the results: psychological services in high schools and personnel services in different companies.

Socio-demographic and economic characteristics of patients with psychiatric pathology and non-fatal suicidal behavior

Suicidal behavior is an important clinical problem and a major cause of death in youth and adults. Consequently, there is a great interest in identifying risk factors and characteristics or personality traits of people with suicidal behavior in order to elaborate targeted preventing measures. In this context, the purpose of this research was to establish the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of patients with suicidal behaviour and mental disorders. We conducted a retrospective, observational study between January 1st 2010 and December 31st 2014. The statistical analyse revealed that more than half of total have an alcohol addiction, are unemployed, and have financial problems. The main psychiatric disorders which correlated with patient economic problems are major depression, bipolar disorder and anxious-depressive syndrome. Most suicide attempters were mature adults (45-54 years), followed by young adults (20-24 years). As a method of suicide, women choose mainly drug overdose ingestion, while men sharp object injury. It was also observed a seasonality of the suicide attempts. Keywords: suicide, suicidal attempt, suicidal behavior, public health, psychiatry, mental disorder, anxiety-depression syndrome, major depression, bipolar disorder. Language: en

Using personality traits and attachment styles to predict people's preference of psychotherapeutic orientation

AbstractAimThis study examined whether people's personality traits and attachment styles would predict their preference for one of three common psychotherapies (psychodynamic, person‐centred and cognitive‐behavioural therapy).MethodAn online survey was administered to participants (n = 209) for remuneration. Personality traits were measured using the HEXACO‐60; attachment was measured using the Relation‐ships Questionnaire; preference for psychotherapeutic orientation was assessed using the Preferences for Psychotherapy Approaches Scale.ResultsRegression analyses indicated that various personality traits and attachment styles predict preference of therapeutic orientation. Specifically, the data indicated that openness and secure attachment significantly predicted preference of psychodynamic psychotherapy. No personality traits or attachment styles significantly predicted person‐centred preference. Lastly, previous study of psychology and fearful attachment significantly predicted preference of cognitive‐behavioural psychotherapy.ConclusionThis study's findings provide supporting evidence for the claim that people's personality traits and attachment styles are predictive of their preferences for various psychotherapies. Implications for further research are discussed.

Demographics, clinical characteristics and quality of life of Brazilian women with driving phobia

Driving phobia is associated with serious consequences such as restriction of freedom, career impairments and social embarrassment. The main objective of this paper is to compare clinical characteristics and quality of life between women with driving phobia and women without this phobia. These factors were assessed using structured interviews, semi-structured questionnaires, scales and inventories. We accessed diagnoses, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, anxiety traits, driving cognitions and quality of life. There was no difference between groups with regard to demographic data and driving history. Both groups were also equivalent in the number of traumatic events and accidents experienced while driving or riding. The fear of driving group showed higher state and trait anxiety scores. A high frequency of cognitive distortions can explain why people with driving phobia often engage in maladaptive safety behaviors in an attempt to protect themselves from unpredicted dangers when driving. Regarding quality of life, the control group had slightly higher scores on all subscales, but significant differences were observed for only three scales: “functional capacity”, “social aspects”, and “mental health”. More studies with larger samples more instruments and other contexts are needed to further investigate the clinical characteristics and personality traits of people who have a fear of driving.

Traits of the Self-actualized Personality in the Modern Russian Politicians

The article discusses the possibilities and limitations of the study of such a complex phenomenon as personal self-actualization. A scheme for the analysis of the self-actualizing personality traits in people, whose direct examination is difficult, is presented. The proposed scheme has been tested on example of the study of self-actualizing personality traits in modern Russian politicians (former and current Russian presidents and presidential candidates in the election campaign in 2012).

Personality traits in people with synaesthesia: Do synaesthetes have an atypical personality profile?

People with synaesthesia not only have – by definition – unusual experiences (e.g., numbers triggering colour), they also have a different cognitive profile (e.g., in terms of their memory and perceptual abilities) and a bias towards certain interests and activities (e.g., towards the arts). However, virtually nothing is known about whether synaesthetes have an atypical personality profile. In this study, a standard measure of personality was administered (Big Five Inventory) along with two questionnaire measures of empathy. Synaesthetes, relative to demographically matched controls, reported higher levels of ‘Openness to Experience’ which is known to be related to imagination and artistic tendencies. They also reported higher levels of ‘Fantasizing’ on one of the empathy measures, which is conceptually related to Openness, although their self-reported empathy did not differ in other respects. In addition, synaesthetes reported lower levels of Agreeableness which we did not predict in advance.

Herbert M. Lefcourt (1936–2011).

Presents an obituary for Herbert M. Lefcourt. In the summer of 1963, with a freshly minted PhD degree in his hands, Lefcourt moved to Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Along with several other young faculty members from the United States, Herb had been recruited to help establish a new PhD program in clinical psychology at the University of Waterloo. Over the ensuing years, it became recognized as one of the leading clinical programs in North America. Ever an optimist with a zest for life, Herb focused on the positive side of human nature in his research interests. While others studied stress and distress, Herb was more interested in the personality traits of people who are particularly resilient, able to withstand adversity without succumbing to illness and depression. Later in his career, his interests turned to the study of the sense of humor, again conceptualized as a personality variable with important implications for mental and physical health. Herb retired from the university in 1996 and was awarded the honorific of Distinguished Professor Emeritus. He had a very enjoyable retirement, pursuing his many interests, which included international travel, hiking, woodworking, literature, film, and classical music, and enjoying his summer cottage on Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron. He is remembered as an energetic teacher who, in addition to having an eclectic command of the theory and research, drew on his vast knowledge of literature, film, and current events to make his lectures interesting, informative, and thought-provoking.

Facial aesthetics and the assignment of personality traits before and after orthognathic surgery

Processing and interpreting the face is generally very important because one is often required to make rapid decisions in life on the basis of meagre information. Ninety-two volunteers used a computer-assisted test battery to assess 40 profiles of patients (8 skeletal Class II and 8 skeletal Class III patients, each pre- and postoperatively, with 8 skeletal Class I photographs serving as controls). On a 7-point Likert scale the raters were asked to evaluate aesthetics and a few relevant personality traits (e.g. unintelligent, inhibited, aggressive, brutal). The photographs of the two patient groups were rated significantly less attractive and intelligent prior to surgery than the photographs of the control group. In respect of personality traits, the photographs of the skeletal Class III group differed more strongly from normal ones. In respect of aesthetics and intelligence, both patient groups benefited markedly from surgery. For some personality traits, significant interactions were found between the two groups on pre–post comparison. The method underlying the study is useful for evaluating the outcome of orthognathic surgery, but also indicates the strongly generalized and unconscious processes involved in the estimation of people's personality traits, especially when these concern deviations from the socially normal condition.

Stress Strengthens Memory of First Impressions of Others' Positive Personality Traits

Encounters with strangers bear potential for social conflict and stress, but also allow the formation of alliances. First impressions of other people play a critical role in the formation of alliances, since they provide a learned base to infer the other's future social attitude. Stress can facilitate emotional memories but it is unknown whether stress strengthens our memory for newly acquired impressions of other people's personality traits. To answer this question, we subjected 60 students (37 females, 23 males) to an impression-formation task, viewing portraits together with brief positive vs. negative behavior descriptions, followed by a 3-min cold pressor stress test or a non-stressful control procedure. The next day, novel and old portraits were paired with single trait adjectives, the old portraits with a trait adjective matching the previous day's behavior description. After a filler task, portraits were presented again and subjects were asked to recall the trait adjective. Cued recall was higher for old (previously implied) than the novel portraits' trait adjectives, indicating validity of the applied test procedures. Overall, recall rate of implied trait adjectives did not differ between the stress and the control group. However, while the control group showed a better memory performance for others' implied negative personality traits, the stress group showed enhanced recall for others' implied positive personality traits. This result indicates that post-learning stress affects consolidation of first impressions in a valence-specific manner. We propose that the stress-induced strengthening of memory of others' positive traits forms an important cue for the formation of alliances in stressful conditions.

Ethnic Out-Group Faces Are Biased in the Prejudiced Mind

Prejudice biases cognition, affect, and behavior toward ethnic out-groups. We propose that prejudice also biases the way people conceptualize the facial appearance of out-group members. Popular belief holds that people's personality traits are reflected in their facial features. We hypothesized that prejudiced people also have more negatively stereotyped mental representations of faces of people in the out-group. To test this hypothesis, we conducted two studies involving the category of Moroccans, a highly stigmatized immigrant group in The Netherlands. The results of the first study suggested that highly prejudiced people have biased mental representations of Moroccan faces. We ran a second study using more trials in the image construction phase, but with an otherwise identical design, to enhance the quality of individual participants' classification images. This allowed us to replicate the findings of the first study on an individual rather than subgroup level.

Five-factor model personality traits in opioid dependence

BackgroundPersonality traits may form a part of the aetiology of opioid dependence. For instance, opioid dependence may result from self-medication in emotionally unstable individuals, or from experimenting with drugs in sensation seekers. The five factor model (FFM) has obtained a central position in contemporary personality trait theory. The five factors are: Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. Few studies have examined whether there is a distinct personality pattern associated with opioid dependence.MethodsWe compared FFM personality traits in 65 opioid dependent persons (mean age 27 years, 34% females) in outpatient counselling after a minimum of 5 weeks in buprenorphine replacement therapy, with those in a non-clinical, age- and sex-matched sample selected from a national database. Personality traits were assessed by a Norwegian version of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R), a 240-item self-report questionnaire. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated for the differences in personality trait scores.ResultsThe opioid-dependent sample scored higher on Neuroticism, lower on Extraversion and lower on Conscientiousness (d = -1.7, 1.2 and 1.7, respectively) than the controls. Effects sizes were small for the difference between the groups in Openness to experience scores and Agreeableness scores.ConclusionWe found differences of medium and large effect sizes between the opioid dependent group and the matched comparison group, suggesting that the personality traits of people with opioid dependence are in fact different from those of non-clinical peers.

Personality characteristics of chronic bruxers.

One hundred twelve adults randomly selected from a periodontal practice participated in research to determine whether the personality traits of people who chronically brux (grind their teeth) diverge significantly from the personality traits of those who do not do so. All participants completed a personality questionnaire and were examined by the periodontist, who determined which were chronic bruxers. Twenty-eight of the men and 46 of the women were diagnosed as bruxers. Their personality trait scores differed significantly from those of the nonbruxers. In general, and regardless of gender, chronic bruxers were found to be shy, stiff, cautious, and aloof, preferring things rather than people, avoiding compromises, rigid in their ways, affected by feelings of inferiority, impeded in expressing themselves, apprehensive, and given to worrying.

Children's use of personality attributions to predict other people's emotional and behavioral reactions.

This study examines children's abilities to take other people's personality traits into account when predicting their future emotional and behavioral reactions to events. Kindergarten, second-grade, fourth-grade, and college students listened to a series of stories. Each story described 3 examples of a child's past behavior from which a personality trait could be inferred. Subjects were asked to predict and explain the story character's behavioral or emotional reaction to a new event. Their responses were compared to those of subjects who were not given any information about the protagonist's past behavior, and to those of subjects who received prompts. There was an increase with age in the use of personality attributions to predict and explain future reactions. Subjects were more influenced by the trait information when predicting behavior than when predicting emotion. Understanding emotion may be more difficult in that it requires a conceptualization of personality traits as implying thoughts and feelings, as well as behavioral dispositions.