Tellegen's Model of Personality Traits

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Questions and Answers

What does Positive Emotionality (PEM) primarily involve?

Strict adherence to traditional values and social norms

Dispositions to experience positive emotions like optimism and happiness (correct)

A tendency to avoid risks and dangerous activities

Negative experiences such as stress and anxiety

Which of the following is a typical marker of Negative Emotionality (NEM)?

Experiencing anxiety and irritability (correct)

Being cheerful and optimistic

Enjoying close relationships

Having leadership qualities

What does the factor of Constraint reflect in temperament?

High levels of aggression and risk-taking behaviors

Non-temperamental traits including self-control and adherence to social norms (correct)

A tendency to view stimuli only in negative ways

A preference for spontaneity and freedom of expression

How do individuals with high Positive Emotionality (PEM) typically perceive stimuli?

Positively, focusing on rewarding aspects Signup and view all the answers

What emotional consequences are associated with Negative Emotionality (NEM) in interpreting stimuli?

Interpreting situations negatively and expecting problems Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT related to Positive Emotionality (PEM)?

Feeling anxious and irritable Signup and view all the answers

What effect does high Constraint typically have on an individual's behavior?

Promotes careful and planful behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following emotional responses is associated with high levels of Negative Emotionality (NEM)?

Feelings of worthlessness and mood swings Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the typical reaction of individuals with Positive Emotionality (PEM) to stimuli?

They react with enthusiasm and positive energy. Signup and view all the answers

How does Negative Emotionality (NEM) affect memory recall?

It leads to a focus on and recollection of negative memories. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a common self-image of individuals with Positive Emotionality?

They have a positive self-image and view themselves as capable. Signup and view all the answers

In Watson and Clark’s Temperament Model, what does Neuroticism/Negative Emotionality (NEM) primarily reflect?

A perception of the world as threatening and distressing. Signup and view all the answers

What is one outcome associated with low Positive Emotionality and high Negative Emotionality?

Increased likelihood of experiencing depression. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an individual with high Disinhibition in the Big Five model?

They tend to be impulsive and seek immediate gratification. Signup and view all the answers

How does Harmavoidance typically influence behavior?

It leads to engagement in less risky behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the Big Five Traits model expand upon from the Big Three Temperament Model?

It integrates more personality traits based on genetic components. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding self-schemas under Positive Emotionality?

They focus on success, social engagement, and optimism. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of self-narrative is commonly associated with individuals high in Negative Emotionality (NEM)?

They often illustrate struggles, stress, and emotional difficulties. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tellegen's Model (1985)

Identifies three higher-order factors: Positive Emotionality (PEM), Negative Emotionality (NEM), and Constraint.
Positive Emotionality (PEM): Involves experiencing positive emotions (optimism, happiness). It has cognitive and behavioral components.
- Markers: Well-being (cheerful, optimistic), Social Potency (influence others, leadership), Achievement (ambitious, hard-working), Social Closeness (sociable, warm).
Negative Emotionality (NEM): Tendency toward negative emotions (stress, anxiety, anger).
- Markers: Stress Reaction (anxious, irritable, guilt-prone), Aggression (aggressive, enjoys violence), Alienation (feels betrayed, believes others will harm them).
Constraint: Represents self-control and adherence to social norms. It's about stability and cautious behavior.
- Markers: Control (cautious, careful, planful), Harmavoidance (avoids risks, prefers safety), Traditionalism (high moral standards, conventional ways).

Cognitive and Emotional Consequences of PEM and NEM

Perception: PEM individuals perceive stimuli positively, while NEM individuals see them as threatening.
Interpretation: PEM interprets situations optimistically, while NEM interprets them negatively.
Reaction: PEM reacts with enthusiasm, NEM reacts with anxiety/stress.
Memory: PEM remembers pleasant stimuli easily, NEM remembers negative ones.
Memory Recall: PEM recalls positive memories readily, NEM recalls negative ones.
Self-Image: PEM has positive self-image, NEM has negative self-image.
Self-Schemas: PEM's schemas focus on success and optimism, NEM's focus on fear and anxiety.
Self-Narrative: PEM's narratives focus on overcoming challenges, NEM's highlight struggles.

Low PEM and High NEM

Predisposition to depression
Tendency toward low mood and high anxiety.

Watson and Clark's Temperament Model (1993)

Integrates mood, emotion, and temperament, building on Eysenck's model (E, N, P).
Highlights genetic component of personality traits.
Links major personality traits (especially neuroticism and extraversion) to affective experiences.
Emphasizes that traits are causal in behavior, not just descriptive.

The Big Three Temperament Model

Neuroticism/Negative Emotionality (NEM): How much a person perceives the world as threatening or distressing.
Extraversion/Positive Emotionality (PEM): Extraverts are energetic and enjoy social interaction.
Disinhibition vs. Constraint:
- Disinhibited individuals are impulsive and seek immediate gratification.
- Constrained individuals plan carefully and avoid risks.

Convergence of Big Three and Big Five

Big Five traits are a more detailed expansion of the Big Three.
- Neuroticism (Big Five) closely aligns with Neuroticism (NEM).
- Extraversion (Big Five) aligns with Extraversion (PEM).
- Disinhibition/Constraint aligns with low Conscientiousness and Agreeableness in the Big Five, suggesting impulsivity and lack of cooperation.

MPQ Factor CON - Tellegen (1985)

Control: Cautious, careful, level-headed, planful.
Harmavoidance (Fear): Avoidance of risks, preference for safety. Associated with anxiety. Leads to less risky behavior.
Traditionalism: High moral/religious values. Values convention and opposes unrestricted freedom. Prefers structure and order.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of Tellegen's Model from 1985, which identifies three higher-order factors of personality: Positive Emotionality, Negative Emotionality, and Constraint. Each factor has distinct markers that define various emotional and behavioral characteristics. Test your understanding of how these elements interplay in personality assessment.