Temperament Theories Overview
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Questions and Answers

What role does temperament play in personality development?

  • Temperament forms the foundation for developing personality. (correct)
  • Temperament has no influence on personality.
  • Temperament is solely learned from the environment.
  • Temperament changes personality traits dramatically each year.

Which temperamental type did Thomas and Chess identify?

  • Difficult (correct)
  • Schizophrenic
  • Phlegmatic
  • Optimistic

How did Eysenck link later temperament models?

  • He connected them to Neuroticism and Extraversion. (correct)
  • He disregarded earlier models completely.
  • He simplified them into two categories.
  • He related them to personality disorders.

Which temperament is characterized by a weaker and more sensitive nervous system according to Pavlov?

<p>Melancholic (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'changeability' characteristic of temperament refer to?

<p>The ability to adapt or shift in response to new experiences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following did Kretschmer introduce in his theory of personality?

<p>Contrasting personality types like cyclothymic and schizothymic. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Greek temperament type is linked with stability and introversion?

<p>Phlegmatic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about temperament is true according to modern understanding?

<p>Temperament can change and develop considerably over time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes extraverts from introverts in terms of arousal levels?

<p>Extraverts have lower baseline arousal levels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of the Transmarginal Inhibition (TMI) apply to introverts?

<p>They experience a decrease in response at lower stimulus intensity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about someone who exhibits high neuroticism?

<p>They demonstrate low emotional stability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits is associated with extraversion?

<p>Sensation-seeking. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of introverts according to Eysenck's theory?

<p>They prefer solitude and avoid being the center of attention. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about excitation and inhibition is accurate?

<p>Introverts have stronger excitation and weaker inhibition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Eysenck's unidimensional arousal theory suggest about extraverts?

<p>They thrive in highly stimulating environments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Eysenck's dimensions of personality, what does psychoticism indicate?

<p>Aggressiveness and egocentrism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Strength of the Nervous System concept relate to introverts?

<p>Introverts exhibit weaker nervous system responses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state is indicated by a tendency toward melancholia?

<p>Possible sadness or depression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the ARAS in relation to personality?

<p>It regulates arousal levels linked to extraversion and introversion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about extraverts?

<p>They usually have low energy levels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Eysenck's model, what must be noted about neuroticism?

<p>It involves a greater tendency toward anxiety and emotional instability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Temperament

An individual's innate and biologically influenced behavioral style, encompassing emotions and forming the basis for personality development.

Allport's Temperament Theory

The earliest concept of temperament, suggesting biological factors underlie observable traits, forming the foundation of personality.

Greek Temperament Theory (Galen)

A classification of temperaments into four types: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic.

Eysenck’s Temperament Model (1975)

A model by Eysenck connecting the four Greek temperaments to Neuroticism and Extraversion.

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Pavlov's Temperament Theory

Pavlov’s theory that differences in temperament stem from the ease of eliciting excitatory or inhibitory processes in the nervous system, as observed in dogs.

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Changeability

The ability to adapt or shift in response to new experiences.

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Activity

Level of energy and movement.

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Sensitivity to External Stimulation

How strongly one reacts to external events or stimuli.

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Cheerfulness

A state of consistently experiencing positive emotions and outlook.

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Stability

The tendency to react to situations in a consistent and stable manner, both emotionally and behaviorally.

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Sensitivity to Internal Thoughts

The degree to which an individual is sensitive to their own thoughts and feelings.

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Melancholia

A predisposition towards sadness, pessimism, and a generally melancholic mood.

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Unidimensional Arousal Theory

A theory proposing that individuals differ in their baseline levels of arousal, with extraverts having lower arousal and introverts having higher arousal.

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Transmarginal Inhibition (TMI)

The point at which an increase in stimulus intensity no longer leads to a stronger response, instead leading to a decrease or cessation of response.

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Threshold of Transmarginal Inhibition

The level of stimulus intensity required to trigger transmarginal inhibition.

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Strength of the Nervous System

Refers to the capacity of the nervous system to handle incoming stimulation without being overwhelmed.

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Cortical Inhibition

A process that actively blocks incoming stimuli to prevent excessive brain activity.

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Extraversion (E)

A personality dimension characterized by sociability, assertiveness, and a tendency to seek out stimulation.

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Introversion (I)

A personality dimension characterized by introspective, quiet, and a preference for solitude.

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Neuroticism (N)

A personality dimension characterized by emotional instability, anxiety, and a tendency to experience negative moods.

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Psychoticism (P)

A personality dimension characterized by impulsivity, aggression, and a disregard for social norms.

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Ascending Reticular Activating System (ARAS)

A brain structure involved in regulating arousal and alertness.

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Limbic System

A brain structure that processes and regulates emotional responses.

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Study Notes

Temperament Theories

  • Temperament is innate and influenced by biology.
  • Emotions are a fundamental aspect of temperament.
  • Temperament forms the basis of personality development.

Early Temperament Theories

  • Allport: Early proponent suggesting biological underpinnings of temperament, which is innate and foundational to personality.
  • Galen (Greek): Early classification of temperaments into sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic.
  • Kretschmer (1926): Proposed contrasting personality types like cyclothymic (mood swings) and schizothymic (schizophrenia tendencies).
  • Thomas and Chess: Identified three child temperaments: easy, difficult, and slow-to-warm-up.

Modern Understanding of Temperament

  • Temperament is not fixed; it can change significantly over time.
  • Eysenck (1975): Connected Greek temperaments to neuroticism and extraversion.
    • Stable/Introverted = Phlegmatic
    • Unstable/Introverted = Melancholic
    • Unstable/Extraverted = Choleric
    • Stable/Extraverted = Sanguine

Pavlov's Theory

  • Temperament is linked to the strength of the nervous system's excitatory and inhibitory processes.
  • Sanguine (Dogs): Easily stimulated, active, but become inactive when bored. Stronger nervous system.
  • Melancholic (Dogs): Highly sensitive, inhibited, often anxious. Weaker nervous system.

Eysenck's Theory

  • Unidimensional Arousal Theory (1953): Extraverts have lower baseline arousal levels, seeking stimulation to reach optimal levels. Introverts have higher baseline arousal, preferring less stimulating environments.
  • Strength of Nervous System (1967): Extraverts have stronger nervous systems; introverts have weaker ones.
  • Transmarginal Inhibition (TMI): The point where increased stimulation leads to reduced or stopped response.
  • Cortical Inhibition (1960): Introverts show stronger excitation but weaker inhibition, leading to quicker TMI and higher arousal. Extraverts exhibit weaker excitation but stronger inhibition, allowing for more intense stimulation before TMI.

Temperament Characteristics

  • Changeability: Adaptability to new experiences.
  • Activity: Energy level and movement.
  • Sensitivity to External Stimulation: Response intensity to external events.
  • Depth of Thought: Extent of thinking (shallow versus deep).
  • Cheerfulness: Positive emotional state.
  • Stability: Consistent emotional reactions.
  • Slowness: Gradual response to situations.
  • Sensitivity to Internal Thoughts: Awareness of one's own thoughts and emotions.
  • Melancholia: Tendency toward sadness or depression.

Eysenck's Personality Dimensions

  • This model includes Extraversion (E), Neuroticism (N), and Psychoticism (P).
  • Extraversion (E): Sociable, active, assertive, sensation-seeking, carefree.
  • Introversion (I): Withdrawn, quiet, prefers solitude, avoids attention, shy.
  • Neuroticism (N): Anxious, depressive, guilt-prone, tense, shy, moody.
  • Psychoticism (P): Aggressive, cold, egocentric, antisocial, impulsive, impersonal, creative, insensitive, cruel.

ARAS and Neuroticism

  • The Ascending Reticular Activating System (ARAS) influences extraversion/introversion by regulating arousal.
  • High neuroticism is linked to high limbic system arousal, leading to anxiety.

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Description

Explore the fascinating theories of temperament, from ancient classifications by Galen to modern insights by Eysenck. Understand how biological factors influence innate emotions and personality development. This quiz covers key researchers and their contributions to the field.

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