Hans J. Eysenck

Biography Born in Berlin Both parents actors Raised by grandmother Known for his tenacity

Biography Emigrated to England in 1934 Entered the University of London Prolific researcher and author Considered by many to be the worlds most frequently cited psychologist at his death

Personality More or less stable and enduring organization of a person’s character, temperament, intellect, and physique, which determines his unique adjustment to the environment

Theory Personality is mostly biological but can be influenced by environment Biological view validated by: –The same three personality orientations are found universally regardless of social and cultural factors –These traits show stability within individuals over long periods of time in the face of differing experiences –Evidence supported by twin studies

Theory Personality results from levels of excitation, arousal and inhibition of an individual’s nervous system. –Hereditary in nature –Involves ARAS and Limbic Systems (visceral brain)

Theory Based on three dimensions (Types or Superfactors): –Extraversion / Introversion –Neuroticism / Stability –Psychoticism / Superego

Extraversion / Introversion Extraverts –Have a “strong nervous system” –Have a higher sensory threshold (although lower sedative threshold) –Need and actively seek excitement and stimulation –Can tolerate relatively intense stimuli w/o being overwhelmed

Extraversion / Introversion Introverts –Have a “weak nervous system” –Low sensory threshold (higher sedative threshold) –Shy away from excitement and stimulation –Quickly overwhelmed by intense stimuli

Neuroticism / Stability Greater brain activity shown in limbic (visceral brain) area (emotion) and in sympathetic nervous system. React emotionally to things others consider insignificant (overreactive autonomic nervous systems) Not necessarily equated with debilitating psychological symptoms –Held to diathesis-stress model of mental illness Genetically predisposed toward neuroticism or emotional stability

UNSTABLE STABLE choleric melancholic phlegmaticsanguine INTROVERTED EXTRAVERTED Moody Anxious Rigid Sober Pessimistic Reserved Unsociable Quiet Sociable Outgoing Talkative Responsive Easygoing Lively Carefree Leadership Passive Careful Thoughtful Peaceful Controlled Reliable Even-tempered Calm Touchy Restless Aggressive Excitable Changeable Impulsive Optimistic Active

Psychoticism / Superego Control Does not necessarily refer to psychotic disorders Characterized by degree of impulsivity and emotional detachment from others. High score more aggressive, antisocial, cold and egocentric, nonconforming, impulsive, and hostile Low score are more altruistic, highly socialized, caring, empathetic, cooperative, conforming, and conventional Higher the score the lower the stress needed to push toward psychotic behavior

Psychoticism / Superego Also includes creativity and genius Males more than females (related to maleness) High genetic component but less than extraversion and neuroticism Eventually determined that criminals score high on all three dimensions.

Types Extraversion Traits Assertive Traits Sociable Traits Active Habitual Response Expresses Needs Habitual response Considerate Habitual response Smiles at eveyone Habitual response Shakes everyone's hand Habitual response Parties Habitual response Energetic in everything Specific Response Level

Theory Hierarchy of Behavior Organization –1rst level: types or superfactors Made up of several interrelated traits –2 nd level: traits “important, semi-permanent personality dispositions” “defined in terms of significant intercorrelations between different habitual behaviors” –3 rd level: habitual responses Behaviors or thoughts that recur under similar conditions –4 th level: specific acts and cognitions Individual behaviors or thoughts that may or may not be characteristic of a person

The Big 5 O penness C onscientiousness E xtraversion A greeableness N euroticism

The Big 5 There is considerable empirical support for Personality Disorders being understood as maladaptive variants of the Big 5. The first four in particular define the domains of impairment used to diagnose personality and mental disorders. –Extraversion & Agreeableness Two largest domains account largely for all manner of interpersonal relatedness –Conscientiousness Concerns control and regulation of behavior –Neuroticism Primarily important to the fields of clinical psych and psychiatry –Openness Primarily deals with culture or society’s interest in creativity, intellect, imagination, and conventionality. There are aspects of openness in PDs as well.