Theories of personality: exam 2- Hans Eysenck

Hans Eysenck personal info

1916- 1997

born in Berlin then moved to England

personality dimensions- E, N, P

Personality dimension E

Extraversion vs. introversion

Personality dimension N

Neuroticism vs. emotional stability

personality dimension P

Psychoticism vs. impulse control

extraversion - traits/ biological

traits- sociable, lively, active, assertive, sensation seeking, carefree, dominant, and adventurous

biological- lower base level of cortical arousal

intraversion - traits/ biological

traits- shy away from excitement, react strongly to stimulation

biological- cortical arousal levels are already high

Neuroticism- traits of high scorers

anxious, depressed, guilt feelings, low self- esteem, tense, irrational, shy, and moody

results in chronic hypersensitivity

psychoticism- traits of high scorers

aggressive, cold, egocentric, impersonal, impulsive, antisocial, creative, and tough- minded

have problems with alcohol, drug abuse, and violent criminal behavior

(have authoritarian and controlling parents)

Primary role of hereditary

Eysenck believed that traits and dimensions were determined by hereditary

compared identical to fraternal twins

McCrae and Costa’s big 5 personality factors (OCEAN)*

Big- 5 research

Neuroticism, extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness have a strong hereditary components

all five factors have been found in diverse cultures

most of the factors remain stable to some degree over the life span

women report higher levels of neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness than men

emotional correlates— well- being

high extraversion

low neuroticism

high agreeableness and conscientiousness

emotional correlates— extraversion

social support

likeable

positive emotions

emotional correlates— neuroticism

negative outcomes

behavioral correlates— conscientiousness

better grades and responsible at work

increased health

low score leads to use of alcohol and illegal drugs

behavioral correlates— agreeableness

fewer behavior problems

behavioral correlates— openness

various intellectual interests

seeks challenges

behavioral correlates— neuroticism

greater longevity

behavioral correlates— extraversion

more social relationships

6 personality factors of the HEXACO model

Dark triad of personality

narcissism - obsessed with self

machiavellanism- need to manipulate others

psychopathy - insensitive to others

assess by self- rating tests like dirty dozen scale —- these don’t work well

Dark triad research

slight differences in appearance in people with high/ low levels of nuroticissm and psychopathy

people tend to associate more with people with low levels

in crowded scenarios, people are less averse to psychopathy to non- crowded scenarios.

in both crowds and non- crowds, people are averse towards narcissistic individuals.