Psychoticism
Psychoticismis one of the threetraitsused by the psychologistHans Eysenckin his P–E–N model (psychoticism,extraversionandneuroticism) model ofpersonality.
Nature
[edit]Psychoticism is conceptually similar to theconstraintfactor in Tellegen's three-factor model of personality.[1]Psychoticism may be divided into narrower traits such asimpulsivityandsensation-seeking.These may in turn be further subdivided into even more specific traits. For example, impulsivity may be divided into narrow impulsivity (unthinking responsivity), risk taking, non-planning, and liveliness.[1]Sensation seekinghas also been analysed into a number of separate facets.
Eysenck argued that there might be a correlation between psychoticism andcreativity.[2]
Critics
[edit]Critics of the trait have suggested that the trait is too heterogeneous to be taken as a single trait. Costa and McCrae believe thatagreeablenessandconscientiousness(both of which represent low levels of psychoticism) need to be distinguished in personality models.[3]It has also been suggested that "psychoticism" may be a misnomer and that "psychopathy"or" Impulsive Unsocialized Sensation Seeking "would be better labels.[1]
Biological bases
[edit]Psychoticism is believed to be associated with levels ofdopamine.[4]Other biological correlates of psychoticism include lowconditionabilityand low levels ofmonoamine oxidase;beta-hydroxylase,cortisol,norepinephrineincerebrospinal fluidalso appear relevant to psychoticism level.
Eysenck's theoretical basis for the model was the theory ofEinheitspsychosen (unitary psychosis)of the nineteenth-century German psychiatristHeinrich Neumann.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^abcZuckerman, Marvin; Michael Kuhlman, D.; Thornquist, Mary; Kiers, Henk (1991). "Five (or three) robust questionnaire scale factors of personality without culture".Personality and Individual Differences.12(9): 929.doi:10.1016/0191-8869(91)90182-B.
- ^Eysenck, Hans J. (1993). Creativity and Personality: Suggestions for a Theory.Psychological Inquiry.4(3), 147–178.
- ^Costa, Paul T.; McCrae, Robert R. (1992). "Four ways five factors are basic".Personality and Individual Differences.13(6): 653.doi:10.1016/0191-8869(92)90236-I.
- ^Lester, D.(1989) Neurotransmitter bases for Eysenck's theory of personality.Psychological Reports,64, (1) 189–190
More information
[edit]- Eysenck, H.J. & Eysenck, S.B.G. (1976).Psychoticism as a Dimension of Personality.London: Hodder and Stoughton