Character accentuation is a term that was introduced into psychological science by Karl Leonhard. Lichko's classification was created somewhat later and in many ways it is similar to that of the discoverer.
Both specialists considered accentuation to be a deformation of character, in which some of its features stand out. In modern psychological practice, this position has been somewhat revised. Accentuation is considered a variant of the clinical norm, a feature of the character of a particular person.
In Lichko’s classification there are 11 character accentuations. Each of them has its own characteristics.
Accentuations can be expressed to varying degrees. In the mildest version, we are talking about minor features. Most often there is some kind of golden mean. It is also possible to have a high severity at the level of the borderline of the norm or full-fledged psychopathy or, as they say now, a personality disorder. Psychopathy can also be considered a variant of accentuation, but pathological, overly expressed and dictating the patient’s lifestyle.
What do you need to know about character accentuations according to Lichko’s classification?
Hyperthymic
It is considered perhaps the most dynamic character accentuation in terms of the intensity of the nervous system. People with hyperthymia are sociable and have increased sociability. These are typical extroverts who can find a common language with almost anyone and easily make friends.
Characterized by a group of features:
- Elevated mood. Constantly elevated background. Which generally explains the name of this character accentuation. The emotional component is characterized by high stability. It is difficult to upset such accentuators.
- Sociability. Increased tendency to communicate. In difficult cases, when hyperthymia is pronounced, sociability reaches the point of intrusiveness and even talkativeness. Patients are encouraged to work with this aspect of their personality. Because they can be an obstacle to establishing personal relationships and/or professional growth and development.
- Frivolity reaching the point of absurdity. In the mildest cases there is a minimal problem. When expressed, it carries danger. For example, such a patient is quite capable of wasting his salary on gambling and does not see anything wrong with this.
- Inability to complete a task. A quick change of interests, as an integral part of that same frivolity.
- Communication skills. The ability to make friends and partners. A useful trait for people involved in entrepreneurship and business. Therefore, representatives of this class can be found among professional “dealers”.
- Intolerance of monotony and monotony. What determines professional preferences. For example, such people practically do not engage in scientific activities, since it requires constant concentration. However, they feel great in places where they constantly need to work with others and communicate. For example, in the role of a manager, etc.
- Propensity to take increased risks. Including a passion for gambling, a tendency to risk your life. For example, the latter can manifest itself in extreme sports.
Positivity and sociability are clearly positive traits of hyperthymia. As for the disadvantages of hyperthymia, it is frivolity, a tendency to take unjustified risks. In the middle “position”, if the accentuation is slightly expressed, the negative features are smoothed out.
Degree of manifestation of accentuation
The severity of bright and strong characteristic personal qualities leads to a division into two types:
- obvious accentuation;
- hidden accentuation.
Explicit accentuation
Refers to extreme manifestations bordering on the norm. Constant personality traits determine an individual’s attitude towards a certain type of character, but pronounced traits do not lead to difficulties with adaptation in society. People choose a profession that corresponds to their developed abilities and certain capabilities.
Vivid personality indicators become more acute during adolescence, which, when interacting with certain psychogenic factors, can lead to disruption of smooth communication with other individuals and deviations in behavior . After reaching adulthood, the features remain significantly pronounced, but are smoothed out, and communication in society occurs smoothly, without incident.
Hidden current of accentuation
This degree of development of the most significant character traits rather refers to normal options; we can say that accentuation (the manifestation of bright personal indicators) does not appear at all. But those assessment indicators that have the highest value can manifest themselves during tests in situations of psychologically heightened background, after severe mental trauma and experiences.
Hysterical
The hysterical type is one of the most difficult in terms of communication with him. Patients themselves do not experience communication problems, but negative traits can seriously complicate the building of close relationships, for example, friendships or romantic ones. Among the features of this class:
Egocentrism. Patients with hysterical accentuation of character are overly selfish. Basically, this becomes an obstacle to normal relationships. As part of psychopathy, such individuals view others only as tools for their own development and benefit.
The desire to be constantly in the spotlight. Increased artistry. At best, such patients choose creative professions, where they sublimate the increased concentration of psychic energy. They transfer it, as they say, into action. On the other hand, much more often the trait takes on a destructive character. For example, attempts at demonstrative suicide are typical. This trait does not contribute to good relations with others.
Inability to take into account other people's interests. Doesn't always happen. Closer to the level of psychopathy. Accompanied by a reluctance and inability to consider other people as equals. And at the same time, a feeling of superiority and arrogance is added.
Active position. A positive trait. Hysteroids often get into trouble and try to be the center of attention. They make excellent civil activists, politicians, lawyers and other people who are involved in socially important matters.
Communication skills. They know how to establish relationships with almost anyone. This is also a merit of artistry, since partners simply do not see negative traits. Hysteroids know how to hide their true face, at least until they get close enough to others.
Persistence to the point of stubbornness. Reluctance to accept another opinion. It is extremely difficult to convince a hysteroid.
Inability to survive “blows of fate.” Despite their apparent impenetrability, these people are not quite what they seem. They are afraid of being ridiculed and misunderstood. In the case of psychopathy, they are especially worried if something does not happen according to their plan.
Intolerance of criticism. Excessive sensitivity.
Increased initiative.
Hysteroids are extremely difficult in terms of communication and close relationships. But thanks to their persistence and initiative, they are indispensable in social work. They have an active creativity. They often choose appropriate professions.
Test-questionnaire of Shmishek and Leonhard. Methodology for accentuation of personality’s character and temperament
Test questionnaire of Shmishek and Leonhard
Full name of the person being assessed | _________________________________________ |
Age (full years) | _________________________________________ |
Job title | _________________________________________ |
Subdivision | _________________________________________ |
Date of completion | _________________________________________ |
Instructions
You will be given statements regarding your character. Answer without thinking for a long time, you can choose one of two answers: “yes” or “no”, there are no other answer options. You must mark your answer on the response form by placing a cross in the “yes” or “no” box opposite the number corresponding to the question number.
Test
1. Is your mood generally cheerful and carefree?
2. Are you sensitive to insults?
3. Have you ever cried quickly?
4. Do you always consider yourself to be right in what you do, and will you not rest until you are convinced of this?
5. Do you consider yourself more courageous than in childhood?
6. Can your mood change from deep joy to deep sadness?
7. Are you the center of attention in the company?
8. Do you have days when you are in a sullen and irritable mood for no good reason and don’t want to talk to anyone?
9. Are you a serious person?
10. Can you get very excited?
11. Are you entrepreneurial?
12. Do you quickly forget if someone offends you?
13. Are you a kind-hearted person?
14. After you put a letter in the mailbox, do you try to check whether it is still hanging in the slot?
15. Do you always try to be conscientious at work?
16. Did you experience fear of thunderstorms or dogs as a child?
17. Do you think other people are not demanding enough of each other?
18. Does your mood depend greatly on life events and experiences?
19. Are you always straightforward with your friends?
20. Is your mood often depressed?
21. Have you ever had a hysterical attack or exhaustion of the nervous system?
22. Are you prone to states of intense inner restlessness or passionate desire?
23. Is it difficult for you to sit on a chair for a long time?
24. Do you fight for your interests if someone treats you unfairly?
25. Could you kill a person?
26. Does a curtain hanging askew or an uneven tablecloth really bother you, so much so that you want to immediately eliminate these shortcomings?
27. As a child, did you experience fear when you were alone in the apartment?
28. Do you often change your mood for no reason?
29. Are you always diligent in your activities?
30. Can you get angry quickly?
31. Can you be recklessly cheerful?
32. Can you sometimes be completely imbued with a feeling of joy?
33. Are you suitable for entertaining?
34. Do you usually express your frank opinion to people on a particular issue?
35. Does the type of blood affect you?
36. Are you willing to engage in activities associated with great responsibility?
37. Are you inclined to stand up for a person who has been treated unfairly?
38. Is it difficult for you to enter a dark basement?
39. Do you do painstaking menial work as slowly and carefully as you do what you love?
40. Are you a sociable person?
41. Did you willingly recite poetry at school?
42. Did you run away from home as a child?
43. Do you find life difficult?
44. Have you ever had conflicts and troubles that got on your nerves so much that you didn’t go to work?
45. Can we say that when you fail, you don’t lose your sense of humor?
46. Will you take the first step towards reconciliation if someone insults you?
47. Do you love animals?
48. Will you leave work or home if something is wrong with you?
49. Are you tormented by vague thoughts that some misfortune will happen to you or your relatives?
50. Do you think that your mood depends on the weather?
51. Would it be difficult for you to perform on stage in front of a large crowd?
52. Can you lose your temper and give free rein if someone deliberately rudely angers you?
53. Do you communicate a lot?
54. If you are disappointed with something, will you despair?
55. Do you like organizational work?
56. Do you persistently strive for your goal, even if there are many obstacles along the way?
57. Can you be so captivated by a movie that tears come to your eyes?
58. Will it be difficult for you to fall asleep if you have been thinking about your future or some problem all day?
59. During your school years, did you have to use hints or copy homework from your friends?
60. Is it difficult for you to go to the cemetery at night?
61. Do you take great care to ensure that every thing in the house is in its place?
62. Have you ever gone to bed in a good mood, but woke up in a dejected mood and remained in that mood for several hours?
63. Can you easily adapt to a new situation?
64. Are you prone to headaches?
65. Do you laugh often?
66. Can you be friendly with people without revealing your true attitude towards them?
67. Can you be called a lively and lively person?
68. Do you suffer greatly because of injustice?
69. Can you be called a passionate nature lover?
70. Do you have a habit of checking before going to bed or before leaving whether the gas and lights are turned off, and whether the door is closed?
71. Are you timid?
72. Does it happen that you feel in seventh heaven, although there are no objective reasons for this?
73. In your youth, were you willing to participate in amateur art groups and a theater group?
74. Do you sometimes feel drawn to look into the distance?
75. Do you look pessimistically at the future?
76. Can your mood change from extreme joy to deep sadness in a short period of time?
77. Is it easy for you to lift your spirits in a friendly company?
78. Do you endure anger for a long time?
79. Do you worry a lot if grief happens to another person?
80. At school, did you have the habit of rewriting a piece of paper in your notebook if you put a blot on it?
81. Can we say that you are more distrustful and cautious than trusting?
82. Do you often have scary dreams?
83. Have you ever had the idea of throwing yourself out of a window against your will, under an approaching train?
84. Do you become joyful in a cheerful environment?
85. Can you easily distract yourself from burdensome issues and not think about them?
86. Do you find it difficult to control yourself if you get angry?
87. Do you prefer to be silent (yes) or are you talkative (no)?
88. If you had to participate in a theatrical performance, could you, with complete penetration and transformation, enter into the role and forget about yourself?
Answer form for the test
№ | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | Sum | Point |
1 | 12 | 23 | 34 | 45 | 56 | 67 | 78 | ||||||||||||||||||
2 | 13 | 24 | 35 | 46 | 57 | 68 | 79 | ||||||||||||||||||
3 | 14 | 25 | 36 | 47 | 58 | 69 | 80 | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | 15 | 26 | 37 | 48 | 59 | 70 | 81 | ||||||||||||||||||
5 | 16 | 27 | 38 | 49 | 60 | 71 | 82 | ||||||||||||||||||
6 | 17 | 28 | 39 | 50 | 61 | 72 | 83 | ||||||||||||||||||
7 | 18 | 29 | 40 | 51 | 62 | 73 | 84 | ||||||||||||||||||
8 | 19 | 30 | 41 | 52 | 63 | 74 | 85 | ||||||||||||||||||
9 | 20 | 31 | 42 | 53 | 64 | 75 | 86 | ||||||||||||||||||
10 | 21 | 32 | 43 | 54 | 65 | 76 | 87 | ||||||||||||||||||
11 | 22 | 33 | 44 | 55 | 66 | 77 | 88 | ||||||||||||||||||
№ | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | № | Yes | No | Sum | Point |
Thank you for your responses!
Key to the Smishek and Leonhard questionnaire test
Description
The Shmishek and Leonhard test questionnaire is intended for diagnosing the type of personality accentuation, published by Mr. Shmishek in 1970 and is a modification of the “Methods for studying personality accentuations by K. Leonhard.” The technique is intended to diagnose accentuations of character and temperament. According to K. Leonhard, accentuation is the “sharpening” of some individual properties inherent in each person.
Accented personalities are not pathological; in other words, they are normal. They potentially contain both opportunities for socially positive achievements and a socially negative charge.
The 10 types of accentuated personalities identified by Leonhard are divided into two groups: character accentuations (demonstrative, pedantic, stuck, excitable) and temperament accentuations (hyperthymic, dysthymic, anxious-fearful, cyclothymic, affective, emotive).
The test is intended to identify the accentuated properties of character and temperament of adolescents, young adults and adults. The characterological test of Shmishek is suitable for taking into account character accentuations in the process of training, professional selection, psychological counseling, and career guidance.
Key to the test
For each scale, pluses (positive answers to the specified questions) and minuses (negative answers to the questions corresponding to the scale) are calculated. Then the points received (pros and cons) on the scale are summed up, and the result is multiplied by a coefficient - each type of accentuation has its own. As a result of processing the test results, 10 indicators will be obtained that correspond to the severity of one or another personality accentuation according to Leonhard.
Type | Fold (+) | Subtract (–) |
Character accentuations | ||
1. Demonstrativeness, hysteria ×2 (the resulting scale value is multiplied by 2) | 7, 19, 22, 29, 41, 44, 63, 66, 73, 85, 88 | 51 |
2. Stuck, rigid ×2 | 2, 15, 24, 34, 37, 56, 68, 78, 81 | 12, 46, 59 |
3. Pedantry ×2 | 4, 14, 17, 26, 39, 48, 58, 61, 70, 80, 83 | 36 |
4. Imbalance, excitability ×3 | 8, 20, 30, 42, 52, 64, 74, 86 | No |
Accentuations of temperament | ||
5. Hyperthymia ×3 | 1, 11, 23, 33, 45, 55, 67, 77 | No |
6. Dysthymicity ×3 | 9, 21, 43, 75, 87 | 31, 53, 65 |
7. Anxiety, timidity ×3 | 16, 27, 38, 49, 60, 71, 82 | 5 |
8. Cyclothymic ×3 | 6, 18, 28, 40, 50, 62, 72, 84 | No |
9. Affectiveness, exaltation ×6 | 10, 32, 54, 76 | No |
10. Emotivity, lability ×3 | 3, 13, 35, 47, 57, 69, 79 | 25 |
Interpretation of the result
The maximum score for each type of accentuation (on each scale of the questionnaire) is 24 points. The obtained data can be presented in the form of a “personality accentuation profile”:
According to some sources, a value exceeding 12 points is considered a sign of accentuation. Other reasons for the practical use of the questionnaire indicate that the sum of points in the range from 15 to 18 only indicates a tendency towards one or another type of accentuation. And only if the score exceeds 19 points is the personality accentuated.
Thus, a conclusion about the severity of accentuation is made based on the following indicators on the scales:
0–12 – property is not expressed;
13–18 – average degree of expression of the property (tendency towards one or another type of personality accentuation);
19–24 is a sign of accentuation.
Description of types of personality accentuations
1. Demonstrative type. Characterized by an increased ability to repress, demonstrative behavior, liveliness, mobility, and ease of establishing contacts. He is prone to fantasy, deceit and pretense, aimed at embellishing his person, adventurism, artistry, and posing. He is driven by the desire for leadership, the need for recognition, the thirst for constant attention to his person, the thirst for power, praise; the prospect of being undetected weighs him down. He demonstrates high adaptability to people, emotional lability (easy mood swings) in the absence of truly deep feelings, and a tendency to intrigue (with an externally soft manner of communication). There is boundless egocentrism, a thirst for admiration, sympathy, veneration, and surprise. Usually the praise of others in his presence causes him a particularly unpleasant feeling; he cannot stand it. The desire for a company is usually associated with the need to feel like a leader, to occupy an exceptional position. Self-esteem is very far from objectivity. He can irritate with his self-confidence and high claims; he systematically provokes conflicts, but at the same time actively defends himself. Possessing a pathological ability to repress, he can completely forget what he does not want to know about. This unchains him in his lies. Usually he lies with an innocent face, because what he is talking about at the moment is true for him; Apparently, he is not internally aware of his lie, or he is aware of it very shallowly, without noticeable remorse. Able to captivate others with his originality of thinking and actions.
2. Stuck type. He is characterized by moderate sociability, boringness, a penchant for moralizing, and taciturnity. Often suffers from imaginary injustice towards him. In this regard, he shows wariness and distrust towards people, is sensitive to insults and grief, is vulnerable, suspicious, vindictive, worries about what happened for a long time, and is not able to “easily move on” from insults. He is characterized by arrogance and often initiates conflicts. Arrogance, rigidity of attitudes and views, and highly developed ambition often lead to persistent assertion of his interests, which he defends with particular vigor. He strives to achieve high results in any business he undertakes and shows great persistence in achieving his goals. The main feature is a tendency to affect (love of truth, resentment, jealousy, suspicion), inertia in the manifestation of affects, in thinking, in motor skills.
3. Pedantic type. It is characterized by rigidity, inertia of mental processes, difficulty in getting up, and long experience of traumatic events. He rarely enters into conflicts, acting as a passive rather than an active party. At the same time, he reacts very strongly to any manifestation of disorder. At work he behaves like a bureaucrat, making many formal demands on others. Punctual, neat, pays special attention to cleanliness and order, scrupulous, conscientious, inclined to strictly follow the plan, unhurried in carrying out actions, diligent, focused on high quality work and special accuracy, prone to frequent self-examinations, doubts about the correctness of the work performed, grumbling, formalism . Willingly cedes leadership to other people.
4. Excitable type. Insufficient controllability, weakening of control over drives and impulses are combined in people of this type with the power of physiological drives. He is characterized by increased impulsiveness, instinctiveness, rudeness, tediousness, gloominess, anger, a tendency to rudeness and abuse, to friction and conflicts, in which he himself is an active, provoking party. Irritable, quick-tempered, often changes jobs, and is difficult to get along with in a team. There is low contact in communication, slowness of verbal and non-verbal reactions, heaviness of actions. For him, no work becomes attractive, he works only when necessary, and shows the same reluctance to learn. Indifferent to the future, he lives entirely in the present, wanting to extract a lot of entertainment from it. Increased impulsiveness or the resulting arousal reaction is difficult to suppress and can be dangerous to others. He can be domineering, choosing the weakest for communication.
5. Hyperthymic type. People of this type are distinguished by great mobility, sociability, talkativeness, expressiveness of gestures, facial expressions, pantomimes, excessive independence, a tendency to mischief, and a lack of a sense of distance in relationships with others. They often spontaneously deviate from the original topic of conversation. They make a lot of noise everywhere, love the company of their peers, and strive to boss them around. They almost always have a very good mood, good health, high vitality, often a flourishing appearance, good appetite, healthy sleep, a tendency towards gluttony and other joys of life. These are people with high self-esteem, cheerful, frivolous, superficial and, at the same time, businesslike, inventive, brilliant interlocutors; people who know how to entertain others, energetic, active, proactive. A great desire for independence can be a source of conflict. They are characterized by outbursts of anger and irritation, especially when they encounter strong opposition and fail. They are prone to immoral acts, increased irritability, and projectism. They do not take their responsibilities seriously enough. They find it difficult to endure conditions of strict discipline, monotonous activity, and forced loneliness.
6. Dysthymic type. People of this type are distinguished by seriousness, even depressed mood, slowness, and weak willpower. They are characterized by a pessimistic attitude towards the future, low self-esteem, as well as low contact, reticence in conversation, even silence. Such people are homebodies, individualists; They usually avoid society and noisy company and lead a secluded lifestyle. They are often gloomy, inhibited, and tend to fixate on the shadow sides of life. They are conscientious, value those who are friends with them and are ready to obey them, have a heightened sense of justice, as well as slow thinking.
7. Anxious type. People of this type are characterized by low communication, minor mood, timidity, timidity, and lack of self-confidence. Children of the anxious type are often afraid of the dark, animals, and are afraid to be alone. They avoid noisy and lively peers, do not like excessively noisy games, experience a feeling of timidity and shyness, and have a hard time with tests, exams, and inspections. They are often embarrassed to answer in front of the class. They willingly submit to the tutelage of their elders; adult lectures can cause them remorse, guilt, tears, and despair. They early develop a sense of duty, responsibility, and high moral and ethical requirements. They try to disguise the feeling of their own inferiority in self-affirmation through those types of activities where they can reveal their abilities to a greater extent. The touchiness, sensitivity, and shyness characteristic of them since childhood prevent them from getting close to those with whom they want; a particularly weak link is the reaction to the attitude of others towards them. Intolerance to ridicule and suspicion are accompanied by the inability to stand up for oneself, to defend the truth in the face of unfair accusations. They rarely enter into conflicts with others, playing a mainly passive role in them; in conflict situations, they seek support and support. They are friendly, self-critical, and diligent. Due to their defenselessness, they often serve as “scapegoats” and targets for jokes.
8. Cyclothymic type. Characterized by alternating hyperthymic and dysthymic states. They are characterized by frequent periodic mood swings, as well as dependence on external events. Joyful events cause pictures of hyperthymia in them: thirst for activity, increased talkativeness, racing ideas; sad ones - depression, slowness of reactions and thinking, their manner of communication with people around them also often changes. In adolescence, two variants of cyclothymic accentuation can be found: typical and labile cycloids. Typical cycloids in childhood usually give the impression of being hyperthymic, but then lethargy and loss of strength appear; what was previously easy now requires exorbitant effort. Previously noisy and lively, they become lethargic homebodies, there is a decrease in appetite, insomnia or, conversely, drowsiness. They react to comments with irritation, even rudeness and anger, in the depths of their souls, however, at the same time falling into despondency, deep depression, suicidal attempts are not excluded. They study unevenly, make up for any omissions with difficulty, and create in themselves an aversion to studying. In labile cycloids, the phases of mood changes are usually shorter than in typical cycloids. “Bad” days are marked by more bad mood than lethargy. During the period of recovery, the desire to have friends and be in company is expressed. Mood affects self-esteem.
9. Exalted type. A striking feature of this type is the ability to admire, admire, as well as smiling, a feeling of happiness, joy, pleasure. These feelings can often arise in them for a reason that does not cause much excitement in others; they easily become delighted with joyful events and in complete despair with sad ones. They are characterized by high contact, talkativeness, and amorousness. Such people often argue, but do not lead to open conflicts. In conflict situations, they are both active and passive parties. They are attached to friends and loved ones, altruistic, have a sense of compassion, good taste, and show brightness and sincerity of feelings. They can be alarmists, subject to momentary moods, impulsive, easily move from a state of delight to a state of sadness, and have mental lability.
10. Emotive type. This type is related to the exalted one, but its manifestations are not so violent. They are characterized by emotionality, sensitivity, anxiety, talkativeness, timidity, and deep reactions in the area of subtle feelings. The most strongly expressed trait is humanity, empathy for other people or animals, responsiveness, kindness, and rejoicing at the successes of others. They are impressionable, tearful, and take any life events more seriously than other people. Teenagers react sharply to scenes from films where someone is in danger; such scenes can cause them a strong shock that will not be forgotten for a long time and can disturb their sleep. They rarely enter into conflicts, they carry grievances within themselves and do not “spill out” outside. They are characterized by a heightened sense of duty and diligence. They take care of nature, love to grow plants and care for animals.
Astheno-neurotic
One of the weakest types of character accentuation according to Lichko. Accompanied by increased weakness and fatigue. Especially in activities associated with a competitive component. Characterized by a group of positive and negative traits:
- Fatigue, weakness. Especially when working for a long time. Accentants with a weak type of nervous system need constant breaks. They work at their own pace that suits them. These are melancholics, if we speak in the language of temperaments.
- Irritability. Especially if they are touched during the activity. There is no point in disturbing such patients. They don't switch well from one to the other. Prone to depression and bouts of melancholy.
- Hypochondriacity. Astheno-neurotics often look for symptoms of diseases in themselves. Often fatal. They are regular guests of hospitals and clinics.
- Inability to switch from one task to another quickly enough.
- Accuracy.
- Discipline. Willingness to obey authorities. At the same time, often astheno-neurotics do not recognize others and do not respect them just like that. For example, based on the principle of status. The respect of such a person must be earned.
- The ability to engage in monotonous work and other activities that are not related to the requirements of “competition.” Such accentuators work without problems with large amounts of information. They make excellent scientists, especially when combined with schizoid character accentuation. The main thing is not to rush such a patient. An astheno-neurotic person cannot tolerate pressure.
Astheno-neurotic accentuation of character is quite difficult in terms of tolerance. However, such people are distinguished by increased efficiency, high intelligence, and individualism. Therefore, they achieve results in scientific activities without any problems.
Types of personality accentuation
Let's consider the main types of character accentuation according to Lichko:
- hysterical;
- epileptoid;
- schizoid;
- labile;
- conformal;
- astheno-neurotic.
Hysterical
This type of character is sometimes called demonstrative. It mainly manifests itself among teenage girls and young girls. How does hysteria manifest itself and what is it connected with? The goal is extremely simple - to attract attention. Everything is taken into account - demeanor, style of clothing, peculiarities of self-expression. Hysterical women always look impressive and have an attractive appearance. They urgently need the emotional response of others to their person:
- sympathy;
- empathy;
- Delight;
- astonishment;
- admiration.
Oddly enough, even the anger of others can be welcomed by hysterics, since this is also a form of showing attention. They may deliberately provoke conflict in order to achieve their goal of attracting attention.
Why do they need all this? The reason for actively attracting attention is infantilism. In this they are similar to babies who intensely attract attention to themselves with a loud cry. But for babies, attention is vitally important, and for teenagers and young girls, this need is a deviation from the norm.
The hysterical person is also characterized by:
- increased emotionality;
- develop imagination;
- artistry;
- tendency to exaggerate.
Hysterics react violently to any event in life, even minor ones. They tend to exaggerate the danger, are able to make an elephant out of a molehill and believe in their own fiction. However, the hysterical personality type is concerned only with his own person and worries only about his own life; the fate of other people does not interest them.
They hate monotonous work and routine, are impatient and capricious, run away from any difficulties or try to push them onto their neighbors. Hysterics often suffer from psychosomatic illnesses, that is, diseases caused by nervousness.
Note! The hysterical personality type is prone to suicide.
The violent emotional reaction of hysterics has nothing to do with sincere feelings: they demonstrate the pain of loss, mental pain or resentment in an exaggerated form. In fact, they are not prone to deep feelings. These are artistic people whose goal is to be the center of attention. If you watch hysterics, you will notice how they quickly replace one emotion with another.
Hysterical personalities do not tolerate it when people’s attention is attracted to someone other than them.
Hysterical women can be recognized by their mannered behavior and ability to take theatrical poses. They demonstrate arrogance and coldness towards the feelings of others. Artistry manifests itself in all life situations; it is an integral part of the psyche.
The danger of hysterics is that they themselves believe in their own fiction. A developed imagination draws them certain pictures and circumstances that they tend to perceive as reality. These women are easily suggestible and believe in horoscopes and corruption. The ability to exaggerate the significance of any events can play a cruel joke on them and lead to a serious illness, which they will call damage.
Do these individuals have positive character traits? This group of people easily establishes contacts with others and is open to communication and exchange of experience. They are always energetic, have a clear position in life, and know how to achieve their goals. As a rule, a hysterical personality type successfully realizes itself in creative professions.
Epileptoid
This type of character has another name - excitable. They are somewhat similar to hysterics, since they also strive to be the center of attention. However, their methods of attracting attention are different: coughing, stuttering, complaints.
Characteristics of epileptoids:
- irritability;
- discontent;
- conservatism;
- non-compliance with moral standards;
- common sense leadership;
- distrust;
- difficulty adapting to new things.
These people tend to see everything in dark colors and gloomy tones: this is more familiar to them. They are constantly dissatisfied with something, grumble about any reason, and tend to bring the situation to a huge scandal. They like to replay negative memories in their heads, reinforcing them with new negative details.
Note! In family relationships, epileptoids are unbearable: they are despotic, stubborn, and create a scandal for any reason.
Psychologists compare the mental picture of the epileptoid type to a steam boiler: negative emotions accumulate until the individual explodes in another major scandal. And even after the end of the scandal and the clarification of the relationship, the epileptoid cannot calm down for a long time and constantly replays the situation in his thoughts.
They hate change and innovation. Having become accustomed to the established order, they follow it to the end. They also accustom their family members and subordinates at work to the established order, and strictly monitor the implementation of the order. If dishonesty is discovered in relation to the implementation of these norms, a big scandal ensues. The tendency towards conservatism interferes with adaptation to new conditions and surroundings.
In a fit of “righteous anger,” they easily violate moral standards and offend others. The range of violations of social norms ranges from disrespect for elders to brutal treatment of animals and children. Such people do not know the feeling of remorse.
Note! Epileptoids are guided in life by common sense, do not trust strangers and do not believe in magic and horoscopes.
Epileptoids are completely confident in their own rightness and do not tolerate dissent. For them there is simply no alternative point of view. If their wishes are not fulfilled, they can fly into a rage and destroy everything around them. However, when making decisions they use only common sense.
Among representatives of this psychotype there are often sexual perverts, sadists and other individuals of marginal behavior. Also among epileptoids there are people with alcohol addiction.
Among the positive character traits one can note a conscientious attitude to one’s duties, scrupulousness, attention to detail, concern for one’s health and the ability to achieve one’s goals. Epileptoids in a balanced state of mind show maximum care for their family and animals. Among them there are good managers, supply managers and leaders.
Schizoid
These people have their own idea of the world and life, so their behavior is often unpredictable and seems strange to others. As a rule, introverts belong to the schizoid type. These are people “not of this world”; they can be distinguished by their sloppy or awkward clothes. They differ from hysterics in their lack of adherence to an image or a specific image.
Schizoids are identified by their absent-minded gaze into nowhere; when talking with their interlocutor, they do not make eye contact. These people are distinguished by intellectual development, awareness and education. However, communicating with other people does not bring them joy, since they belong to the introverted psychotype.
Note! The schizoid personality type is characterized by a combination of incongruous things: a smile on the face with clenched fists, dirty clothes after a shower, etc.
The behavior of the schizoid type can combine tactlessness with shyness, indifference with painful sensitivity and pliability with stubborn stubbornness. This combination of the incongruous distinguishes the schizoid type from all other psychotypes.
The schizoid type of people is characterized by vulnerability and touchiness. During contact with them, harsh value judgments and criticism should not be allowed. However, unlike hysterics, people with a schizoid mental type are unemotional and indifferent.
Schizoids may develop a passion for spying on other people or a craving for exhibitionism. To overcome excessive shyness when communicating, they may take recreational drugs or alcohol.
Labile
Labile accentuation is characterized by sudden changes in mood. For example, a labile personality type may react violently if someone looks askance in his direction.
Distinctive features:
- high threshold of sensitivity to criticism and praise;
- sociability, communication skills;
- sudden mood swings.
The labile psychotype differs from other types not just by changes in mood, but by deep feelings about any reason. For example, despair can be replaced by wild joy in front of the interlocutor. Their attitude towards the world and themselves depends on their mood. So, in a decadent state of mind, the future is painted in gloomy colors (everything is lost, we are doomed), but in a good mood they are full of positivity and the future is seen in bright colors.
Criticism and praise play a decisive role for these people: all their activities depend on it. For example, after criticism, a schizoid may completely abandon his activities. Warm praise, on the contrary, is an incentive to move forward. That is, schizoids are not self-sufficient individuals, but dependent on the opinions of others.
Note! Persons of the schizoid psychotype do not have stress resistance and are not ready to fight for their ideals. It is easier for them to give up on a goal than to overcome obstacles.
Schizoid individuals are very affectionate and suffer greatly from relationship breakdowns. For them, separation is comparable to the collapse of the universe.
Positive personality traits include loyalty, spontaneity and sincerity. Schizoids will never become psychopaths.
Conformal
Conformal accentuation is characterized by subordination to the opinion of the majority. Conformists do not have the ability to think critically; they blindly trust the opinion of the group. It does not matter whether group members follow moral principles or violate them. The desire to conform to the norms and rules of the group plays a decisive role in the worldview of a conformist. They never strive to take a leading position, they simply merge with the main mass and find joy in this.
Distinctive features:
- submission to the opinion of the majority;
- the desire to “be like everyone else”;
- attachment to the group.
Expulsion of a conformist from a group or simply separation from it can end very tragically. The individual's attachment to the group is so strong that it supersedes family and personal attachments. Conformists are completely devoid of initiative, blindly follow the commands of leaders and do not think about the consequences. For example, they may become addicted to drugs and alcohol if the group leader demands it. They are hostile to representatives of other groups (religious, national).
The positive aspects include achieving great success in the presence of a positive and correct environment. Conformity rarely develops into mental disorders.
Unstable
Severe accentuation in terms of correction. The unstable type is characterized by a tendency towards idleness, laziness and other negative manifestations. Like all other accentuations, it is partly socially conditioned. Therefore, it is possible to correct personality and character violations. There are several features:
- Laziness. Reluctance to do anything. The desire to constantly rest. This is not associated with fatigue and low energy reserves, as in astheno-neurotics. Rather, we are talking about problems with character, a conscious desire to lead such a lifestyle. The disorder is noticeable even in childhood. By adolescence, everything becomes even more obvious.
- Tendency to spend idle time. Sex, alcohol, drugs, games, including gambling. Doing nothing throughout your life. The unstable ones are the real hedonists.
- Problems with work. Since such people are not inclined to learn, improve their level, or develop, there can be serious problems with work, even dependency throughout their lives. The unstable ones are often kept women in the care of rich husbands or gigolos. Although this does not always happen, only if accentuation prevails in a person’s character and is sufficiently pronounced.
- Desire for pleasure. Tendency towards the above-mentioned hedonism. As a rule, such people are looking for simple carnal pleasures - sex, psychoactive substances, alcohol. They try not to touch high matters, and they do not bring them the desired sensations.
- Sociability. A positive trait of the unstable. Helps establish necessary contacts, including business ones.
- Helpfulness.
- Openness. Such people practically do not know how to lie. At least in the early years. Even at the level of psychopathy, such people remain sincere and open.
- Problems in your personal life. Associated with the inability to yield, egocentrism.
Unstable people are complex people. For them, the main risks are to become an alcoholic, die from drugs, and sink to the bottom of society. But with timely correction, there is every chance of coping with negative character traits.
Changing character accentuations
This transformation is characteristic of the dynamics of accentuated features. The essence of the change usually lies in the fact that striking traits are joined by types that are close in compatibility; sometimes the added traits overshadow the dominant ones and come to the fore. There are cases when many similar traits are mixed in a person’s character, and in some situations the most highly developed ones reach a peak and overshadow all the others.
The change in the brightness of features and the replacement of some by others occurs according to accepted patterns, when only compatible types interact. Transformation can occur under the influence of biological or socio-psychological reasons.
Basic forms of change
Transformations of accentuations can be divided into two main groups:
- transit passing changes with affective reactions;
- relatively stationary changes.
First group of transformations
The first group collects acute reactions and, in fact, represents psychopathic reformations:
- intrapunitive are manifested in causing damage to one’s body, attempting suicide, unpleasant and reckless actions, breaking things;
- extrapunitive ones indicate aggressive behavior, attack on the enemy, revenge with malice on innocent persons;
- immune ones represent a withdrawal from the conflict by escaping from the situation, which is not a resolution of the affective problem;
- demonstrative manifestations arise if the conflict results in stormy scenes from the category of theatrical roles, a depiction of taking his own life.
Second group of changes
Changes of a sustainable nature are also subject to subdivision. There is a transition of a bright character trait into a hidden form; this can happen in connection with growing up and gaining a sufficient amount of life experience; in this case, angular personal qualities are smoothed out.
Hidden accentuation marks the transition from the acute phase to the usual, undistinguished variant, when all character traits are equally weakly expressed. It is difficult to form an opinion about this type even after long-term communication. But dormant and smoothed features can suddenly appear under the influence of extraordinary circumstances.
An interesting manifestation is the manifestation of a clear change in accentuation, when traits as a result of the test gain indicators that reach extreme norms, but the criteria are not an obstacle to adaptation and personal communication. With age, such features may remain in the range of manifested intensity, or smoothing out will transfer them to the category of hidden.
- It is necessary to say about the formation of a psychopathic path of development of accentuations at the level of psychopathic pathology. This requires a combination of several influences:
- a person must exhibit one of the accentuations;
- the pathological conditions of the surrounding reality must be such that their type corresponds to the least resistance to this striking feature;
- the action of the factors must be long-lasting;
- the transformation should take place at the age most suitable for the development of accentuation.
A. E. Lichko’s test is an effective way to identify character accentuations and determines the most likely paths of personality development.
Conformal
They live by the principle “live like everyone else and think like others.” As the name suggests, character accentuation. It is extremely difficult to detect in adolescents, since many personality types, including independent-minded ones, are prone to conformism in the early years. To accurately determine and resolve the issue, you need to consult a psychologist. There are several features of this type of character accentuation. In short:
Reluctance to stand out from the crowd. Such people think like everyone else. This is more likely due to the desire to be like everyone else, rather than the lack of one’s own opinion. Although over the years a person gets so accustomed to the role of a biorobot that he actually loses his independence of thinking. In extreme cases, such emphasis leads to fanaticism, including religious fanaticism. Mania and other pathological conditions are possible.
Dependence on other people's opinions. Conformists are extremely dependent on other people's opinions. They strive to earn the praise and approval of others. Their hobbies and lifestyle depend entirely or mainly on their environment. Alcoholics? This means that the conformist will drink too. Religious people? This means the patient will also be religious. And everything like that.
Difficulty lifting. Reluctance to change anything. Problems when you lose your close circle or have to do something new, move to another place.
Low conflict. People of this type are not inclined to conflict. They are more likely to agree with others so as not to stir up abuse, but will not defend their point of view. Especially in a violent way. As, for example, epileptoids do this.
Friendliness.
High expectations, romanticism, vulnerability.
Discipline. Willingness to work and obey. These are helpful people.
The main thing about conformists is their diligence, devotion and discipline. With proper training, they become excellent workers in many areas. Including where you need to communicate with people.
Personality accentuation
What it is? Not everyone is even familiar with the word “accentuation.” It’s just that psychology as a science is relatively young, and the issue of accentuation began to be addressed only at the end of the last century. Researchers in the field of psychology distinguish between several personality types or types of accentuation; in practice, the system of psychologist A. Lichko is used. This scientist systematized the types of character accentuation, and now we have the opportunity to determine the leading (dominant) type of accentuation in any individual by his appearance, characteristics of reaction to external stimuli and manner of communication.
Note! Accentuation is an excessive strengthening of a particular character quality, but without clinical consequences.
Find out what awaits you today - Horoscope for today for all zodiac signs
Due to numerous requests from subscribers, we have prepared an accurate horoscope application for mobile phones. Forecasts will arrive for your zodiac sign every morning - it's impossible to miss! Download for free: Daily Horoscope 2020 (available on Android)
Exaggerated modesty or shyness can lead to a reluctance to communicate with peers or people of a certain personality type. The emphasis on character leaves an imprint on all areas of a person’s life, as well as on his attitude towards himself and the world around him .
This is not a pathological deviation of the psyche, although sometimes accentuations resemble in their manifestation certain mental disorders. Accentuation is on the verge between a healthy psyche and its painful deviation. Unfortunately, sometimes accentuations can turn into a psychotic plane and cause pathology of mental activity. But in most cases, the excessive manifestation of individual character traits is smoothed out and returns to normal as the individual grows older.
Accentuations can take on a pathological form when:
- unfavorable psychological living and communication conditions;
- long-term negative psycho-emotional impact;
- unhealthy psychological climate in junior and middle grades of secondary schools.
The listed conditions can contribute to the development of character accentuation into psychopathy, which already refers to mental pathology. Now let’s look at how accentuations differ from a pathological mental disorder.
Distinctive features of psychopathy:
- this state is permanent;
- manifests itself in any social situations;
- upsets any social contacts.
That is, psychopathy is a stationary state of the psyche, it manifests itself everywhere and always, it cannot be controlled by willpower.
You can take Lichko’s character accentuation test to know exactly your psychotype.
Degrees of accentuation
What causes this behavioral deviation? Psychologists associate it with the innate characteristics of human temperament. Why is temperament considered an innate quality? Because, according to Hippocrates, it is associated with the exchange of fluids inside the human body, and this is a constant value. Temperament cannot be changed unless a person falls ill with a serious chronic illness.
Thus, an individual with a choleric type of temperament is prone to developing accentuations of an excitable type. Especially if a long-term psychotraumatic situation has developed in life. It is no coincidence that the strengthening of individual character traits occurs precisely in childhood and adolescence: children do not yet know how to adequately respond to events that are traumatic to the psyche.
So, there are two degrees of personality accentuation:
- explicit;
- hidden.
Explicit accentuation manifests itself in a person’s behavior, controls his actions and leaves a certain imprint on his character. This feature does not prevent the individual from establishing social connections, participating in collective events and adapting to new situations.
Hidden accentuation does not appear in everyday and social communication; it is discovered by chance - in extreme, unusual situations.
Labile
Characterized by instability of the emotional sphere. Often this is a minimally noticeable manifestation. There are practically no extreme degrees of deviation. The range of the emotional spectrum is minimal. Patients of this type are natural empaths. They have a good sense of the mood and state of others. Typical features include:
- Sensuality and emotionality. Labile individuals are good at feeling the mood of others, so they easily get used to their role and can give the right advice. Therefore, they make good psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers. Patients of the labile type are not deprived of emotions themselves. At the same time, the sensory sphere changes quickly - from joy to sadness. In many ways, the sensations depend on the current interlocutor.
- Difficulty lifting. People with such accentuation of character do not tolerate loneliness and separation well. Therefore, they strive to arrange life so that there are as few changes as possible. This often leads to some problems. For example, patients may give up a promising job just to be with people they care about.
- Sincerity. Openness. Good nature.
- Sociability. Together with sincerity, this makes them excellent interlocutors and advisers.
- Vulnerability. Intolerance of criticism addressed to oneself. Inability to work with this criticism and become better through constructive communication, comments, even friendly ones.
- Responsiveness and compassion. Willingness to help anyone and everyone. Sometimes this trait can become a problem.
Psychologists and social workers work with labile patients. Empathy makes them valuable employees, communicators and partners.
The essence of identifying accentuation
Accentuation refers to extreme manifestations of individual characteristic personality traits, while traits of a certain orientation are enhanced, showing vulnerability to some psychogenic influences, while showing resistance to others. The accentuation revealed during the test is not considered as a deviation from the norm; on the contrary, the accentuated personality is considered morally healthy with disproportionately expressed and sharpened features. Incommensurability and a set of certain combinations of character traits can lead an accentuated personality to disharmony with the surrounding reality.
The term “accented personality” was first introduced into use by the German psychologist K. Leongard. It is a mistake to consider the manifestation of strong character traits as a pathological deviation from the norm. Such people are not abnormal, on the contrary, people without strong character traits may not develop in a negative direction, but they are also unlikely to do anything positive and outstanding. People with an accentuated character equally actively move into negative groups and join socially positive groups.
A.E. Lichko in his works expanded the concepts of accentuation and changed the generally accepted term to “accentuation of character,” explaining this by the fact that personality is too broad a concept and is standardly used in the field of psychopathy.
Cycloid
In some respects, cycloids are similar to labile patients. However, the change in mood among the former is much more pronounced. In their development, mood and emotional background go through two phases:
- Hyperthymic. At this time the mood is elevated, even too high.
- In the second phase, subdepression is observed. Decreased emotional background.
In this respect, cycloid people are similar to patients with manic-depressive psychosis. But accentuation is not a disease. This is a premorbid state of personality. By the way, these patients are more likely to develop bipolar affective disorder. Although there is no 100% correlation.
Among the characteristic features of accentuation:
- Sudden mood changes. They may be perceived as characteristics of an unbalanced personality, which is actually not the case. Each phase, be it subdepression or hyperthymia, lasts for several weeks. Then they are replaced by reverse features.
- Excitability. Increased excitability is typical for the hyperthymic phase. A person at this time is active, energetic, ready to move mountains almost literally. Efficiency is off the charts.
- Friendliness and increased sociability in the hyperthymic phase. In this respect, the patient is similar to classic hyperthymic.
- Irritability. Develops against the background of the subdepressive stage of emotional development. At this time, it is better not to touch the person, since biased criticism and conflicts are possible.
- Aggressiveness. Depending on the type of character, it can turn into physical violence. Or, at a minimum, attempts to protect yourself from uncomfortable communication.
- Increased tearfulness.
The cycloid type is active in the hyperthymic phase. It is at this time that he is most active. In some cases, mood changes do not come for months.
Types of accentuations according to the classification of A. E. Lichko
The characters of people, depending on combinations of certain personal indicators, are divided into the following types:
- labile , characterized by a sharp change in mood and behavior depending on external circumstances;
- cycloid , with a set of traits with a tendency to certain changes in behavior during a certain period;
- asthenic , with an indecisive character prone to anxiety, prone to rapid fatigue, depressive states, irritability;
- the fearful type involves timid and shy communication when absolutely necessary, impressionability from contacts with others, a feeling of one’s own inferiority;
- psychasthenic individuals show excessive suspiciousness, anxiety, doubtfulness, are prone to self-examination, preferring traditional actions;
- a schizoid individual isolates himself from society, adaptation in society is difficult due to isolation, emotional poverty, indifference to the suffering of others, and immature intuition;
- the stuck type of paranoid orientation has increased irritability, ambition, inadequate touchiness, and constant suspicion;
- epileptoid characters exhibit a melancholy and angry mood, impulsive behavior, uncontrollable outbursts of anger, cruelty, retardation of thinking, pedantry, slow speech pronunciation;
- the hysterical demonstrative type manifests itself in a tendency towards deceitful speeches, pretense, acting to attract attention, adventurous solutions to issues, lack of conscience, vanity;
- the hyperthymic type is distinguished by a cheerful disposition, talkativeness, active activity, scattering of attention on various interests without pursuing them to completion;
- dysthymic type is constantly depressed with reduced activity, excessive seriousness, sadness and depression;
- an unstable type of extroverted behavior, susceptible to the influence of others, loving new impressions, events, sociable, with the ability to easily contact new people;
- conformist is prone to subordination and allows his own dependence on the opinions of others, does not know how to self-critically perceive shortcomings, conservative, has a negative attitude towards everything new.
Sensitive
Unusual accentuation. Its defining features are:
Impressionability. Even an event that is minimal by the standards of others can leave an indelible mark on the personality and consciousness of such an individual. In this, sensitive accentuation is similar to stuck according to Leonard. Memories, especially unpleasant ones, can persist for many years and flash back to the memory with intensity, as if it had just happened.
Vulnerability. Increased sensitivity to criticism, especially public criticism. In this respect, sensitives are very similar to hysteroids. Their main fear is being ridiculed. By the way, due to their vulnerability and daydreaming, such people often become the subject of ridicule and bullying, mainly in their teenage years.
A penchant for aesthetic contemplation. Sensitive people get pleasure from good music, haute cuisine, beautiful paintings and the like. They are mainly interested in lofty matters.
Increased morality. Conscientiousness. In a system with empathy, these traits allow the sensitive to achieve success in the fields of art, science, and social activities.
Openness. Sincerity in communication and relationships. Also loyalty and devotion to friends and partner.
Compassion. Willingness to help anyone and everyone. Unfortunately, sensitives do not always understand people accurately. Therefore, it is possible to help those who are not worthy of it.
Tendency for social recognition. Despite all that has been said, sensitive individuals are not without certain ambitions. They strive to do things that will bring not only benefit, but also recognition. For example, scientific or artistic activities, depending on interests.
Sensitive accentuation is partly similar to labile accentuation. With the difference that the described type of character accentuation is less adapted to life and tolerates criticism and attacks from others less well.
Psychasthenic
A defining personality trait is the tendency to introspect. However, this is not the only typical feature of psychasthenics. Among the features:
- Reflection. Increased tendency to understand oneself. In severe clinical cases, at a level close to psychopathy, we are talking about soul-searching. Self-flagellation and self-pity are also possible. Hence the reluctance to do anything and the loss of initiative. With proper character development, it is possible to overcome this trait and turn reflection into a development tool.
- Self-criticism. Reaching, as was said, to self-flagellation. Psychasthenics have a good memory, so they remember all their mistakes. The problem is that mistakes are often not as bad as the patient thinks. But he cannot accept them. Hence the false desire for perfection, pathological perfectionism.
- Diffidence. Before doing anything, such a patient thinks for a long time and does not act. In this case, prudence plays a negative role. For example, such patients think too long even under completely positive external conditions. Those who themselves tell you to act, not think.
- Fear of making a mistake. At the pathological level. A person will think for a long time, reflect, instead of doing. Often because of this, psychasthenics miss good opportunities in work and personal relationships.
- Fear of censure. Reluctance to criticize. Accompanied by a pathological fear of crowds. People of this type do not like and do not know how to speak in public. They may experience problems in their personal life, since it is always associated with some kind of evaluation. On a subconscious level, all these problems become obstacles to development.
- Reluctance to take responsibility even for one's own actions. The main negative feature of psychasthenics.
- Loyalty and reliability. Both in personal relationships and at work. Diligence and willingness to work for the common good are typical. Psychasthenics also do not forget about themselves.
- The real scourge of patients is low self-esteem. When a person does not believe in his own strength, he considers himself flawed and inferior.
Psychasthenics are faithful and devoted husbands and wives, valuable workers. The main study concerns self-doubt and pathological self-examination, reflection, which often turns out to be a brake on development. The problem should be worked through with a psychologist or, in advanced cases, with a psychotherapist.
Hyperthymic type
Characterized by a good, slightly elevated mood, sociability, talkativeness, and optimism. He has a high tone, he is energetic, active and shows a desire to be a leader; he easily adapts to an unfamiliar environment.
However, he is unstable in his interests, is not selective enough in making acquaintances, does not tolerate loneliness well, does not like monotony, discipline, forced idleness, monotonous work, often overestimates his capabilities, can be the initiator of conflicts, reacting violently to events, and is characterized by increased irritability.
Schizoid type
Like other premorbid personality types according to Lichko, it is characterized by an increased risk of transformation into psychopathy. Included in Lichko’s typology of character accentuations as a variant of the clinical norm. But often this accentuation turns into a personality disorder. Schizoids are characterized by a group of properties.
Closedness. As a rule, a schizoid is a modern hermit. People with such accentuation do not know how to build close relationships. Most often, they do not want to, since the characteristics of mental activity are directed inward to the individual. The external attributes of life, be it relationships, work, interest them much less. If you're interested at all.
Rich inner world. However, the schizoid does not allow anyone there. Occasionally, only the closest people - friends or partner - receive such an honor.
Reluctance to establish social contacts. It is not only inability, but also reluctance that makes a schizoid who he is. Patients of this kind are excellent at establishing distant, business-like relationships, where everything is defined by role. For example, a teacher-student or an employee-boss. In other, average and especially close relationships, serious problems arise.
Lack of empathy. People with schizoid character accentuation lack understanding of the emotions of others. They also do not understand hidden gestures and the hidden meaning of what is said. Therefore, problems arise in personal life and informal communication. A schizoid prefers to be told about everything directly, without hints.
Developed intelligence. Quite often, but not always. Allows you to work productively in a variety of fields, be it science or other types of activity. Schizoids often achieve success in the field of art and artistic activity.
Thinking outside the box.
Schizoids are rather closed people. However, they are distinguished by loyalty and devotion. Non-standard thinking and, as a rule, a high level of intelligence.
Work of the Šmishek questionnaire
The questionnaire consists of 88 questions, 10 scales corresponding to certain character accentuations (personality accentuations).
Dominant type of accented character
is determined by the maximum number of points that the subject gains as a result of testing using the Shmishek questionnaire; by the number of points one can judge the degree of development of various character accentuations in an adult or child.
The sum of “raw” points multiplied by the corresponding coefficient gives an indicator of the type of accentuation
.
The maximum score for each type of accentuation is 24 points. A sign of accentuation is considered to be a value exceeding 12 points. The obtained data are presented in the form of a profile of personal accentuation (character accentuation)
.
The test is intended to identify the accentuated properties of character and temperament of adolescents, young adults and adults. The Shmishek test is suitable for taking into account character accentuations in the process of training, professional selection, psychological counseling, and career guidance.
Epileptoid
As the last type, the classification of character accentuations according to Lichko includes epileptoids. These are some of the toughest people. The description defines the following personality traits:
- Aggressiveness. Increased excitability. Such a person strives for everyone to always listen to him. So that the last word remains with him.
- Authoritarianism. Inability to take into account the opinions of others.
- The desire to subjugate everyone and everything.
- Pedantry. Scrupulousness, even to the point of pettiness.
- Inability to build close relationships due to aggressiveness and authoritarianism.
- In particularly difficult cases, we are talking about a tendency towards tyranny. The typical image of a domestic tyrant is an epileptoid.
An epileptoid can be described with the word “soldier”. This is true for both women and men with similar character accentuation. These are excellent workers. The role of a boss suits them best, especially with high intelligence. Often we are talking about natural leaders whom others are willing to follow.
Classification of character accentuations allows you to more accurately determine the personality type of a particular patient and work out tactics for correcting personality traits. A table of character accentuations according to Lichko is presented below.
Description of the test procedure
The questionnaire is a portable test for use in diagnosing individual team members. The test consists of 143 lines of statements representing 10 diagnostic scales and one control scale. The scale contains 13 affirmative expressions, which are arranged in a specific order.
Each member in the test group is offered two sheets, one with questions in the form of statements, the second for answers. After reading a line of statement, everyone decides whether he agrees with it or not. If the statement is characteristic of a person, then you should circle the number assigned to the question or mark it in another way on the answer sheet. Disagreement with the statement means that such a number is not noted on the answer sheet, but is simply skipped.
Answers should be given accurately and truthfully, trying not to be deceived. This will make it possible to clearly define the character and identify its inherent accentuations. After filling out the sheet, count the sum of points scored for each line and put the indicators at the end of the lines.
Features of working with the questionnaire
School workers in the field of psychology rarely use the full version of the A.E. questionnaire. Lichko (351 line), since it is quite complex and requires a lot of time to test one student, and for group testing, using the questionnaire is problematic. Based on this, the portable version is used, which is now being discussed.
The modified version is composed of diagnostic questions; during processing, the standard typology characteristic of the school environment is preserved. At the same time, the questionnaire method becomes the most convenient and is closer to the method of identifying character accentuation along the path of K. Leonhard.
It is considered convenient to use only affirmative responses, while the full version requires the use of negative responses, which makes processing the results much more difficult. The modified version is simplified so much that high school students can, following the instructions, count and identify marginal results. The help of a psychologist consists of deciphering the indicators and explaining the obtained indicators.
It must be said about the difficult diagnosis of neurological, asthenic, cycloid and sensitive nature, since based on the results of a series of tests it was found that such personalities are disguised as another type of accentuated nature, for example, labile. The reliability of determining character accentuation was tested two weeks after the previous test, and the results were 94% correct.