For those who don't like their own psychological picture", there is consolation: the shortcomings of temperament can be made up for by positive character traits.
It is the understanding that one can change oneself in better side, is the most attractive feature as a science.
So, if temperament is an innate personality trait, then a person educates the character himself. When we perform an act, each time we strengthen or weaken some of its traits.
In this way, even the most bad temper can be corrected.
Regarding temperament, we can only recall that Hippocrates divided it into four types that are still used today:
- Phlegmatic - unhurried and unperturbed;
- Cholerics - quick-tempered and unbalanced;
- Melancholic - impressionable and vulnerable;
- Sanguine people are lively, mobile and cheerful.
Fixing the results
It is better to write down the results of your struggle. You can make a table, and record successes and failures there every day. Or do this: mark on geographical map two cities. One will conditionally denote your current state, the second - the goal.
Every time you do something to improve your character, put new point on the way between these cities. And if you miss something, go back a point.
In terms of very interesting it seems. Be sure to read about this great man, whose experience can be of invaluable help to you.
Surely the reader may have a question: do they influence the formation of personality and its individual features?
It is rather difficult to give an unequivocal answer to this question. A certain connection in the inclinations and characteristics of behavior between children and parents, of course, can be traced.
However, to claim that “I am like this and I can’t be different, because this is my mom or dad”, for an adult, at least not seriously.
It is believed that it is impossible to change the temperament, but character traits are within the power of anyone who wishes. You just need to be determined to do it.
character accentuation
Character accentuation is a character trait that is within the clinical norm, in which some of its traits are excessively enhanced, as a result of which selective vulnerability is found in relation to some psychogenic influences while maintaining good resistance to others.
You may find the definition of accentuation a bit complicated, but it's actually quite simple.
The very word "accentuation" (from Latin accentus - stress) means a pronounced emphasis on something.
In other words, this feature lies in the fact that some character traits are unusually developed, which causes the inferiority of other, less developed traits.
Probably everyone saw how small children, at the sight strangers, to some they settle down and begin to smile, and at the sight of others they frown and run away.
This is due to the fact that facial features are very closely related to our character traits. Children intuitively feel this, "scanning" the face of a stranger.
Yes, and adults at a deeply subconscious level can “feel” a good or bad person in front of them. This also happens because our brain is able to "read" information from characteristic features person's face.
It is important to understand that the character of a person largely determines how his life will turn out, whether he will succeed.
The 19th-century English writer William Thackeray wrote:
"Sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny."
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Before proceeding with the classification and enumeration of character traits, it is necessary to understand what character is. In Greek, "character" is a difference, a sign, a sign. From the point of view of psychology, character is a set of personality traits, which determine the actions of a person in different situations and shape it as an individual.
There is such ancient saying“If you sow an act, you reap a habit; you sow a habit, you reap a character; you sow a character, you reap a destiny.” This saying briefly and succinctly reflects the place that character occupies in the life and destiny of a person. Therefore, it is so important to know what character traits people have in order to learn to understand their influence on the resolution of various, and especially conflict, situations.
Classification of character traits
Conventionally, character traits can be divided into three main groups:
- emotional;
- strong-willed;
- intellectual.
According to the direction of impact, the features are also divided into the following subgroups:
- attitude to the outside world - people and society;
- attitude towards oneself personally;
- attitude to activities - training and work.
The most basic character traits, especially those related to emotional group, are formed in early childhood- at the stage of formation of the child's psyche and depend on many factors. Not the last role is played by the natural predisposition of a person, which is influenced hereditary traits and temperament. But the main influence is the environment.
It is in childhood that positive and negative traits character of a person in the process of acquiring experience of interaction with outside world. Then, throughout life, the formation of individual features continues, and new ones may appear. And if at first this process takes place on an unconscious, reflex level, then with the acquisition of awareness, and depending on its level, a person has a choice. When this choice is realized, the opportunity opens up for the transformation of character, which is otherwise called personal growth.
Main character traits
Today, there are several hundred definitions of various character traits. Moreover, they can get along in one person in the most different combinations. Depending on the direction of the impact, such features can have both positive and Negative consequences their influence. Therefore, it is very difficult to say with absolute certainty that this is - bad traits character, which are good. In most cases, it makes sense to talk about certain sets of properties that in a certain situation can have a great influence on the consequences of solving certain problems, defined as positive or negative, which again will be to a certain extent a subjective opinion.
And yet, let's try to compile a list of the main character traits that are formed in the early stages of development and therefore relate more to the emotional group, conditionally dividing them not into bad and good, but, say, into positive and negative traits of a person's character, as is commonly believed from the public. - a moral point of view.
Negative character traits
Anger. This is an emotional trait that can be expressed in negative attitude any direction - to yourself, to people and even to work. If this is not a periodic, but a constant reaction, most likely its roots are in a deep childhood resentment.
Pride. In religion, such a trait is even considered one of the grave sins. Because a person in whom this quality is manifested very strongly loses the ability to adequately assess and right decisions. Such a person ends up harming both others and himself.
Selfishness. This is a negative trait that concentrates and generates a whole host of others. In fact, it can become the quintessence of all unseemly character traits, but, as a rule, it has Negative influence in the direction of attitudes towards other people, while in relation to oneself it is subjectively considered positive.
Jealousy. This character trait is associated with selfishness and pride, since it implies a sense of possessiveness and has a devastating effect not only on others, but also on oneself, since jealousy is blind and therefore can push for very bad deeds.
Greed. May have different forms: greed for fame, money, things, food, pleasure, etc. Pushes a person to unseemly acts and causes rejection of others.
Envy. A person possessed by envy causes harm, first of all to himself. After all, as they say, envy eats from the inside, sharpens like a worm. It can also bring great harm to the object of envy if the owner of such a trait sets out in some way to restore the apparent disequilibrium in his favor.
Cruelty. This trait, in any form, brings only destruction and suffering to those it is directed at. Psychologists believe that it is a manifestation of lack of will. It may be added that often Cruel person driven by fear and self-doubt.
Positive character traits
It is believed that all character traits have their antipode. Therefore, let's see what are the character traits that are the opposite of those listed above.
Kindness. Unlike evil person, I want to communicate with the good. Kindness also implies such traits as selflessness and participation. Isn't that why good people How often do those who are dominated by negative character traits try to use them for their own purposes? Think about it.
Humility. Some do not like this quality, because for some reason it is considered slave. In fact, this is a very good trait that can work wonders - for example, stop destructive conflicts, negate strife and useless showdown.
Altruism. This is the complete opposite of selfishness. An egoist will never understand an altruist, but an altruist will understand, listen, forgive and even help. An amazing feature that is an endangered species, but in vain.
Confidence. Perhaps it is the most accurate antipode of jealousy, although some argue that its antipode is love. But it is trust, not gullibility, that is the saving bridge between loving people who is able to connect them and give the true happiness of communicating with each other.
Generosity. If it spreads in all directions, it will unique personality. This character trait is a blessing for others, and if it is from the bottom of the heart, then for its owner.
Goodwill. Although this trait is associated with kindness, it is more related to external manifestations unlike envy, which is always secret. Goodwill blesses and attracts if it is sincere and is a character trait, and not a show.
Mercy. One of the best character traits of a person. We can safely say that this world is based on mercy, as one of the forms of universal love. By developing this trait, a person is enriched spiritually.
Other character traits
There are many other character traits that can be emotional, strong-willed or intellectual. They are already being developed adulthood and are based on life experience. This is how curiosity and thoughtfulness, determination and independence appear. Wherein strengths character can reinforce both positive and negative traits. For example, assertiveness combined with anger can lead to a destructive effect, and combined with kindness can lead to the salvation of another person. No wonder they say that, how many people, so many characters, and in fact, even knowing many character traits specific person, it is impossible to one hundred percent predict his behavior in a particular situation.
Is it possible to change your character traits
Changing your traits only makes sense in a positive direction. After all, in the end, all positive traits lead to creation and improvement, and negative traits to destruction and annihilation. But for this it is necessary to first come to the realization that negative traits do exist, and thereby complicate the life of the individual. And very few succeed.
As Victor Hugo used to say, a person has as many as three characters: one ascribes to him the environment, the other he ascribes to himself, and the third is real, objective.
There are more than five hundred character traits of a person, and not all of them are unambiguously positive or negative, a lot depends on the context.
Therefore, any person who has collected certain qualities in individual proportions is unique.
The character of a person is a specific, inherent only to him combination of personal, ordered psychological traits, features, nuances. It is formed, meanwhile, for a lifetime and manifests itself during labor and social interaction.
Soberly assessing and describing the character of the chosen person is not an easy task. After all, not all of its properties are shown to the environment: some features (good and bad) remain in the shadows. Yes, and to ourselves we seem somewhat different than seen in the mirror.
Is it possible? Yes, there is a version that this is possible. Through long efforts and training, you are able to appropriate the qualities you love, becoming a little better.
The character of a person is shown in his actions, in public behavior. It is visible in the attitude of the individual to work, to things, to other people and in her self-esteem. 
In addition, the qualities of character are divided into groups - "volitional", "emotional", "intellectual" and "social".
We are not born with specific features, but we acquire them in the process of upbringing, education, research of the environment, and so on. Of course, the genotype also influences the formation of character: the apple often falls very close to the apple tree.
At its core, character is close to temperament, but they are not the same thing.
In order to relatively soberly assess oneself and one's role in society, psychologists advise writing out their positive, neutral and negative traits on a piece of paper and analyzing them.
Try to do this and you will find examples of character traits below.
Positive character traits (list)
Negative qualities of character (list)
At the same time, some qualities are difficult to attribute to good or bad, and you can’t call them neutral either. So, any mother wants her daughter to be shy, silent and bashful, but is this good for the girl?
Yet again, dreamy man can be cute, but completely unlucky due to the fact that he always has his head in the clouds. An assertive individual looks stubborn for some, unbearable and stubborn for others.
Is it bad to be gambling and carefree? How far has cunning gone from wisdom and resourcefulness? Ambitiousness, ambition, purposefulness lead to success or to loneliness? It will probably depend on the situation and context.
And what to be to you, you decide!
Throughout his life, each person shows his individual characteristics, which are displayed not only in his behavior or the specifics of communication, but also determine the attitude towards activities, himself and other people. All these features, manifested in life, both in scientific use and in everyday life, are called character.
Definition of "character"
In psychology, character is understood as a certain set of human traits that are pronounced and relatively stable. Character traits always leave an imprint on a person's behavior, and also affect his actions.
AT psychological dictionaries enough to meet a large number of definitions of character, but they all boil down to the fact that character is the totality of the most persistent individual psychological features personalities that always manifest themselves in its activities and social behavior, as well as in the system of relations:
- to the team;
- to other people;
- to work;
- to the surrounding reality (to the world);
- to yourself.
The term itself character» ( in lane from Greek character - chasing or printing) was introduced by the ancient Greek philosopher and naturalist, a student of Plato and closest friend of Aristotle Theophrastus. And here it stands Special attention give the translation of the word - chasing or printing. Indeed, the character seems to emerge as a kind of pattern on a person's personality, thus creating a unique seal that distinguishes its owner from other individuals. Such a design, as well as a coat of arms or an emblem on the personal seal of the medieval nobility, is drawn on a certain basis with the help of specific signs and letters. basis for engraving individual personality temperament acts, and a unique pattern - bright and individual character traits .
Character traits as a tool for psychological assessment and understanding of a person
In psychology, character traits are understood as individual, rather complex features, which are the most indicative for a person and allow with big share probabilities to predict his behavior in a particular situation. That is, knowing that a particular person has certain traits, one can predict his subsequent actions and possible actions in a particular case. For example, if a person has bright pronounced trait responsiveness, there is a high probability that difficult moment life will come to the rescue.
A feature is one of the most important and essential parts of a person, its stable quality and a well-established way of interacting with the surrounding reality. The personality trait crystallizes and reflects its integrity. The personality trait of a person is real way solutions to many life situations (both activity and communicative) and therefore they need to be considered from the point of view of the future. So, character traits are a prediction of the actions and actions of a person, since they are persistent and make a person's behavior predictable and more obvious. Due to the fact that each person is unique, there is a huge variety unique features character.
Each person acquires special features of his character throughout his life in society, and it is impossible to consider all individual signs (features) as characterological. Such will be only those who, regardless of life situation and circumstances will always manifest themselves in the same way of behaving and in the same attitude in the surrounding reality.
Thus, in order to evaluate personality psychologists (to characterize it) as an individual, it is necessary to determine not the entire amount individual qualities person, but to highlight those traits and qualities of character that are distinctive from other people. Despite the fact that these features are individual and different, they must constitute a structural integrity.
Character traits of a person are a priority in the study of his personality, as well as for understanding and predicting his actions, actions and behavior. Indeed, we perceive and understand any kind of human activity as a manifestation of certain traits of his character. But, characterizing the personality as a social being, it becomes important not so much the manifestation of traits in activity, but what exactly this activity is aimed at (and also what it serves human will). In this case, attention should be paid to the content side of the character, and more specifically, to those personality traits that make up overall structure as her mental makeup. They are expressed in: integrity-contradiction, unity-disintegration, static-dynamic, breadth-narrowness, strength-weakness.
List of human traits
human character- it's not only certain population some traits (or a random set of them), but the most complex mental formation, which is a certain system. This system consists of many of the most stable personality traits, as well as its properties, manifested in various systems human relations(to work, to one's work, to the world around, to things, to oneself and to other people). In these relations, the structural nature of the character, its content and individuality of originality finds its expression. The table below describes the main character traits (their groups) that find their manifestation in various systems of human relations.
Persistent traits (symptom complexes) of character, manifested in personality relationships
In addition to the traits that manifest themselves in the system of relations, psychologists have identified traits of a person's character that can be attributed to the cognitive and emotional-volitional spheres. So character traits are divided into:
- cognitive (or intellectual) - curiosity, theoreticality, criticality, resourcefulness, analyticity, thoughtfulness, practicality, flexibility, frivolity;
- emotional (sensibility, passion, emotionality, cheerfulness, sentimentality, etc.);
- volitional traits (perseverance, determination, independence, etc.);
- moral traits (kindness, honesty, justice, humanity, cruelty, responsiveness, patriotism, etc.).
Representative of the humanistic trend in psychology Gordon Allport personality traits are grouped into three main categories:
- dominant (those that most of all determine all forms of human behavior, his actions and deeds, such as selfishness or kindness);
- ordinary (which appear in equally in all spheres of life, for example, parity and humanity);
- secondary (they do not have the same influences as dominant or ordinary, for example, it can be diligence or a love of music).
So, the main character traits are manifested in various fields mental activity and systems of personal relations. All these relationships are anchored in different ways actions and forms of human behavior that are most familiar to him. Between existing features, certain regular relationships are always established that allow you to create a structural character. She, in turn, helps to predict, according to the character trait of a person already known to us, others who are hidden from us, which makes it possible to predict his subsequent actions and actions.
Any structure, including character, has its own hierarchy. Thus, character traits also have a certain hierarchy, so there are main (leading) and secondary traits that are subordinate to the leading ones. It is possible to predict the actions of a person and his behavior, relying not only on the main features, but also on secondary ones (despite the fact that they are less significant and do not manifest themselves so clearly).
Typical and individual in character
The bearer of character is always a person, and his traits are manifested in activities, relationships, actions, behavior, ways of acting in the family, in a team, at work, among friends, etc. This manifestation always reflects the typical and individual in the character, because they exist in an organic unity (thus, the typical is always the basis for the individual manifestation of character).
What is meant by typical character? A character is called typical if there is a set of essential features that are common to certain group of people. This set of features reflects general terms and Conditions life of a particular group. In addition, these traits must be manifested (to a greater or lesser lesser degree) for each member of this group. The set of distinctive typical features is a condition for the occurrence of a certain .
Typical and individual in character is most clearly expressed in a person's relationship to other people, because interpersonal contacts are always conditioned by certain social conditions life, appropriate level cultural and historical development of society and from the formed spiritual world the person himself. Attitude towards other people is always evaluative and manifests itself in different ways (approval-condemnation, support-misunderstanding) depending on the existing circumstances. This manifestation is expressed depending on the person's assessment of the actions and behavior of others, or rather their positive and negative character traits.
Typical traits of a person's character in terms of their intensity are manifested in each individually. So, for example, individual traits can reveal themselves so strongly and vividly that they become unique in their own way. It is in this case that the typical in character passes into the individual.
Positive character traits and their manifestation
Both typical and individual in character, finds its manifestation in the systems of personality relations. This is due to the presence in the character of a person of certain traits (both positive and negative). So, for example, in relation to work or one's own business, such positive character traits as diligence, discipline and organization are manifested.
As for interpersonal communications and attitudes towards other people, the following are good character traits: honesty, openness, justice, adherence to principles, humanity, etc. All these features allow you to build constructive communication and quickly establish contacts with people around you.
It should be noted that individual traits character exists great multitude. But among them it is necessary to single out first of all those that greatest influence have on the formation of the spirituality of a person and him (it is in this context that it finds its manifestation best feature human nature - humanity). These features also have greater value in the process of upbringing and development of the younger generation, because the same traits are formed differently depending on situations, the presence of other character traits and the orientation of the personality itself.
Highlighting good qualities character, do not forget about their possible curvature, or the presence of obvious negative traits that a person needs to deal with. Only in this case will harmonic and holistic development personality.
Negative character traits and their manifestation
In relation to the behavior, actions and activities of other people, a person always forms traits of a certain character - positive and negative. This happens according to the principle of analogy (that is, identification with what is acceptable) and opposition (with what is included in the list of unacceptable and wrong). Self-esteem can be positive or negative character, which primarily depends on the level of development and the ability to adequately assess oneself ( that is, from the formed level). Pro high level self-awareness is evidenced by the presence of the following positive traits: high demands to oneself, and feeling dignity as well as responsibility. And, on the contrary, such negative character traits as self-confidence, selfishness, immodesty, etc., speak of an insufficient level of development of self-consciousness.
Negative character traits (in principle, as well as positive ones are manifested) in the four main systems of human relations. For example, in the "attitude to work" system, among the negative features are irresponsibility, carelessness and formality. And among the negative features manifested in interpersonal communication, it is worth highlighting isolation, stinginess, boastfulness and disrespect.
It should be noted that negative character traits, which are manifested in the system of a person's relations with other people, almost always contribute to the emergence of conflicts, misunderstanding and aggression, which subsequently leads to the emergence of destructive forms of communication. That is why every person who wants to live in harmony with others and with himself should think about cultivating positive traits in his character and getting rid of destructive, negative traits.
