How many people, so many characters. What is specific to you? Do you often laugh, try to help people around you, often joke or, on the contrary, tend to lead a secluded life, often worry and fall into depression? Why are you the way you are?

Do you think that all the pluses and minuses, advantages and disadvantages of your character were formed because of your parents, environment, upbringing, past, traumatic childhood or providence? The answer is simple: it's all about hormones. What hormones, such behavior.

This article was written by reading the book Oddities of Behavior by Hannah Holmes. Journalist and writer Hannah Holmes, driven to despair by her panic conditions in the past and at some point ended up in a psychotherapist's office because of this, is looking for an answer to the question "why does humanity need anxiety and depression." Are they so causeless and useless, as it might seem at first glance? And in parallel lays out other types of personal manifestations.

The book considers the so-called five-factor model, according to which a certain set of personality traits is attributed to each factor: neuroticism (manifestation aspects: depression, anxiety), extraversion (manifestation aspects: impulsiveness, cheerfulness, confidence), conformity (aspects: trust, cooperation, altruism), conscientiousness (aspects: self-discipline, organization), openness (intelligence, imagination, creativity).

Of course, each person is too complex structure to be able to measure his personality with just a five-factor model. Each of us has certain character traits from each model. And all together - the whole compote of our emotions, reactions, memories, experiences and manifestations with all the most subtle nuances and shades and makes up all the richness and complexity of the human personality, and not a single doctor, researcher and psychotherapist, no matter how fanatic he may be in his field , it will not be possible to fully study, describe and predict at least one human individual. But when it comes to certain personality traits that are too prominent, then at least you can at least try to do something.

And again and again the curious person wonders "why?"

Factor One: Neuroticism

For a pronounced neurotic personality, the glass is half empty, and all life is a struggle. More neurotic people have a harder time coping with stress than less neurotic people. They tend to get upset more often, are more emotional and easily succumb to mood swings - this is in best case. AT worst case it is the neurotics who are at risk of slipping into a pronounced anxiety disorder or depression.

It turns out that serotonin is responsible for conditions like anxiety. If it is not enough or, on the contrary, too much, a person is prone to neuroticism. Also in our brain there is a so-called amygdala. In a neurotic personality, it is super-sensitive. It is the amygdala that identifies and defines an urgent situation and dictates what should be done. In fact, the more stressful situations you expose the neurotic amygdala to, the more alert it becomes.

Of the minuses of a neurotic personality - the danger of moving into the category of "anxiety disorder or depression", as well as a high probability of developing mental disorders. On the plus side, neurotic kids don't get hit by cars, don't break their legs on skateboards or in trees, and are less likely to die from stupid accidents. In addition, neurotic personalities have exactly the kind of intelligence that helps to avoid unpleasant surprises.

To find the answer to the question “why anxiety and depression are needed”, the author goes to Germany to Professor Klaus-Peter Lesch.

Mr. Lesh breeds special mice in the laboratory, with a genetically modified content of hormones, and as a result with a tendency to depression and anxiety more than their counterparts. We think that we humans are very complex creatures, but it turns out that everything that is inherent in us can be fully inherent in ordinary mice. Therefore, in the tiny head of a small animal there is a full-fledged personality that controls the behavior of the animal.

Thus, it turns out that people have no more going on in life than mice. Our behavior is subject to certain laws - the laws that our body dictates to us.

There is nothing personal in the features of character - it is connected with biology.

Aspect of manifestation: Anxiety

Anxiety is the most essential emotion of avoidance. Anxiety is always avoidance, the desire to take a step back in case dangerous situation and, consequently, unwillingness to take risks.

The brain of any person keeps track of danger. But some people do not pay attention to the signs everywhere, and someone "blows on the water" and is looking for a catch in everything.

As mentioned above, the key to solving anxiety states lies in serotonin. In the right amount, it gives a calm personality, tolerant of others. In case of imbalance, the person is at risk negative emotions: anxiety, depression, aggression, obsession. How effectively the gene that affects the production of serotonin works depends on the parents - it is they who pass on two copies of the gene to the child. Therefore, it would be possible to treat anxious and depressed people with drugs that regulate the amount of serotonin, but while these studies are under development and tested only in mice, such tests are prohibited in humans.

It should also be noted that the amygdala plays an important role in the development of phobias. The hypersensitive amygdala, once remembering an unpleasant situation, will again and again plunge a person into a state of panic at the slightest hint of danger. But, fortunately, there is also the prefrontal cortex, which weighs the information coming from the amygdala and forms a rational opinion about it. Simply put, if the amygdala says that the spider is going to kill us, then the memory struggles with this statement - because this has never happened before, and the amygdala recedes into the background.

What strengths anxious person? What is the use of a person in anxiety? Why didn't this disappear in the course of evolution? creepy feeling? As mentioned above, anxious children are more cautious, anxious people are more careful, and anxious people also have excellent planning memory, they can make consistent, correct decisions even in distracting conditions. In terms of keeping offspring, the anxious people holed up in the cave seemed to be more likely to take care of the offspring than the risk-averse ones in the fight for the mammoth. Of the minuses - whoever does not take risks does not have dinner - it is difficult to live on reserves in a cave for a long time. Also, anxious children can grow into heart attack-prone, suspicious adults suffering from various phobias.

Aspect of Manifestation: Depression

Depressed people tend to see the dark side of everything. A depressed person feels hopeless, lifeless, and spiritually empty.

What does Dr. Lesh say to this? Depression is a set of disorders. Two different people no depression can be the same. Pills will help someone and his life will sparkle with bright colors again, while someone does not get out of therapeutic conversations, evenly absorbs pills, but still cannot “get out”. Obviously, there is no clear understanding of this violation.

To study this complex phenomenon, scientists have bred depressed mice. The very ability to intentionally lower energy level animal brain cells tell us two things. First, such a condition may be common in animals. Secondly, if this is true, then probably in this case it is not worth talking about a nightmarish fate.

On the this moment the study of such a condition as depression leads to the conclusion that the secret lies in the amygdala of the brain. Lesh suggests that the neurotic's amygdala is initially hyperactive. The amygdala of people with the short version of the gene is always on guard for danger. When a reaction to a common problem is added to the already existing excitement, the amygdala goes into a panic. Apparently, the amygdala of such people tirelessly searches the outside world for signs of problems. In addition, depression always goes hand in hand with anxiety - read above about serotonin.

Society has a negative attitude towards depressed people. In many cultures, a depressed person is viewed as being frustrated or lazy. In a culture that respects social interaction, a depressed person may appear unfriendly. And when the society of a depressed person mocks him, and his friends do not want to pull him out of the house so as not to listen to gloomy comments, he resigns himself to the label “loser”, falling even more into the abyss of depression. But what does evolution have to say about this?

When a person is very sick, for example, with the flu, he lies and does nothing, restoring his strength. The body at such moments maintains only vital functions and fights the disease. Some animals, active and brisk in summer, fall into hibernation in winter to wait out hard times. In both cases, the body automatically turns off. Supported only by life important systems. And when conditions improve, the return to life will come.

Outwardly, a person with depression can be mistaken for a cold. He is physically inhibited, closed from communication, indifferent to the joys of life. Many depressed people actually walk much more slowly and take shorter steps than cheerful people. So it's likely that depression, whether mild or severe, is an energy-saving state that people fall into when the environment becomes unbearable. It allows you to save resources until conditions change. The environmental conditions that cause depression are quite unbearable. For example, the death of a family member is a powerful indicator that the environment has become unbearable. Or the loss of a job you love, or a divorce from your beloved partner. Children are at high risk of developing depression if the environment they grow up in is unpredictable or hostile.

Thus, depression is defensive reaction body and appears with the goal of getting through hard times, keeping the body on autopilot and saving energy for the future.

What should a neurotic person do? How to avoid anxiety, so as not to slide into depression? The answer is so simple that it may seem banal.

If we can force ourselves to exercise, diet, and manage stress to calm the brain, we can lower our personality neuroticism score by a decent number of points.

"Balance work - life, correct image life and a lot exercise"- notes Dr. Lesh.

Well, and somehow the conclusion involuntarily suggests itself - does your body react with depression to the conditions of your life? Change conditions.

Yana Venevskaya

Neuroticism is a personality trait that is expressed in increased anxiety, low self-esteem and self-esteem, constant guilt, emotional instability.

People with neuroticism are prone to negative experiences, to getting into negative situations are unable to adapt. Often this state is hidden behind external well-being, internal dissatisfaction and personal conflicts are concealed.

A person is characterized by emotional lability, which is not always adequate to the situation, he is overly susceptible to external events.

Pessimistic mood, personality maladaptation, negative events cause discomfort and negative emotions.

Neuroticism is not a disease, it is a feature of the psyche, a person's personality, and this condition is not a synonym. Neurotic symptoms can also be observed in a healthy person.

The level of neuroticism is measured by a psychologist using tests and lists. special issues, high level can lead to psychosis.

Related research

The nature and causes of the development of neuroticism have been and are the subject of study by many psychiatrists, psychotherapists and psychologists. Most huge contribution in the study of neuroticism was done by Sigmund Freud, Hans Eysenck, Alfred Adler, Fritz Perls, Karen Horney.

Each theory has common features and some differences:

Personal assessment

You can identify a high level of neuroticism by the following signs:

• constant unreasonable anxiety and anxiety;
• inadequate level of anxiety about one's own appearance;
• low self-esteem;
• sensation own inferiority, compared to others;
• overly emotional reaction to arousal;
• an increasing number of somatic complaints (headaches, back pain, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, mood swings, internal restlessness, fears);
• guilt;
• seizures;
• phobias and obsessions.

In search of truth, or again about the reasons

It is believed that neuroticism is associated with physiological characteristics brain. Hans Eysenck theorized that this personality type is associated with the activity of the limbic system. His research also revealed that neuroticism is characteristic of individuals with a pronounced predominance of the activity of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.

An important factor is genetic predisposition. Such a personality structure is associated with the phenomenon of polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene.

Individuals with a high score for neuroticism have a higher concentration of serotonin receptors in certain areas limbic system. The expression level of serotonin receptors has close relationship with the degree of manifestation of neuroticism.

The role of neurotrophic factor in the brain

Neurotropic factors of the brain are one of the key proteins for the survival, growth and differentiation of neurons, it has been proven that deviations in them lead to the development of emotional disorders.

Also, neuroticism correlates with the activity of the blood supply of the hippocampus, a structure that, in most interacts with neurotropic factors of the brain and takes part in the development of depressive states. A low level of neurotropic factors in the brain is reflected in frequent shifts mood, anxiety.

The constant presence of an individual under the influence of stress factors causes lability defense mechanisms to mood swings and anxiety disorders. Stress imbalance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenaline axis is one of the pathways that may be related to neuroticism and its exacerbation.

Other Important Factors

The level of cortisol in the blood in response to stress is a marker of the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Changes in the concentration of cortisol in the body can lead to important information about the intensity of the reaction to, depending on whether the body is in a state chronic stress or in a relaxed environment.

A stable increase in the daily concentration of cortisol due to chronic stress leads to an increase in anxiety, the appearance of signs of depression, mood swings, and decreased performance.

Neuroimaging studies using magnetic resonance imaging have shown that there is an interdependence between neuroticism and the functioning of the brain and its individual structures.

For given state characterized by excitation in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, as a reaction to emotional stimuli.

Also, the development of neuroticism is influenced by temperament, psychological problems and the number of stress factors.

What can be done?

Neuroticism is not a mental disorder, but a feature of the human psyche. Most people in a stressful situation are characterized by such manifestations as uncertainty, anxiety, anxiety.

In the case when the level of neuroticism is high, this can complicate the life of the individual, negatively affect relationships with others.

Treatment of neuroticism should be carried out with the help of psychologists and psychotherapists. Work should be aimed at relieving tension, controlling and managing emotions, desires, forming a positive outlook on life, adequate response to ongoing events.

Specialists use the techniques of suggestion and neurolinguistic programming in the treatment of this personality trait. To improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and gain peace of mind antidepressants may be prescribed.

How to be always positive?

To prevent the manifestations of neuroticism, it is recommended to take vitamins, drugs that improve metabolism and blood supply to the brain. It helps to maintain the strength and resources of the body.

Neurotic people need the support of loved ones. To maintain a sense of harmony and security, manifestations of love and care from relatives, normal relationships with family and friends are important.

It is recommended to apply various techniques relaxation, which help to independently cope with stress and difficulties. Various spiritual practices can help in this, but mastering them requires a lot of time and changes in the usual way of life.

Meditation is an effective method. It allows you to calm down, get away from negative thoughts and emotions, but it will not solve psychological problems. For mental and physical health useful breathing techniques. They help to quickly restore peace of mind.

To maintain adequate psycho-emotional state sports are recommended.

Personality Questionnaire Eysenck- a series of several author's questionnaires, according to Eysenck, aimed at diagnosing personality, although in fact the questionnaire reveals temperamental characteristics. By classification Q-L-T refer to Q-data.

History of creation

First MMQ Personality Questionnaire

MMQ(Maudsley Medical Questionnaire, from the name of the clinic where Eysenck worked) is a technique proposed in 1947. It was intended to diagnose neuroticism. The questionnaire consists of 40 statements with which the subject is asked to agree (yes) or disagree (no).

Statements were selected from questionnaires already known by that time, while the author relied on clinical descriptions of neurotic disorders. MMQ was standardized on the material of the survey of two groups: "neurotic" (1 thousand people) and "normal" (1 thousand people). Detailed analysis responses received for each MMQ statement (taking into account differences in psychiatric diagnoses) showed that two types of neurotic disorders can be differentiated using the questionnaire - hysterical and dysthymic. Based on these results, G. Eysenck suggested that the answers to the MMQ statements would also make it possible to draw a conclusion about the position of the subject on the scale of another personality dimension postulated by this researcher - extraversion - introversion. This was the beginning of work on the construction of a new personality questionnaire. As a result, MMQ was not used in psychodiagnostic studies.

Second MPI personality questionnaire

MPI(Maudsley Personality Inventory) is a personality questionnaire published in 1956. It consists of two internal scales: extraversion-introversion and neuroticism, each scale has 24 questions. Later, 2 empty "masking questions" and 20 questions were also added to form the scale of the sincerity of the subject. There are three response options: Yes (2 points), Don't know (1 point) and No (0 points). Practical use MPI showed significant discrepancies between the data obtained and the author's theoretical predictions (especially in clinical groups).

Third Personality Inventory EPI

EPI(Eysenck Personality Inventory) was published in 1963 and contains 57 questions, 24 of which are aimed at identifying extraversion-introversion, 24 others - at assessing emotional stability-instability (neuroticism), the remaining 9 are control group questions designed to assess the sincerity of the subject, his attitude to the survey and the reliability of the results.

G. Eysenck developed two versions of this technique (A and B), which differ only in the text of the questionnaire. Instruction, key and data processing are duplicated. The presence of two forms allows the psychologist to conduct a re-examination.

Adapted in Russia by A.G. Shmelev.

Fourth EPQ Personality Questionnaire

EPQ(Eysenck Personality Questionnaire) is the result of a further research work Hans and Sibylla Eysenck. EPQ was created in 1968 on the basis of the PEN (Psychoticism, Extraversion, and Neuroticism) model proposed by the authors. Thus, the third factor "psychoticism" was added to the two-dimensional structure of the previous questionnaires, which does not change the original "two-axis concept.

The EPQ consists of 91 statements, to which 10 more "blank" statements can be added (items 92 to 101).

Theoretical basis

G. Eysenck, after analyzing the survey materials of 700 neurotic soldiers, came to the conclusion that the entire set of traits describing a person can be represented by 2 main factors: extraversion (introversion) and neuroticism.

The first of these factors is biopolar and represents a characteristic of a person's individual psychological make-up, the extreme poles of which correspond to the personality's orientation either to the world of external objects (extraversion) or to the subjective inner world (introversion). It is generally accepted that extroverts are characterized by sociability, impulsiveness, flexibility of behavior, great initiative (but little perseverance) and high social adaptability. Introverts, on the contrary, are characterized by lack of communication, isolation, social passivity (with sufficiently high perseverance), a tendency to introspection and difficulty social adaptation.

The second factor - neuroticism (or neuroticism) - describes some property-state that characterizes a person in terms of emotional stability, anxiety, self-esteem level and possible autonomic disorders. This factor is also bipolar and forms a scale, on one pole of which there are people who are characterized by extreme stability, maturity and excellent adaptation, and on the other - an extremely nervous, unstable and poorly adapted type. Most of people are located between these poles, closer to the middle (according to the normal distribution).

The intersection of these 2 bipolar characteristics allows you to get an unexpected and rather curious result - a fairly clear assignment of a person to one of the four 4 temperaments.

The third factor - psychotism - was added in the fourth version of the questionnaire and is a characteristic of the tendency to antisocial behavior and inadequacy emotional reactions. This factor is not bipolar, its high values ​​may indicate a difficulty in social adaptation, although there is no clear justification for the legitimacy of distinguishing this category, and it is disputed by many foreign researchers.

Results processing

MPI key

Answers that match the key are scored 2 points, “I don’t know” - 1 point, and those that do not match - 0 points.

EPI key

EPQ Key

Answers matching the key are worth 1 point.

Scale	Direct statements	Reverse assertions
Extraversion - introversion	1, 5, 10, 15, 18, 26, 34, 38, 42, 50, 54, 58, 62, 65, 70, 74, 77, 81, 90, 92, 96	22, 30, 46, 84
neuroticism	3, 7, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 75, 79, 83, 86, 89, 94, 98
psychoticism	14, 23, 27, 31, 35, 47, 51, 55, 71, 85, 88, 93, 97	2, 6, 9, 11, 19, 39, 43, 59, 63, 67, 78, 100
Lie Scale	13, 21, 33, 37, 61, 73, 87, 99	4, 8, 17, 25, 29, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 66, 69, 76, 80, 82, 91, 95

Interpretation of results

MPI

Extraversion:

• from 32 to 48 - "pure" extrovert
• from 16 to 32 - ambivalence, uncertainty
• from 0 to 16 - "pure" introvert

Neuroticism:

• from 32 to 48 - pronounced neuroticism
• from 16 to 32 - average score
• from 0 to 16 - emotional stability

Lie:

• more than 20 - absolute unreliability of the results
• from 16 to 20 - a dubious result
• from 5 to 15 points - reliable result
• 4 points or less - questionable result

EPI

Extraversion:

• more than 19 - a bright extrovert,
• more than 15 - extrovert
• 12 - average value,
• less than 9 - introvert,
• less than 5 - a deep introvert.

Neuroticism:

• more than 19 - a very high level of neuroticism,
• more than 14 - a high level of neuroticism,
• 9 - 13 - average value,
• less than 7 - low level of neuroticism.

Lie:

• more than 4 - insincerity in the answers, also indicating some demonstrative behavior and orientation of the subject to social approval,
• less than 4 is normal.

EPQ

Extraversion:

• more than 15 - "pure" extrovert
• from 7 to 15 - ambivalence, uncertainty
• from 0 to 6 - "pure" introvert

Neuroticism:

• more than 16 - pronounced neuroticism
• from 8 to 16 - average score
• from 0 to 7 - emotional stability

Psychoticism:

• more than 10 - work with people is contraindicated
• from 6 to 10 - there is a tendency to emotional inadequacy
• from 0 to 5 - none

Lie:

• more than 10 - unreliable result

Description of scales

Extraversion - introversion

Describing a typical extrovert, the author notes his sociability and outward orientation of the individual, wide circle acquaintances, the need for contacts. He acts on the spur of the moment, impulsive, quick-tempered, carefree, optimistic, good-natured, cheerful. Prefers movement and action, tends to be aggressive. Feelings and emotions do not have strict control, prone to risky actions. You can't always rely on him.

The typical introvert is quiet, shy, introspective and introspective. Restrained and distant from everyone except close friends. Plans and considers his actions in advance, does not trust sudden urges, takes decisions seriously, loves order in everything. Controls his feelings, he is not easily pissed off. Possesses pessimism, highly appreciates moral norms.

neuroticism

Characterizes emotional stability or instability (emotional stability or instability). Neuroticism, according to some reports, is associated with indicators of the lability of the nervous system. Emotional stability is a trait that expresses the preservation of organized behavior, situational focus in normal and stressful situations. It is characterized by maturity, excellent adaptation, lack of great tension, anxiety, as well as a tendency to leadership, sociability. Neuroticism is expressed in extreme nervousness, instability, poor adaptation, a tendency to quickly change moods (lability), feelings of guilt and anxiety, anxiety, depressive reactions, absent-mindedness, instability in stressful situations. Neuroticism corresponds to emotionality, impulsivity; unevenness in contacts with people, variability of interests, self-doubt, pronounced sensitivity, impressionability, a tendency to irritability. The neurotic personality is characterized by inadequately strong reactions to the stimuli that cause them. Individuals with high scores on the neuroticism scale in adverse stressful situations may develop neurosis.

The presentation of the results on the scales of extraversion and neuroticism is carried out using a coordinate system. The interpretation of the obtained results is carried out on the basis of psychological characteristics personalities corresponding to one or another square of the coordinate model, taking into account the degree of severity of individual psychological properties and the degree of reliability of the data obtained.

psychoticism

This scale indicates a tendency to antisocial behavior, pretentiousness, inadequacy of emotional reactions, high conflict, lack of contact, self-centeredness, selfishness, indifference. According to Eysenck, high performance extraversion and neuroticism correspond to a psychiatric diagnosis of hysteria, and high rates of introversion and neuroticism correspond to a state of anxiety or reactive depression. Neuroticism and psychotism in the case of the severity of these indicators are understood as a "predisposition" to the corresponding types of pathology.

Typology of personality

According to Eysenck

Drawing on data from higher physiology nervous activity, Eysenck hypothesizes that the strong and weak types, according to Pavlov, are very close to the extraverted and introverted personality types. The nature of introversion and extraversion is seen in innate properties central nervous system, which ensure the balance of the processes of excitation and inhibition.

Thus, using the survey data on the scales of extraversion, introversion and neuroticism, it is possible to derive personality temperament indicators according to Pavlov’s classification, who described four classical type: sanguine (according to the main properties of the central nervous system, it is characterized as strong, balanced, mobile), choleric (strong, unbalanced, mobile), phlegmatic (strong, balanced, inert), melancholic (weak, unbalanced, inert).

"Clean" sanguine quickly adapts to new conditions, quickly converges with people, sociable. Feelings easily arise and change, emotional experiences, as a rule, are shallow. Facial expressions are rich, mobile, expressive. Somewhat restless, in need of new impressions, insufficiently regulates his impulses, does not know how to strictly adhere to the developed routine, life, system at work. In this regard, he cannot successfully carry out a task that requires an equal expenditure of effort, a long and methodical effort, perseverance, stability of attention, and patience. In the absence of serious goals, deep thoughts, creative activity superficiality and inconstancy are produced.

Choleric characterized by increased excitability, actions are intermittent. It is characterized by sharpness and swiftness of movements, strength, impulsiveness, pronounced expression. emotional experiences. Due to imbalance, carried away by business, he is inclined to act with all his might, to be exhausted more than he should. Having public interest, temperament manifests in initiative, energy, adherence to principles. In the absence of a spiritual life, the choleric temperament often manifests itself in irritability, efficiency, intemperance, irascibility, inability to self-control under emotional circumstances.

Phlegmatic person characterized relatively low level activity of behavior, new forms of which are developed slowly, but are persistent. It has slowness and calmness in actions, facial expressions and speech, evenness, constancy, depth of feelings and moods. Persistent and stubborn "worker of life", he rarely loses his temper, is not prone to affects, having calculated his strength, brings the matter to the end, is even in relationships, moderately sociable, does not like to talk in vain. Saves energy, does not waste it. Depending on the conditions, in some cases, a phlegmatic person can be characterized by “positive” traits - endurance, depth of thought, constancy, thoroughness, etc., in others - lethargy, indifference to the environment, laziness and lack of will, poverty and weakness of emotions, a tendency to fulfill just habitual actions.

Melancholic. His reaction often does not correspond to the strength of the stimulus, there is a depth and stability of feelings with their weak expression. It is difficult for him to concentrate on something for a long time. Strong impacts often cause a prolonged inhibitory reaction in the melancholic (hands down). He is characterized by restraint and muffled motor skills and speech, shyness, timidity, indecision. AT normal conditions melancholic - a person is deep, meaningful, can be a good worker, successfully cope with life tasks. Under adverse conditions, it can turn into a closed, timid, anxious, vulnerable person, prone to difficult internal experiences of such life circumstances who don't deserve it at all.

According to Sukhodolsky

On the other hand, as a rule, one should talk about the predominance of certain traits of temperament, since in life in pure form they are rare. That is why G.V. Sukhodolsky believes that it is necessary to single out not four ("pure" types - this is an abstraction), but nine personality types: a norm and eight accentuations. In addition to the four "pure" types of G.V. Sukhodolsky proposed four "intermediate" ones:

• choleric-sanguine (i.e. "pure" extraverted combined with an average neuroticism score)
• sanguine-phlegmatic, (i.e. "steady" type combined with extraversion-introversion ambivalence)
• phlegmatic-melancholic, (i.e. "pure" introverted in combination with an average score of neuroticism)
• melancholic-choleric, (i.e. "neurotic" type combined with extraversion-introversion ambivalence)
• normal type.

According to G.V. Sukhodolsky, the typology of G. Eysenck, can be represented as a matrix, the rows of which characterize the orientation (introversion; average values; extraversion), the columns correspond to the levels of emotional stability (neuroticism; average values; stability), and the elements - statistically normal and deviating from it types .

Each type of personality corresponds to the following external manifestations:

• Choleric (X)- Aggressive, short-tempered, changing his views / impulsive.
• Choleric-sanguine (CS) type- optimistic, active, extroverted, sociable, accessible.
• Sanguine (C)- Loquacious, quick to react, laid-back, lively.
• Sanguine-phlegmatic (SF) type- carefree, leading "stable, calm, balanced.
• Phlegmatic (F)- reliable, self-controlled, peaceful, reasonable.
• Phlegmatic-melancholic (FM) type- diligent, passive, introvert, quiet, unsociable.
• Melancholic (M)- restrained, pessimistic, sober, rigid.
• Melancholic-choleric (MX) type- conscientious, capricious, neurotic, touchy, restless.
• EPI personality questionnaire (G. Eysenck's method) / Almanac psychological tests- M., 1995. S.217-224.

Emotional instability or neuroticism is a trait of a human character, accompanied by increased anxiety, uncertainty about own forces and constant feeling guilt. Neuroticism and neurosis are two different states, however, ultimately personality trait can turn into a persistent neurotic reaction, which already needs to be treated with medicines. Neurotic syndrome in children, unfortunately, is as common as in adults, which is associated with a number of factors, including genetic predisposition.

Neurotic people are extremely vulnerable people. You can say about them the well-known "take everything too close to the heart." TO stressful situations such people are not ready already at the subconscious level, any remark or criticism addressed to them is perceived as a disaster global scope. outburst of emotion in response to annoying factor can cause short-term relief, while after some time there is a feeling of guilt for what they have done. Freud believed that any neurotic reaction is a conflict between the I (real set of circumstances) and the Id (subconscious). If a person desires something, but does not receive anything worthwhile in return, a kind of “split” of personality occurs. Unlike psychiatric spectrum disorders, neuroticism does not suffer criticism of own fortune. Often people themselves turn to doctors for help to start living. full life. Incorrectly treated neurosis or complete disregard symptoms of the disease can lead to the development of mental disorders, in particular, to depression.

The causes of neuroticism are varied:

• genetic predisposition;
• chronic stress;
• Family conflicts;
• Transferred viral infections;
• Intrauterine pathology of the fetus and childbirth;
• Bad habits;
• The use of psychotropic drugs.

Separately allocate whole line psychological theories that can influence the development of a neurotic temperament.

Neuroticism and psychology

• , according to Freud, are caused by the conflict between the subconscious and reality. In many of his works, the theme of satisfying carnal needs is raised. Without getting a kind of "discharge" a person becomes irritable and unsure of himself.
• According to Eysenck, neuroticism is a predisposition to such behavior due to heredity. Moreover, depending on the state of the central nervous system, one can say in what profession this or that person will work, whether he will commit illegal acts, and much more.
• Alfred Adler believed that neurotic reactions are the suppression of social and biological needs, the desire for dominance. To some extent, his works are similar to Freud's theory.
• Fritz Perls was sure that neuroticism is denial public stereotypes and suppression own emotions and desires.
• Karen Horney has done research on neurotic reactions in women. Karen suggested that many women feel overwhelmed by the fact that men occupy a dominant position in society. The dominance inherent in man by nature came to naught, which caused the progression of neuroticism up to the formation of neurosis.

Clinical picture

There are a number of complaints that a person with a neurotic personality can make:

• Fatigue;
• Growing guilt over time
• Constant anxiety;
• Tremor;
• Low self-esteem;
• A tendency to overvalued ideas (a person is obsessed with only one idea, and cannot think of anything else but it);
• Feeling of own inferiority;
• Inadequate reaction to stimuli from the outside (for example, screaming at a minor remark or tearfulness for no apparent reason);
• Somatic complaints (headache, inability to sleep, nausea, palpitations, etc.).

In some cases, neurotic edema and skin rashes of non-allergic origin may form due to increased production of histamine in response to stress.

Neurotic symptoms must be differentiated from other complaints that may be the result of an existing disease.

Neuroticism as a consequence of the peculiarities of the brain

Eysenck believed that neuroticism is directly related to the activity of the limbic system and the production of the hormone serotonin. Persons with a neurotic temperament have it in more, which is the initiator of the onset of symptoms.

The main condition for the emergence of neuroticism is the genetic component. Moreover, in such people there is a pronounced predominance of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system over the parasympathetic.

The role of neurotrophic factor in the brain

A low level of neurotropic factors can be the culprit of depressive states in neurotics. BUT long stay causes a breakdown of the human defense mechanisms, which is manifested by a hormonal shift due to incorrect operation hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. In response to a stimulus, a large amount of cortisol is produced, which causes not only emotional instability, but also a violation of a number of organs and systems (heartbeat, nausea, lump in the throat, etc.).

Diagnostics

There is a so-called test for neuroticism. It includes 24 questions that must be answered "Yes" or "No". Up to 11 positive answers are considered the limit of the norm, more than 12 is already a confirmation of the presence of a neurotic state. A high level of neuroticism is when most of the proposed questions were answered "yes".

The Eysenck test will be able to best convey the inner experiences of a person and his preferences. The test contains 57 questions that will help you establish your temperament and stress tolerance. Neuroticism and extraversion are the most common combination, which is important when adjusting the psycho-emotional background.

Eysenck test

• Extrovert. A person whose energy is directed outward. Such people are sociable, impulsive, cannot tolerate monotonous work, get irritated very quickly and strive for leadership;
• An introvert is the exact opposite of an extrovert. He is shy, does not like to take risks and does not adapt well to environment. An introvert is able to keep his emotions in himself, feels uncomfortable among a large number of people, however, in the company of "his people" he behaves in a friendly and open manner;
• A neurotic is a person who is always in the realm of chaos. He is overly excitable, like an extrovert and, often, worries when large cluster people like an introvert. Permanent mental stress often leads to depression.

The Neuroticism Scale is a personality assessment based on a test that includes 57 questions. The ratio of “Yes” \ “No” answers and the analysis of the data obtained allow us to reveal a person and find his strengths and weaknesses.

Temperament types

Based on this test, the following types of temperaments are distinguished:

• Choleric. This is an extrovert with increased emotional lability. Despite his aggressiveness and irritability, he is an optimist;
• Sanguine. Also an extrovert, however, there are no mood swings. Such a person is cheerful, sociable. Any problems are solved without special energy costs;
• Melancholic. Introvert, but emotionally unstable. He is pessimistic and complete opposite choleric. They react passively to a stressful stimulus, tearfulness is noted;
• Phlegmatic person. Also an introvert, but with a stable emotional background. He is stable, peaceful, unhurried. He reacts weakly to failures, "does not want to waste his nerves on this."

It should be noted that in its pure form, temperaments never occur. AT modern society there are many variations, using the Eysenck test, only the dominant component can be distinguished.

Treatment

Given that neuroticism is internal conflict, it is necessary to carry out competent . Reveal the reason why a person reacts so sharply to stressful agents, help him fight his own emotional instability and teach a neurotic to accept himself with all fictional and non-fictional flaws. good effect has aromatherapy, relaxing massage. In the autumn and spring periods, it is recommended to drink a course of vitamins that have a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system. great attention should be given to the regime of the day - regular rest, a full 8-hour sleep and walks before bedtime. After a light dinner at night, you need to drink a glass of kefir, which contains a large amount of tryptophan, an amino acid that has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system. Also, a large amount of tryptophan is found in cottage cheese, so it can be included in your daily diet as a snack between lunch and dinner around 4-5 pm.

Drug treatment of neuroticism is carried out only if clinical picture significantly reduces the quality of life of a sick person. Sedatives, tranquilizers, antidepressants, mood stabilizers are prescribed, depending on the prevailing symptom.

The fact that all people are different is a common truth, obvious, perhaps, to most of the population of the Earth. However, the human tendency to systematize everything that is possible and impossible, called into question this fact - this is how typologies were created. human characters, inner worlds, temperaments, etc. Many of the invented typologies are not as good as we would like; at the same time, there are really worthy examples, for example, the division of people into extroverts-introverts. In the most basic, everyday view, this is a division into sociable-unsociable people, but in fact this is not entirely true. It is also about how people work, what pace of work is most acceptable for them, and so on - in any case, according to Eysenck's typology, which (along with the test) is presented here.

According to Eysenck extrovert, compared with an introvert, it is more difficult to develop conditioned reflexes, has a greater tolerance for pain, but less tolerance for sensory deprivation, as a result of which it cannot tolerate monotony, is more likely to be distracted during work, etc. Typical behavioral manifestations extrovert are sociability, impulsiveness, and lack of self-control, good adaptability to the environment, openness in feelings. He is sympathetic, cheerful, self-confident, seeks leadership, has many friends, unrestrained, seeks entertainment, likes to take risks, witty, not always obligatory.

At introvert the following features of behavior prevail: he is often immersed in himself, has difficulty establishing contacts with people and adapting to reality. In most cases, the introvert is calm, balanced, peaceful, his actions are thoughtful and rational. His circle of friends is small. An introvert highly values ​​ethical norms, likes to plan the future, thinks about what and how he will do, does not give in to instant impulses, is pessimistic. An introvert does not like unrest, adheres to a routine life order. He strictly controls his feelings and rarely behaves aggressively, is mandatory.

Also, in his questionnaire, Eysenck singled out another school - neuroticism, i.e anxiety. At one extreme of neuroticism (high marks) are the so-called neurotics, who are characterized by instability, imbalance of neuropsychic processes, emotional instability, and also the lability of the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, they are easily excitable, they are characterized by mood variability, sensitivity, as well as anxiety, suspiciousness, slowness, indecision. Another pole of neuroticism ( low grades) are emotionally stable individuals characterized by calmness, poise, confidence, and determination.

Knowing what type a person belongs to in the extraversion-introversion dichotomy is really very important, because thanks to this you can choose best approach to him and develop the best activity structure for him. Knowing the level of anxiety is necessary for the same purpose.

We offer you a series of questions to help you better understand own model interaction with yourself and the world (and someone else's model - in case you offer this test to someone else). Answering these questions should be the first thing that comes to your mind. Answers to all questions are either yes or no. Through this test personal abilities are being studied, therefore it is important to understand that there CANNOT be right or wrong answers.

1. Do you often feel cravings for new experiences, to shake things up, to get excited?

2. Do you often need friends who understand you, who can encourage or console you?

3. Are you a careless person?

4. Do you find it very difficult to say "no" to you?

5. Do you think before doing anything?

6. If you promise to do something, do you always keep your promises (regardless of whether it is convenient for you or not)?

7. Do you often have ups and downs in your mood?

8. Do you usually act and speak quickly without thinking?

9. Do you often feel like an unhappy person for no good reason?

10. Would you do almost anything for a dare?

11. Do you feel shy and ashamed when you want to start a conversation with a pretty stranger?

12. Do you sometimes lose your temper, get angry?

13. Do you often act under the influence of a momentary mood?

14. Do you often feel anxious because you have done or said something that you shouldn't have done or said?

15. Do you usually prefer books to meeting people?

16. Are you easily offended?

17. Do you like to be in the company often?

18. Do you sometimes have thoughts that you would like to hide from others?

19. Is it true that sometimes you are full of energy so that everything burns in your hands, and sometimes you are completely lethargic?

20. Do you prefer to have fewer friends, but especially those close to you?

21. Do you often daydream?

22. When someone yells at you, do you respond in kind?

23. Do you often feel guilty?

24. Are all your habits good and desirable?

25. Are you able to give free rein to your feelings and have fun in the company with might and main?

26. Do you consider yourself an excitable and sensitive person?

27. Are you considered a lively and cheerful person?

28. After doing something important, do you often feel like you could do it better?

29. Are you more silent when you are in the company of other people?

30. Do you gossip sometimes?

31. Does it happen that you can’t sleep because different thoughts come into your head?

32. If you want to know about something, do you prefer to read about it in a book than to ask?

33. Do you have palpitations?

34. Do you like work that requires constant attention from you?

35. Do you have bouts of trembling?

36. Would you always pay for baggage on transport if you were not afraid of checking?

37. Do you find it unpleasant to be in a society where they make fun of each other?

38. Are you irritable?

39. Do you like work that requires quick action?

40. Do you worry about some unpleasant events that might happen?

41. Do you walk slowly and leisurely?

42. Have you ever been late for a date or work?

43. Do you often have nightmares?

44. Is it true that you love to talk so much that you never miss an opportunity to talk with a stranger?

45. Do you suffer from any pain?

46. ​​You would feel very unhappy if long time were deprived of wide communication with people?

47. Can you call yourself a nervous person?

48. Are there people among your acquaintances that you clearly do not like?

49. Can you say that you are a very confident person?

50. Are you easily offended when people point out your mistakes at work or your personal mistakes?

51. Do you find it hard to really enjoy a party?

52. Are you bothered by the feeling that you are somehow worse than others?

53. Is it easy for you to spice up a rather boring company?

54. Do you sometimes talk about things you don't understand?

55. Do you worry about your health?

56. Do you like to play pranks on others?

57. Do you suffer from insomnia?

Processing of results.

For each answer in the corresponding scale that matches the key, the testee receives 1 point (if the answer does not match the key, no points are deducted). Then the scores obtained are summed up and the values ​​are determined according to the following algorithm:

Extraversion: 12 - average, >15 (greater than or equal) - extrovert, >19 (greater than or equal) - bright extrovert,

Neuroticism: 9-13 - average value of neuroticism, >15 (greater than or equal) - high level of neuroticism, >19 (greater than or equal) - very high level of neuroticism,

Lie: 4 - insincerity in the answers, also indicating some demonstrative behavior and orientation of the subject to social approval.

Key.

character property	"YES" number of questions	"NO" number of questions
extraversion	1, 3, 8, 10, 13, 17, 22, 25, 27, 39, 44, 46, 49, 53, 56	5, 15, 20, 29, 32, 34, 37, 41, 51
neuroticism	2, 4, 7, 11, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31, 33, 35, 38, 40, 43, 45, 47, 50, 52, 55, 57
Lie		12, 18, 30, 42, 48