PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONALITY: ASSOCIATIONS WITH LOVE, EMPATHY, ALEXITHYMIA, AND AGGRESSION

The psychology of personality is a multifaceted field that delves into the patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make an individual unique. It encompasses a wide array of theoretical perspectives, including trait theory, psychoanalytic theory, humanistic theory, and social-cognitive theory. Trait theorists focus on identifying and measuring individual personality characteristics, often through psychometric tools such as the Big Five personality traits. Psychoanalytic theorists, pioneered by Sigmund Freud, emphasize the influence of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences on personality development. Humanistic psychologists, like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, highlight the importance of self-actualization and personal growth, proposing that individuals have an inherent drive toward achieving their full potential. Social-cognitive theorists, such as Albert Bandura, explore the role of cognitive processes and social interactions in shaping personality, emphasizing observational learning, self-efficacy, and reciprocal determinism. The integration of these diverse perspectives provides a comprehensive understanding of personality, offering insights into how individual differences arise and manifest in various contexts. Moreover, contemporary research in personality psychology increasingly incorporates findings from neuroscience and genetics, further enriching our understanding of the biological underpinnings of personality traits and their development over the lifespan. The study of personality is fundamental in psychology for several reasons. Firstly, personality influences how we perceive, interpret, and respond to our environment, affecting our daily lives, interpersonal relationships, and psychological well-being. Additionally, understanding personality helps predict and explain specific behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive. Researching personality is also crucial for improving personnel selection, counseling, and psychological therapy, as it allows us to identify and address patterns of thought and behavior that may contribute to mental health issues or interpersonal difficulties. In summary, the study of personality is essential for understanding the complexity of human beings and enhancing our quality of life.

Simposio Anterior

Siguiente Simposio

CARMEN MARÍA GALVEZ SÁNCHEZ

Universidad de Murcia

Ponencias

CARMEN MARÍA GALVEZ SÁNCHEZ

Universidad de Murcia

Exploring the Link Between Personality Disorders and Adverse Life Experiences

CARMEN MARÍA GALVEZ SÁNCHEZ

×

Exploring the Link Between Personality Disorders and Adverse Life Experiences

Background: Personality disorders (PDs) exhibit a high prevalence and incidence and are commonly seen in family medicine practices. The development of PDs is believed to result from a combination of unidentified genetic factors and life experiences, especially adverse experiences during childhood. The objective of this research was to analyze the relationship between adverse experiences and the presence of personality disorders. Method: This research employs a quantitative methodology, specifically an observational study adhering to the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. Sixty-one participants completed the Structured Clinical Interview for Axis I Disorders of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as well as an interview that included sociodemographic data and questions about adverse experiences. Results: The results indicate a significant positive association between adverse experiences and the presence of personality disorders, specifically depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, dysthymia, and adjustment disorder. Adverse life experiences -including abuse and maltreatment- appear to be particularly associated with anxiety and depression disorders, as well as an increased risk of suicide. Additionally, there is an observed association between these adverse experiences and the occurrence of suicide attempts. Conclusions: Though further research is required, the present findings highlight the importance of exploring the link between personality disorders and adverse life experiences. It is also confirmed the relevance of prevention programs and emotional psychoeducation in general population.

AGATA BENFANTE

Universidad de Turín

Love actually: Is relationship status associated with Dark Triad personality traits and attitudes towards love?

AGATA BENFANTE

×

Love actually: Is relationship status associated with Dark Triad personality traits and attitudes towards love?

Introduction: Romantic love plays a central role in the lives of individuals and influences decisions about lasting relationships such as marriage or cohabitation. To understand the dynamics of intimate relationships, both personality traits and attitudes toward love styles need to be explored. Objectives:This study aimed to examine the possible differences between married/cohabiting and single individuals in terms of Dark Triad personality traits and attitudes towards love styles, and to investigate which of these factors can significantly predict participants’ relationship status. As a secondary objective, we analysed the presence of gender differences in the examined constructs. Method: A total of 1101 participants (mean age ± SD: 40.75 ± 16.07; women: 710, 64.5%) completed the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen and the Love Attitudes Scale - Short Form. Data for this study were collected via a web-based survey. Results: Study’s results revealed that married/cohabiting participants scored lower on all Dark Triad Dirty Dozen subscales, and they were characterised by more Eros and Agape and less Ludus, Mania, Pragma, and Storge styles compared to their single counterparts. Age, narcissism, Eros, Agape, Mania, and Storge were significant predictors of marriage/cohabitation. The final model explained 53% of the variance, with 81% of participants correctly categorised as married/cohabiting vs. single. Finally, men were more ludic and agapic in their love styles than women. Conclusions: These findings suggest that dark personality traits and attitudes toward love styles characterise married/cohabiting and single individuals differently. Understanding these distinctions sheds light on the complexities of romantic relationships across different relationship.

MARIALAURA DI TELLA

Universidad de Turín

Wandering in the darkness of personality: Empathy, alexithymia and their relationship to the Dark Tetrad

MARIALAURA DI TELLA

×

Wandering in the darkness of personality: Empathy, alexithymia and their relationship to the Dark Tetrad

Introduction: The Dark Tetrad is a group of four personality traits, namely Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism. Although these traits are conceptually distinct, they also share a number of common characteristics. Previous evidence has suggested that the Dark Tetrad traits could be associated with reduced empathy and difficulty recognising one’s own emotions (i.e. alexithymia). Objectives: The aim of this study was to further investigate the relationship between Dark Tetrad personality traits, alexithymia, and empathy in a large sample of the general population. Method: Data were collected via an anonymous online survey. A total of 1548 participants met the inclusion criteria and formed the final sample. Participants were asked to provide socio-demographic information and complete questionnaires assessing Dark Tetrad traits, empathy, and alexithymia. Results: Mediation analyses revealed that Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism had both a direct and an indirect effect on empathy, with alexithymia being a significant mediator in the relationship between these traits and empathy, even after controlling for age and gender. Conversely, narcissism was found to be significantly correlated only with alexithymia, but not with empathy. Conclusions: Taken together, results show that people with Dark Tetrad traits may have alterations in their socio-emotional abilities, with difficulties in recognising and understanding their own feelings and those of others. Individual differences in the levels of alexithymia and empathy should be considered in the treatment of individuals who show adverse personality traits in order to prevent socially dangerous behaviours.

SARA VEGGI

Universidad de Turín

Dark Tetrad personality traits and attitudes supportive of vindictive rape: The mediating role of empathy

SARA VEGGI

×

Dark Tetrad personality traits and attitudes supportive of vindictive rape: The mediating role of empathy

Introduction: Research on gender-based violence has shown the influence of Dark Tetrad personality traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism) on the development and perpetuation of sexist and offense-supportive attitudes and beliefs. Objectives: This study explored the potential mediating role of empathy in the relationship between the Dark Tetrad personality traits and support for vindictive rape, as a form of revenge for the perceived violation of traditional sexual norms. Method: A sample of 1548 adult individuals from the general community (67.3% female, age range = 18–83 years) completed the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD), the Short Sadistic Impulse Scale (SSIS), the Basic Empathy Scale (BES), and the Vindictive Rape Attitude Questionnaire (VRAQ). Results: Study’s results showed that empathy partially mediated the relationship between both Machiavellianism and sadism, and attitudes supportive of vindictive rape, while a full mediation of empathy was found in the association between psychopathy and attitudes supportive of vindictive rape. Conversely, no significant association between empathy or vindictive rape and narcissism was observed. Conclusions: The results suggest that empathy plays an important role in mitigating the effects of Dark Tetrad personality traits on support for vindictive rape. Given the global prevalence of violence against women, these findings are discussed in the context of a social climate that may reinforce the perpetuation of gender inequalities and sex-based stereotypes that are at the root of the acceptance of violence.

CRISTINA GONZÁLEZ LARA

Universidad de Jaén

Fibromyalgia and personality: a clinic approach

CRISTINA GONZÁLEZ LARA

×

Fibromyalgia and personality: a clinic approach

Introduction: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread persistent pain and a variety of associated symptoms affecting psychosocial and physical health. Due to its high prevalence and heterogeneity of symptoms, it is important to delve into pain-related behaviors as well as quality of life or sleep. Objectives: The aim of this study was to realize a comparative study of four clinical cases highlighting the relevance of personality variables. Method: For this purpose, participants were asked to complete a set of scales. Also, demographic information was recruited. The scales completed were the Spanish version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQS), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ), among others. Results: The patients showed high scores on the evaluated scales. Nevertheless, results showed differences between the scores depending on the personality patterns and their vital circumstances. Conclusions: Individualized and person, not pain, centered treatments could be more effective in improving the management of pain and well-being. Furthermore, transdisciplinary approaches and approaches where their personalities and individual differences seem to be helpful for persons with SFM.