1728669765888_MODELS OF ADULT TEMPERAMENT.pptx

Models of adult temperament

1. Zuckerman’s Sensation Seeking Model Cloninger’s Psychobiological Model Interactional Temperament Model MODELS OF ADULT TEMPERAMENT HANIYAH MARIYAM

2. Zuckerman’s Sensation Seeking Sensation seeking is the tendency to seek out thrilling and exciting activities, take risks, and avoid boredom. Research on the need for sensory input grew out of studies on sensory deprivation researches. Early on in sensory deprivation research, Zuckerman and Haber (1965) noted: Some people were not as distressed as others by the sensory deprivation experience. Some people found sensory deprivation extremely unpleasant. They requested for lots of sensory material (tapes, reading material etc) during the experiment and quit the experiment relatively early. Zuckerman believed that such individuals had a particularly high need for sensation because they were the least tolerant of deprivation.

3. Sensation-Seeking Scale (SSS ) A questionnaire developed by Zuckerman to measure the extent to which a person seeks for novel/exciting experiences. Sensation seeking, according to Zuckerman, has 4 components which were measured by the SSS scale: Thrill and adventure seeking – Seeking exciting sensations through participating in risky activities. Experience seeking – Seeking excitement through the mind, senses and a non-comforting style of life. Disinhibition – Seeking sensations through social stimulations and disinhibitory behaviours like drinking. Boredom susceptibility – Avoiding monotonous and boring situations/activities.

4. According to Zuckerman, there is a physiological basis for sensation-seeking behaviour. He focused on the role played by neurotransmitters in bringing about differences in sensation seeking.

5. Certain enzymes, particularly monoamine oxidase (MAO), are responsible for maintaining the proper levels of neurotransmitters. MAO works by breaking down the neurotransmitter after it has allowed a nerve impulse to pass. If an excessive amount of MAO were present, it would break down too much of the neurotransmitter, and nerve transmission would be diminished. If there were too little MAO present, an excessive amount of the neurotransmitter would be left in the synapse, allowing for too much nervous transmission to take place. MAO acts like the brakes of the nervous system, by decomposing neurotransmitters and thereby inhibiting neurotransmission. High sensation seekers tend to have low levels of MAO, thus having less inhibition in their nervous systems and therefore less control over behaviour, thoughts, and emotions.

6. Low breakdown of neurotransmitters High nervous transmission Low MAO High MAO High breakdown of neurotransmitters Low nervous transmission High sensation seekers Low sensation seekers Zuckerman’s findings :

7. According to Zuckerman’s theory and research, sensation-seeking behaviours (e.g., illicit sex, drug use, wild parties) are not due to seeking an ‘optimal level of arousal’, rather due to having too little of the ‘biochemical brakes’ in the synapse. Later, Zuckerman extended his focus and developed the Alternate Five Theory, which is a broader personality model that encompasses sensation seeking as one of it’s dimensions, along with Sociability, Neuroticism-Anxiety, Aggression-Hostility, and Activity as other dimensions

8. Cloninger’s Psychobiological Model C. Robert Cloninger, developed comprehensive theory that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to explain personality development and behavior. He categorized 7 personality traits into 2 main dimensions – temperament and character . Temperament dimensions were considered to be evident early in life and largely influenced by genes, while character dimensions were considered to appear later in life and be largely influenced by experience.

9. Temperamental dimensions: Novelty Seeking Harm Avoidance Reward Dependence Persistence Tendency to seek new and exciting experiences. Associated with exploratory activity and impulsivity. Eg: A person frequently switching jobs/hobbies, eager to try something new. Tendency to avoid punishment by inhibitory behaviour. Associated with anxiety and fear of uncertainty. Eg: A person avoiding public speaking due to the fear of being ridiculed. Tendency to maintain behaviours that are attached to social rewards and approval. Associated with sociability and dependence on positive feedback. Eg: A person who frequently seeks approval from their friends/peers. Tendency to maintain behaviour despite frustration. Associated with perseverance and determination. Eg: A person continuing to work on a project, despite multiple failures.

10. Character dimensions: Self-directedness Cooperativeness Self-transcendence Ability to regulate and adapt behaviour to achieve personal goals. Eg: A person sets a goal to lose weight, plans a healthy diet, and adheres to their exercise routine despite being tempted by junk food. Ability to get along with people and relate with others. Associated with social acceptance and empathy. Eg: In a group project, a person listens to others’ ideas and helps the team to achieve collective goals even if it means to give up personal preferences . According to Cloninger, it is the capacity to see oneself as an integral part of a larger, interconnected world. Associated with pursuit of meaning beyond personal/material gains. Eg: A person volunteering regularly at a shelter, believing that they are part of a larger community and feeling fulfilled by contributing to the well being of others.

11. Interactional Temperament Model According to this model, behaviour is not only a result of temperament alone, but also influenced by the dynamic interaction between temperament and environmental factors like family, culture, and social relationships. The environmental factors can either amplify/moderate the temperamental traits. For example, a highly reactive child may become more anxious in a stressful environment but more resilient in a supportive one. This model is not recognized as a single, formalized theory that is proposed by a specific individual. Rather, it draws upon various psychological theories that examine temperament, personality, and social interactions.

12. Key features of this model: An individual’s temperamental traits affect how one engages with others. In a social context, people with similar temperamental characteristics tend to have smoother interactions than those with contrasting temperaments. Different social situations may bring out different aspects of an individual’s temperament. Temperament differences can also lead to conflicts in relationships. Bidirectional influence : The model emphasizes that the relationship between temperament and the environmental factors is bidirectional. Goodness of Fit : This refers to how well an individual’s temperament aligns with the demands and expectations of their environment. The interaction between temperament and the environment changes as individuals grow and mature.

13. In conclusion, it can be said that the theories discussed, although prominent, have it’s own drawbacks and limitations. One major limitation is the negligence of the influence of religion and religious beliefs upon temperament and personality development that actually plays a key role in human life.

14. QUIZ

15. Which of the following is NOT one of the subscales in Zuckerman’s Sensation Seeking Scale? Thrill and Adventure Seeking Experience Seeking Disinhibition Novelty Seeking Sensation seeking is negatively correlated with this trait of the five factor model Openness Extraversion Conscientiousness Neuroticism

16. According to Zuckerman’s findings, high sensation seekers tend to have ______. Excess MOA High nervous transmission Excess neurotransmitter breakdown Low nervous transmission According to Cloninger, a person who struggles to set long term goals and/or follow them may be low in the character dimension ________. Novelty Seeking Reward Dependence Harm Avoidance Self-Directedness

17. Which of the following is NOT a temperament dimension in Cloninger’s model? Harm Avoidance Persistence Cooperativeness Reward Dependence According to Cloninger’s model, men with antisocial personality disorder were found to be _____. High in Novelty Seeking High in Harm Avoidance High in Reward Dependence High in Cooperativeness

18. The model that examines the influence of temperament on one’s social interactions is called _____. Social Interaction Model Socio-Temperament Model Interactional Temperament Model Temperamental Influence Model How well an individual’s temperament aligns with the demands of their environment is referred to as ______. Bidirectional Influence Goodness of Fit Congruence Consistency