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» Descriptions of people with different types of character accentuations. The main types of accentuations and their impact on personality

Descriptions of people with different types of character accentuations. The main types of accentuations and their impact on personality

CHARACTER ACCENTUATION

(English) character accentuation) - high degree of expression of individual traits character and their combinations, representing an extreme option , bordering on psychopathy. Wed. .


Large psychological dictionary. - M.: Prime-EVROZNAK. Ed. B.G. Meshcheryakova, acad. V.P. Zinchenko. 2003 .

Accentuation of character

   CHARACTER ACCENTUATION (With. 31) - excessive expression of individual character traits and their combinations, representing an extreme version of the mental norm, bordering on psychopathy. According to the famous German psychiatrist K. Leongard (he proposed this term), in 20-50% of people some character traits are so sharpened (accentuated) that under certain circumstances this leads to the same type of conflicts and nervous breakdowns. When character is accentuated, a person becomes vulnerable not to any (as in psychopathy), but only to certain traumatic influences addressed to the so-called “place of least resistance” of this type of character while maintaining resistance to others. Accentuation can be expressed in different ways - there are obvious and hidden (latent) accentuations, which can transform into each other under the influence of various factors, among which the characteristics of upbringing, social environment, professional activity, and physical health play an important role.

Taking shape by adolescence, most accentuations, as a rule, are smoothed out and compensated over time, and only in difficult, traumatic situations that have a long-term impact on the “weak link” of character can not only become the basis for acute emotional reactions and neuroses, but also be a condition for the formation psychopathy.

Based on various classifications, the following main types of character accentuations are distinguished:

1) cycloid- alternation of phases of good and bad mood with different periods;

2) hyperthymic- constantly high spirits, increased mental activity with a thirst for activity and a tendency to waste time without completing the task;

3) labile - sudden changes in mood depending on the situation;

4) asthenic- fatigue, irritability, tendency to depression and hypochondria;

5) sensitive- increased impressionability, timidity, heightened sense of inferiority;

6) psychasthenic- high anxiety, suspiciousness, indecisiveness, tendency to introspection, constant doubts and reasoning;

7) - isolation, isolation, introversion, emotional coldness, manifested in a lack of empathy, difficulties in establishing emotional contacts, lack of intuition in the process of communication;

8) epileptoid- a tendency to an angry-sad mood with accumulating aggression, manifested in the form of attacks of rage and anger (sometimes with elements of cruelty), conflict, viscosity of thinking, scrupulous pedantry;

9) stuck (paranoid)- increased suspicion and painful sensitivity, persistence of negative affects, desire for dominance, rejection of the opinions of others and, as a result, high conflict;

10) demonstrative (hysterical)- a pronounced tendency to repress unpleasant facts and events, to deceit, fantasy and pretense, used to attract attention to oneself; behavior characterized by adventurism, vanity, “flight into illness” with an unsatisfied need for recognition;

11) dysthymic- prevalence of low mood, tendency to depression, focus on the gloomy and sad aspects of life;

12) unstable- a tendency to easily succumb to the influence of others, a constant search for new experiences, companies, the ability to easily establish contacts, which, however, are superficial;

13) conformal- excessive subordination and dependence on the opinions of others, lack of criticality and initiative, a tendency towards conservatism.

In contrast to “pure” types, mixed forms of character accentuations are much more common - intermediate (the result of the simultaneous development of several typical traits) and amalgam (layering of new character traits on its existing structure) types. I

Taking into account character accentuations is necessary for implementing an individual approach to the upbringing of children and adolescents, career guidance, and choosing appropriate forms of individual and family psychotherapy.


Popular psychological encyclopedia. - M.: Eksmo. S.S. Stepanov. 2005.

See what “character accentuation” is in other dictionaries:

    accentuation of character- excessive expression of individual character traits and their combinations, representing an extreme version of the mental norm, bordering on psychopathy. According to the famous German psychiatrist K. Leongard (he proposed this term), 20-50% of people... ... Defectology. Dictionary-reference book

    accentuation of character- a concept introduced by K. Leonhard and meaning the excessive expression of individual character traits and their combinations, representing extreme variants of the norm, bordering on psychopathy. Oh. differ from the latter in the absence of simultaneous manifestation... ...

    A concept introduced by K. Leonhard and meaning the excessive expression of individual character traits and their combinations, representing extreme variants of the norm, bordering on psychopathy. Actively used by military psychologists in determining... ... Psychological and pedagogical dictionary of a naval unit teacher officer

    Accentuation of character- excessive expression of individual character traits and their combinations, which represent extreme variants of the norm, bordering on personality anomalies. With character accentuations, each type has its own “Achilles heel”, which makes the personality... ... Human psychology: dictionary of terms

    Accentuation of character- (lat. accentus stress) excessive strengthening of individual character traits, manifested in the selective vulnerability of the individual in relation to a certain kind of psychogenic influences with good and even increased resistance to others. Despite... ... Forensic encyclopedia

    Accentuation of character- (from Latin accentus stress) excessive strengthening of individual character traits, representing extreme variants of the norm, bordering on personality pathology. Children with A.H. need an individual approach to education. Effective are adequate to the features... ... Corrective pedagogy and special psychology. Dictionary

    CHARACTER ACCENTUATION- excessive strengthening of individual character traits, manifested in the selective vulnerability of the individual in relation to a certain kind of psychogenic influences (difficult experiences, extreme neuropsychic stress, etc.) with good and even ... Modern educational process: basic concepts and terms Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychology and Pedagogy

The study of individual differences, in particular character accentuations, belongs to a separate discipline - the field. The works of many scientists - Western and domestic - are devoted to this field.

Rationale for character trait research

Why it is necessary to study the types of accentuation of differences between individuals has two objectives. Firstly, this is a research goal - to identify as many groups as possible and develop specific advice for representatives of each of them. The more classes are identified, the more effective psychological recommendations for their representatives will be.

Secondly, it is necessary to know the types so that the person himself understands the characteristics and reasons for his behavior and can, in accordance with this, correct it.

Often in this regard, everyday psychology is completely insufficient. For example, there is a common belief that fat people are kind. Conversely, a thin person is sometimes perceived as anxious and wary. Of course, such a breakdown into categories may be partly correct. Even Hippocrates did not avoid such an error in classification, although already in the medical field: once upon a time, an ancient doctor directly linked the tendency to apoplexy with obesity.

Soviet psychologist A. E. Lichko, like the German psychiatrist K. Leongard, used the concept of “accentuation” in their research. When applied to a specific property, this term means that it is highlighted more clearly than others, as if emphasized. In other words, accentuation is the expression of a certain character trait. For a person with this or that quality, certain social situations will be very painful, while others will be easily tolerated. This article will discuss the types of accentuation according to Lichko and Leonhard.

The psychology of differences is not a strict discipline. Types of accentuation are always descriptive in nature and are practically never found in their pure form. Each person can find himself in two or more types.

It should also be noted that assigning oneself to a certain category should not be aimless. When playing psychological tests, you need to ask yourself the question: “Why am I doing this?” If a person understands that he belongs to one group or another, he needs to develop for himself an appropriate compensation and self-help strategy. To do this, you need to study the advice given by psychologists for representatives of different classes and apply them to life.

Classification by A. E. Lichko

A Soviet psychologist studied the types of accentuation of adolescents. In total, he identified eleven groups. The features of the types of character accentuation in his theory have much in common with the classification of Karl Leonhard. Let's look at them in order.

Hyperthymic type

A high level of energy, the ability to quickly find contact with people, a desire for leadership - all this distinguishes the hyperthymic type of accentuation. Lichko considered hyperthymia to be a general characteristic characteristic of adolescence. High emotional tone makes representatives of this category leaders in any company. They are not aggressive. They can enter into conflict, but only if they encounter sharp opposition to their activity. Therefore, it is better not to stand in their way, but, on the contrary, to encourage them to act.

Superficiality of interests is a negative feature that the hyperthymic type of accentuation has. Its representatives may have many abilities, but their interests are unstable.

Cycloid type

The main characteristic of this category is mood variability. An elevated state is replaced by despondency and irritability. Moreover, this happens every two to three weeks.

Labile type

The emotional tone of these teenagers, Lichko noted, cannot be defined as consistently low or high. Their mood is unstable and can change very quickly. Within this category, two subtypes can also be distinguished: reactive-labile and emotionally labile. The former are prone to mood changes due to external factors. The condition of others is more determined by internal experiences.

Representatives of the labile type sometimes seem indifferent to others. But this is far from true - the real problem for some of them may be the ability to correctly express their feelings. Having deep attachments to loved ones, they do not know how to communicate them.

Astheno-neurotic type

Those who belong to this category are the main visitors to medical institutions. Their main difference is the concentration of attention on the state of their body. As soon as they feel unwell, they may suspect that they have a fatal illness - their suspiciousness reaches such proportions.

Sensitive type

The main characteristic of adolescents in this category, Lichko noted, is increased sensitivity, which is reflected in their behavior. People of the sensitive type are also characterized by painful irritability. Their weak point is large companies. They always feel uncomfortable in them, try to carefully observe what is happening, and sometimes copy the behavior of others. Representatives of the sensitive type can attract the attention of the entire company, for example, by going on some kind of prank. But they succeed poorly in this, and they return to the previous state only with even more aggravated timidity.

The advantage of representatives of the sensitive type is diligence, responsibility, and the ability to make and maintain deep friendships.

Psychasthenic type

Characterized by indecisiveness. Any everyday situation can become a source of painful uncertainty for a psychasthenic. They are distinguished by high intelligence and confidence in their conclusions. But the latter is rarely confirmed by deeds. Psychasthenics are prone to impulsive actions just at those moments when it is worth weighing the pros and cons.

Schizoid type

Despite the fact that they are very vulnerable internally, schizoids have virtually no ability for empathy - they are not sensitive to the pain of others. The schizoid type of accentuation has a positive side - they make good inventors. Most of those people who moved forward the progress of mankind were schizoid. Their main feature, which immediately catches the eye, is their eccentricity. “Not of this world,” this can safely be said about schizoids.

Epileptoid type

The most pedantic and picky type. It would seem that what is good about these character traits? But representatives of other types are difficult to imagine in some professions. For example, the best teachers of mathematics or physics are epileptoids. Their accuracy and attention to detail are undeniable advantages in teaching the exact sciences.

Hysterical type

For this category, all life is one huge stage. Some people may initially find it unpleasant to be in company with a hysterical person. After all, their main quality is a constant desire to be in the center of attention. But for certain professions, belonging to this class (its analogue in Leonhard is a demonstrative type of accentuation) is an advantage. For example, hysterics make excellent salespeople, actors, and singers.

Unstable type

Lichko's representatives of this category turned out to be the most irresponsible teenagers. These were those who had no stable interests and practically did not think about their future. Unstable people cannot concentrate on work for long; they are characterized by a constant craving for idleness and entertainment.

Conformal type

A distinctive feature of conformists is the desire not to differ from their environment. Their credo is “to be like everyone else.” A negative feature of this category is the tendency to betray in a difficult situation. A conformist person will not suffer from remorse - he will always find justification for his actions.

Types of character accentuation according to Leonard

Twelve were identified. In many ways, his classification overlaps with Lichko’s theory, and some types in them are identical. Leonhard created three categories: the first was associated with accentuations of character, the second with accentuations of temperament. The criterion for identifying the third group is personal characteristics (focus on oneself or the outside world).

First, we need to clarify the difference between temperament and character. People unfamiliar with psychology often confuse these concepts. But even some psychologists tend to believe that temperament and character are one and the same thing.

Temperament is the speed of a person’s reaction to current events. This quality is, rather, a physiological property of the nervous system. Temperament includes emotionality, degree of response, balance. Character is a social education. Starting from birth, those around them seem to leave their mark on the child. Such social interactions “sculpt” his personality.

So, Karl Leonhard carried out the classification in accordance with character, temperament and personality traits, and the criteria for identifying categories were the styles of human social interaction.

Accentuations associated with temperament

  • Hyperthymic type. The main characteristics are mobility, sociability. In childhood, hyperthyms have good memory and are easy to learn. In adolescence, conflicts are possible, since the group does not always allow hypertim to take a leading position. As adults, representatives of this category remain sociable and energetic. It’s easy to find a common language with them if you don’t confront them.
  • Dysthymic type. Sullenness, phlegmaticity, and inhibition of reactions are the main features of dysthymics. They are silent and seem to be incorrigible pessimists. The positive side of the dysthymic type is responsibility and a developed sense of justice.
  • Labile type. He, as in Lichko’s classification, is distinguished by the ability to quickly change mood. Even a harshly spoken word can have an effect on a representative of the labile type. A good mood can be spoiled even because it rains.
  • Exalted type. Representatives of this type are non-conflict, love society, and are attentive to others. The exalted type of accentuation is distinguished by amorousness, a tendency to sublime feelings, and sociability. Such people are very quickly influenced by events in the outside world - they are easily delighted by the positive ones, and panicked by the negative ones. Many designers, musicians and artists have an exalted type of accentuation.

  • Anxious type. The main feature is a feeling of anxiety for no apparent reason. They are quickly recognized by their peers, and because of their indecisiveness, they can become an object of ridicule. Having become adults, they remain no less suspicious than they were as children. It is difficult for such people to insist on their own. However, the anxious type of accentuation has its advantages - its representatives have a rich inner world, and are also always able to adequately assess their capabilities. Among other types, they perceive reality most clearly.
  • It is believed that representatives of this category “think” with feelings. Their main characteristics are kindness, responsibility, the ability to empathize, and low conflict. People of the emotive type can only feel relaxed in the company of close people. They are soft-hearted, compassionate, and also appreciate the beauty of nature more than others. When communicating with them, their feelings are always recognized. The main value for them is good relationships in the family and at work. Representatives of the emotive type are very vulnerable to callousness and rude behavior.

Accentuations in accordance with character traits

  • Stuck type. A person belonging to this category can carry certain feelings within himself for years. If these are negative emotions that were not correctly expressed, then they torment the stuck person for a long period of time. The pursuit of a goal is the most important characteristic of this accentuation. The stuck type will get his way no matter what. Often for this he strives to find good travel companions. Those who get stuck become good leaders in any activity. However, if their fate is not so rosy, they may become leaders of gangster groups. In addition, like the demonstrative, stuck type of accentuation needs recognition from society. However, this must be truly deserved respect, glory that has a basis.
  • Pedantic type. Like the epileptoids in Lichko’s classification, the main features of representatives of this group are scrupulousness and attention to detail. Pedantic people are highly valued in an office environment for their responsibility and efficiency. This emphasis also manifests itself in caring for one’s own health and the absence of bad habits. The other side of the coin for such people is the constant fear of making a mistake, perfectionism.

  • Excitable type. Impulsiveness, irritability, the desire to satisfy surging impulses immediately - this is what characterizes the excitable type of accentuation. People belonging to this group are usually endowed with a high level of conflict, which often prevents them from building meaningful relationships. The advantage is that they live entirely in the present.
  • Demonstrative type. It is easy to identify, starting from the age of two. Such kids, having once been the center of attention, then try to win it at all costs. If this tendency is supported by parents, then they almost always have an inflated self-esteem that is not really supported by anything. Students of this type can be set as an example to others. Therefore, it is not always easy to recognize that their abilities in a certain area are hardly above average. On the other hand, the demonstrative type of accentuation is distinguished by artistry and good taste in clothing.

Types of accentuations according to personality characteristics

  • Introverted type. Characterized by focusing on one’s experiences and avoiding social contacts. Reality for them is secondary to the inner world. Introverts are responsible, unobtrusive, and love privacy.
  • Extroverted type. Its representatives are self-confident people who love being among people and receive energy from communication. They do not tend to get hung up on aspects of their inner life and always act in accordance with what reality presents to them.

Currently, Lichko's theory is more widely used among psychologists, since the scientist conducted his research on healthy people (teenagers). Leonhard's classification is more often used by psychiatrists. Despite the names presented in both classifications, these groups have nothing to do with mental disorders. The schizoid type of accentuation, for example, in no way means the presence of schizophrenia - all terms are conditional. Different types of accentuation mean the severity of the characteristic is within normal limits.

Leonhard's theory of accentuated personalities quickly proved its validity and usefulness. However, its use was limited by the age of the subjects - the questionnaire for determining accentuation was designed for adult subjects. Children and adolescents, lacking relevant life experience, could not answer a number of test questions, so their accentuations turned out to be difficult to determine.

The domestic psychiatrist Andrei Evgenievich Lichko took up the solution to this problem. He modified it for use in childhood and adolescence, reworked the descriptions of the types of accentuation, changed the names for some of them and introduced new types. A.E. Lichko considered it more appropriate to study accentuations in adolescents, since most of them are formed before adolescence and are most clearly manifested during this period. He expanded the descriptions of accentuated characters with information about the manifestations of accentuations in children and adolescents, and the changes in these manifestations as they grow older. Peru A. E. Lichko owns the fundamental monographs “Adolescent Psychiatry”, “Psychopathy and Character Accentuations in Adolescents”, “Adolescent Narcology”.

Accentuations of character from the point of view of A. E. Lichko

A. E. Lichko was the first to propose replacing the term “personality accentuation” with “character accentuation,” citing the fact that it is impossible to unite all a person’s personal characteristics by defining only accentuation. Personality is a much broader concept, including worldview, characteristics of upbringing, education, and response to external events. Character, being an external reflection of the type of nervous system, serves as a narrow characteristic of the characteristics of human behavior.

Accentuations of character according to Lichko are temporary changes in character that change or disappear in the process of growth and development of the child. However, many of them can turn into psychopathy or persist for life. The path of development of accentuation is determined by its severity, social environment and type (hidden or obvious) of accentuation.

Like Karl Leonhard, A.E. Lichko considered accentuation a variant of character deformation, in which individual traits become excessively pronounced. This increases the sensitivity of the individual to certain types of influences and makes adaptation difficult in some cases. At the same time, in general, the ability to adapt remains at a high level, and with some types of influences (that do not affect the “place of least resistance”), accentuated individuals cope more easily than ordinary ones.

A.E. Lichko considered accentuations as borderline states between normality and psychopathy. Accordingly, their classification is based on the typology of psychopathy.

A. E. Lichko identified the following types of accentuations: hyperthymic, cycloid, sensitive, schizoid, hysteroid, conmorphic, psychasthenic, paranoid, unstable, emotionally labile, epileptoid.

Hyperthymic type

People with this accentuation are excellent tacticians and poor strategists. Resourceful, enterprising, active, easy to navigate in rapidly changing situations. Thanks to this, they can quickly improve their professional and social position. However, in the long term, they often lose their position due to the inability to think through the consequences of their actions, participation in adventures and the wrong choice of comrades.

Active, sociable, enterprising, always in a good mood. Children of this type are active, restless, and often play pranks. Inattentive and poorly disciplined, teenagers of this type are unstable students. Conflicts with adults often arise. They have many superficial hobbies. They often overestimate themselves, strive to stand out and earn praise.

Cycloid accentuation of character according to Lichko is characterized by high irritability and apathy. Children prefer to be alone at home instead of playing in the company of peers. They experience any troubles hard and become irritated in response to comments. The mood changes from good, elated, to depressed at intervals of several weeks.

With growing up, the manifestations of this accentuation usually smooth out, but in some people they can persist or remain stuck for a long time in one stage, often a depressed-melancholic one. Sometimes there is a connection between mood changes and the seasons.

Sensitive type

It is highly sensitive to both joyful and frightening or sad events. Teenagers do not like active, active games, do not play pranks, and avoid large companies. They are timid and bashful with strangers and give the impression of being withdrawn. They can be good friends with close friends. They prefer to communicate with people younger or older than them. Obedient, love their parents.

It is possible to develop an inferiority complex or difficulty adapting to a team. They place high moral demands on themselves and the team. They have a developed sense of responsibility. They are assiduous and prefer complex activities. They are very careful in choosing friends, preferring older ones.

Schizoid type

Teenagers of this type are withdrawn, preferring loneliness or the company of elders to communicating with peers. They are demonstratively indifferent and not interested in communicating with other people. They do not understand the feelings, experiences, condition of others, and do not show sympathy. They also prefer not to show their own feelings. Peers often do not understand them, and therefore are hostile towards schizoids.

Hysteroids are distinguished by a high need for attention to themselves and egocentrism. Demonstrative, artistic. They do not like it when someone else pays attention to them or praises others. There is a high need for admiration from others. Teenagers of the hysterical type strive to occupy an exceptional position among their peers, attract attention to themselves, and influence others. They often become the initiators of various events. At the same time, hysterics are unable to organize those around them, cannot become an informal leader, or earn authority among their peers.

Conmorphic type

Children and adolescents of the conforming type are characterized by a lack of their own opinion, initiative, and criticality. They willingly submit to groups or authorities. Their attitude in life can be characterized by the words “be like everyone else.” At the same time, such teenagers are prone to moralizing and are very conservative. In order to protect their interests, representatives of this type are ready to do the most unseemly actions, and all these actions find explanation and justification in the eyes of a conforming personality.

Psychasthenic type

Adolescents of this type are characterized by a tendency to reflect, introspect, and evaluate the behavior of others. Their intellectual development is ahead of their peers. Their indecision is combined with self-confidence; their judgments and views are categorical. At moments when special caution and attentiveness are needed, they are prone to impulsive actions. This type changes little with age. They often have obsessions that serve as a means of overcoming anxiety. It is also possible to use alcohol or drugs. In relationships they are petty and despotic, which interferes with normal communication.

Paranoid type

The types of character accentuation according to Lichko do not always include this variant of accentuation due to its late development. The main manifestations of the paranoid type appear by the age of 30-40. In childhood and adolescence, such individuals are characterized by epileptoid or schizoid accentuation. Their main feature is an overestimation of their personality, and, accordingly, the presence of overvalued ideas about their exclusivity. These ideas differ from delusional ones in that they are perceived by others as real, although exaggerated.

Teenagers show an increased craving for entertainment and idleness. There are no interests, no life goals, they do not care about the future. They are often characterized as “going with the flow.”

Emotionally labile type

Children are unpredictable, with frequent and severe mood swings. The reasons for these differences are minor little things (a sideways glance or an unfriendly phrase). During periods of bad mood, they require the support of loved ones. They feel good about how others treat them.

Epileptoid type

At an early age, such children are often whiny. In the older ones, they offend the younger ones, torture animals, mock those who cannot fight back. They are characterized by power, cruelty, and pride. In the company of other children, they strive to be not just the boss, but the ruler. In the groups they control, they establish cruel, autocratic orders. However, their power rests largely on the voluntary submission of other children. They prefer conditions of strict discipline, know how to please management, take over prestigious positions that provide the opportunity to exercise power, and establish their own rules.

The term “,” introduced by Karl Leonhard back in the 60s of the 20th century, means a pronounced strengthening of individual character traits or their totality, not reaching the degree of psychopathy. Accented individuals, unlike patients with psychopathy, are well oriented in most social situations and are sufficiently adapted to life in society.

Conflict situations and vivid manifestations of their characterological characteristics are possible only in a small number of situations, called the “place of least resistance.” Moreover, in other areas of life they may be even more adaptable than unaccented individuals.

“A “psychopathic triad” of signs is described that are characteristic only of severe personality disorders and make it possible to distinguish personality accentuation from psychopathy. This is the immutability of character manifestations in all life situations, its constancy over time and a violation of social adaptation.”

Often the maximum manifestations of character accentuation occur in adolescence and smooth out as they grow older. traditionally divided into obvious and hidden. Explicit accentuation of character is the extreme limit of the norm, accompanied by constant manifestations of accentuated traits, but not leading to social maladjustment. People with hidden accentuation may not show characteristic features at all in everyday life. Hidden accentuation becomes apparent only in crisis situations affecting vulnerable aspects of the individual. These types of accentuations can transform into one another depending on life situations.

Pure types of character accentuation are rare; in most cases, manifestations of several types are mixed, forming an individual picture of the personality. You can read more about the characteristics of accentuated personalities in our article on this topic.

Due to the fact that many psychologists have dealt with the issue of accentuated personalities, there are several options for their typologies. Our most common typology is A.E. Lichko. Karl Leonhard's typology is used a little less frequently. Find out whether you have accentuation and what type the corresponding test will help. The type of character accentuation in different classifications may have a different name, but its characteristics and “places of least resistance” will remain unchanged. Depending on your results, you can choose ways to respond more effectively in adverse situations.

Factors in the formation of character accentuations

In the formation of an accentuated character, there is undoubtedly the influence of innate personality characteristics and hereditary factors. However, even in the presence of a genetic predisposition, accentuation does not always occur. The appearance of pronounced personality traits is influenced by the following factors:

  • Characteristics of the social environment. This is especially important in childhood, when the child blindly copies the behavior of adults, adopting their characteristic ways of responding.
  • Conditions of education. Deforming types of upbringing include overprotection and insufficient attention, excessive demands on the child, cruel treatment, lack of emotional contact with him, fulfilling all the child’s whims, creating a “cult of illness,” and conflicting demands in upbringing.
  • Communication crisis in adolescents. At this age, the breadth of interactions with others significantly exceeds the psychological competence of the individual, which can lead to psychological discomfort and its compensation by accentuation of character.
  • Inability to satisfy personal needs. Obstacles in achieving them, an authoritarian management style in a school or family increase the likelihood of accentuations.
  • Disharmonious ideas about oneself. These include an unformed opinion about oneself, an inferiority complex, and an inadequate level of demands.
  • Lack of interests, goals, lack of formulated ideas about needs and social norms, as well as ways to achieve them. This factor is very relevant in adolescence.
  • Health status. Chronic diseases, especially pathology of the nervous system, congenital or acquired physical defects.
  • Professional activity can also have a strong influence on personality traits. Professional deformations of character are often noticed among doctors, teachers, actors, and military personnel.

Accentuation of character using the example of literary characters and film heroes

They are hypertrophied and manifest themselves in the form of “weak points” in the individual’s psyche - its selective vulnerability to certain influences with good and even increased resistance to other influences. Individual accentuated character traits are usually sufficient compensation. However, in difficult situations, a person with an accentuated character may experience behavioral disturbances. Accentuations of character, its “weak points” can be obvious and hidden, manifesting themselves in extreme situations. Persons with personal accentuations are more susceptible to environmental influences and are more susceptible to mental trauma. And if an unfavorable situation strikes a “weak spot,” then the entire behavior of such individuals changes sharply—the features of accentuation begin to dominate (Fig. 95).

The types of accentuated personalities have not yet been definitively determined. They are described by K. Leongard and A. E. Lichko. However, these authors give an overly detailed classification of accentuations. We distinguish only four types of accentuated personalities: excitable, affective, unstable, anxious (Table 12).

Rice. 95. Character Structure

Unlike accentuation of character, they do not cause general social maladjustment of the individual.

Manifesting intensely in adolescence, character accentuations can be compensated over time, and under unfavorable conditions, develop and transform into “edge” psychopathy.

Types of character accentuations

The main types of character accentuation include:

  • excitable;
  • affective;
  • unstable;
  • anxious;

Sometimes accentuation borders on various types of psychopathy, therefore, when characterizing and typologizing it, psychopathological schemes and terms are used. Psychodiagnostics of the types and severity of accentuations is carried out using the “Pathocharacteristic Diagnostic Questionnaire” (developed by A. E. Lichko and N. Ya. Ivanov) and the MMPI personality questionnaire (the scales of which include zones of accentuated and pathological manifestations of character).

Accentuation of character according to A. Lichko

According to the level of manifestation of character traits, characters are divided into average (normal), expressed (accentuated) and beyond the norm (psychopathy).

The central, or core, relationships of the individual are the relationship of the individual to others (the team) and the relationship of the individual to work. The existence of central, core relationships and the properties determined by them in the structure of character has important practical significance in the upbringing of a person.

It is impossible to overcome individual character flaws (for example, rudeness and deceit) and cultivate individual positive qualities (for example, politeness and truthfulness), ignoring the central, core relationships of the individual, namely, attitude towards people. In other words, you cannot form only a certain property; you can only cultivate a whole system of interrelated properties, while paying the main attention to the formation of central, core relationships of the individual, namely relationships to others and work.

Integrity of character, however, is not absolute. This is related to that. that the central, core relationships do not always completely determine the others. In addition, the degree of integrity of character is individually unique. There are people with more integral and less integral or contradictory characters. At the same time, it should be noted that when the quantitative expression of a particular character trait reaches extreme values ​​and appears at the border of norms, so-called character accentuation occurs.

Accentuation of character- these are extreme variants of the norm as a result of strengthening of individual traits. Accentuation of character under very unfavorable circumstances can lead to pathological disorders and changes in personality behavior, to psychopathy, but it is wrong to identify it with pathology. Character properties are determined not by biological laws (hereditary factors), but by social ones (social factors).

The physiological basis of character is a fusion of traits such as higher nervous activity and complex stable systems of temporary connections developed as a result of individual life experience. In this fusion, systems of temporary connections play a more important role, since the type of nervous system can form all the social qualities of a person. But, firstly, systems of connections are formed differently in representatives of different types of nervous systems and, secondly, these systems of connections manifest themselves in a unique way depending on the types. For example, decisiveness of character can be cultivated both in a representative of a strong, excitable type of nervous system, and in a representative of a weak type. But it will be nurtured and manifested differently depending on the type.

Attempts to construct a typology of characters have been made repeatedly throughout the history of psychology.

All typologies of human characters proceeded and proceed from a number of general ideas.

The main ones are the following:

  • a person’s character is formed quite early in ontogenesis and throughout the rest of his life manifests itself as more or less stable;
  • Those combinations of personality traits that make up a person’s character are not random. They form clearly distinguishable types that make it possible to identify and build a typology of characters.

Most people can be divided into groups according to this typology.

One of the interesting character classifications belongs to the famous Russian scientist A.E. Lichko. This classification is based on observations of adolescents.

Accentuation of character, according to Lichko, is an excessive strengthening of individual character traits (Fig. 6), in which deviations in human psychology and behavior that do not go beyond the norm, bordering on pathology, are observed. Such accentuations, as temporary mental states, are most often observed in adolescence and early adolescence. The author of the classification explains this factor as follows: “...under the influence of psychogenic factors that are addressed to the “place of least resistance,” temporary adaptation disorders and deviations in behavior may occur.” As the child grows up, the characteristics of his character that appear in childhood remain quite pronounced and lose their severity, but with age they can again appear clearly (especially if a disease occurs).

In today's psychology, there are 10 to 14 types (typologies) of character.

They can be defined as harmonious and disharmonious.

Harmonious character types are characterized by sufficient development of the main character traits without highlighting, isolation, or exaggeration in the development of any particular traits.

Disharmonious ones manifest themselves by identifying different character traits and are called accentuated or accentuated.

In 20-50% of people, some character traits are so sharpened that a “distortion” of character occurs - as a result, interaction with people worsens, difficulties and conflicts arise.

The severity of accentuation can be variable: from mild, noticeable only to the immediate environment, to extreme variants, when you have to think about whether there is a disease - psychopathy. Psychopathy is a painful deformity of character (while maintaining a person’s intelligence), as a result of which relationships with other people are sharply disrupted. But, unlike psychopathy, character accentuations manifest themselves inconsistently, over the years they can completely smooth out and approach the norm. Accentuations of character are most often found in adolescents and young men (50-80%), since these are precisely the periods of life that are most critical for the formation of character, the manifestation of uniqueness, and individuality. Then the accentuations can be smoothed out or, on the contrary, intensified, developing into neuroses or psychopathy.

Rice. 6. Character accentuation scheme according to E. Filatova and A.E. Testicle

We can consider twelve disharmonious (accentuated) character types (according to K. Leonhard’s typology) and describe their positive and negative qualities, which can be reflected in a person’s professional activity - we need this to confirm the foundations of personality differentiation in the aspect of a person’s characterological properties.

Hyperthymic type

He is almost always distinguished by a good mood, high vitality, bursting energy, and uncontrollable activity. Strives for leadership and adventure. It is necessary to be cautious about his unfounded optimism and overestimation of his capabilities. Traits that are attractive to interlocutors: energy, thirst for activity, initiative, a sense of new things, optimism.

What is unacceptable for the people around him is: frivolity, a tendency to immoral acts, a frivolous attitude towards the responsibilities assigned to him, irritability in the circle of close people.

Conflict is possible during monotonous work, loneliness, under conditions of strict discipline, constant moralizing. This causes that person to become angry. Such a person performs well in work that requires constant communication. These are organizational activities, consumer services, sports, theater. It is typical for him to frequently change professions and jobs.

Dysthymic type

The opposite of the first type: serious. pessimist. Constantly low mood, sadness, isolation, reticence. These people are burdened by noisy societies and do not get along closely with their colleagues. They rarely enter into conflicts; more often they are a passive party in them. They greatly value those people who are friends with them and tend to obey them.

People around them like their seriousness, high morality, conscientiousness and fairness. But such traits as passivity, pessimism, sadness, slowness of thinking, “separation from the team” repel others from getting to know and become friends with them.

Conflicts occur in situations that require vigorous activity. For these people, changing their usual lifestyle has a negative impact. They do well in work that does not require a wide range of communication. Under unfavorable conditions they show a tendency to neurotic depression. This accentuation occurs most often in people of melancholic temperament.

Cycloid type

The accentuation of character is manifested in cyclically changing periods of rise and fall of mood. During periods of rising mood, people manifest themselves as people with hyperthymic accentuation, and during periods of declining mood, as people with dysthymic accentuation. During a recession, they perceive troubles more acutely. These frequent changes in mental state tire a person, make his behavior unpredictable, contradictory, and prone to changing professions, places of work, and interests.

Excitable type

This type of people has increased irritability, a tendency to aggression, lack of restraint, sullenness, and boringness, but flattery, helpfulness, a tendency to rudeness and obscene language or silence, and slowness in conversation are possible. They actively and often conflict, do not avoid quarrels with their superiors, are difficult to get along with in the team, and are despotic and cruel in the family. Outside of fits of anger, these people are conscientious, careful and show love to children.

People around them do not like their irritability, short temper, inadequate outbursts of rage and anger with assault, cruelty, and weakened control over desire. These people are well influenced by physical labor and athletic sports. They need to develop self-control and self-control. Due to their lack of harmony, they often change jobs.

Stuck type

People with this type of accentuation get stuck on their feelings and thoughts. They cannot forget grievances and “settle scores” with their offenders. They have official and everyday intractability and a tendency to protracted squabbles. In a conflict, they are most often the active party and clearly define their circle of friends and enemies. They show a love of power.

The interlocutors like their desire to achieve high performance in any business, the manifestation of high demands on themselves, a thirst for justice, integrity, strong, stable views. But at the same time, these people have traits that repel others: resentment, suspicion, vindictiveness, arrogance, jealousy, ambition.

Conflict is possible when pride is hurt, unfair resentment, or an obstacle to achieving ambitious goals.

Pedantic type

These people have a pronounced “boringness” in the form of worrying about details; in the service they are capable of tormenting them with formal requirements, and exhausting their families with excessive neatness.

They are attractive to others because of their conscientiousness and accuracy. seriousness, reliability in deeds and feelings. But such people have a number of repulsive character traits: formalism, “cunning”, “boringness”, the desire to shift decision-making to others.

Conflicts are possible in a situation of personal responsibility for an important matter, when their merits are underestimated. They are prone to obsession and psychasthenia.

For these people, professions that are not associated with great responsibility, “paper work,” are preferred. They are not inclined to change jobs.

Anxious type

People of this type of accentuation are characterized by low mood, timidity, timidity, and lack of self-confidence. They constantly fear for themselves and their loved ones, experience failure for a long time and doubt the correctness of their actions. They rarely enter into conflicts and play a passive role.

Conflicts are possible in situations of fear, threats, ridicule, and unfair accusations.

People around them like their friendliness, self-criticism and diligence. But timidity and suspiciousness sometimes serve as a target for jokes.

Such people cannot be leaders or make responsible decisions, since they are characterized by endless worry and weighing.

Emotive type

A person of this type of character is overly sensitive, vulnerable and deeply worries about the slightest troubles. He is sensitive to comments and failures, which is why he is most often in a sad mood. He prefers a narrow circle of friends and relatives who would understand him perfectly.

He rarely enters into conflicts and plays a passive role in them. He does not splash out his grievances, but prefers to keep them inside. Those around him like his compassion, pity, and expression of joy at the success of others. He is very efficient and has a high sense of duty.

Such a person is usually a good family man. But his extreme sensitivity and tearfulness repel those around him.

He perceives conflicts with a loved one, death or illness tragically. Injustice, rudeness, and being surrounded by rude people are contraindicated for him. He achieves the most significant results in the field of art, medicine, raising children, caring for animals and plants.

Demonstrative type

This person strives to be the center of attention and achieves his goals at any cost: tears, fainting, scandals, illnesses, boasting, outfits, unusual hobbies, lies. He easily forgets about his unseemly deeds. He has a high adaptability to people.

This person is attractive to others due to his courtesy, perseverance, focus, acting talent, ability to captivate others, as well as his originality. He has traits that repel people from him, these traits contribute to conflict: selfishness, unbridled actions, deceit, boastfulness, a tendency to intrigue, shirking from work. A conflict for such a person occurs when his interests are infringed, his merits are underestimated, or he is toppled from his “pedestal.” These situations cause him to have hysterical reactions.

Exalted type

People with this type of accentuation have a very changeable mood, talkativeness, and increased distractibility to external events. Their emotions are clearly expressed and are reflected in falling in love.

Traits such as altruism, artistic taste, artistic talent, brightness of feelings and affection for friends are liked by interlocutors. But excessive impressionability, pathos, alarmism, and susceptibility to despair are not their best traits. Failures and sad events are perceived tragically; such people have a tendency to neurotic depression.

Their environment of existence is the sphere of arts, artistic sports, professions associated with closeness to nature.

Introverted type

People of this type of accentuation are characterized by low sociability and isolation. They are aloof from everyone and enter into communication with other people only when necessary; most often they are immersed in themselves and their thoughts. They are characterized by increased vulnerability, but they do not say anything about themselves and do not share their experiences. They even treat their loved ones coldly and reservedly. Their behavior and logic are often not understood by others.

These people love solitude and prefer to be in solitude rather than in noisy company. They rarely enter into conflicts, only when trying to invade their inner world.

They are picky in choosing a spouse and are busy searching for their ideal.

They have a strong emotional coldness and weak attachment to loved ones.

People around them like them for their restraint, sedateness, thoughtfulness of actions, strong convictions and adherence to principles. But stubbornly defending one’s unrealistic interests, views and having one’s own point of view, which is sharply different from the opinion of the majority, pushes people away from them.

Such people prefer work that does not require a large social circle. They are prone to theoretical sciences, philosophical reflections, collecting, chess, science fiction, and music.

Conformal type

People of this type are highly sociable, talkative to the point of talkativeness. Usually they do not have their own opinion and do not strive to stand out from the crowd.

These people are not organized and tend to obey others. When communicating with friends and family, they cede leadership to others. Those around these people like their willingness to listen to others, their diligence. But at the same time, these are people “without a king in their heads”, subject to the influence of others. They do not think about their actions and have a great passion for entertainment. Conflicts are possible in situations of forced loneliness and lack of control.

These people are easily adaptable to new work and cope well with their job responsibilities when tasks and rules of behavior are clearly defined.