Accentuated personality traits. personality accentuations.

In order to understand what is meant by character accentuations, it is necessary to analyze the concept of "character". In psychology, this term is understood as a set (or set) of the most stable features of a person that leave an imprint on the entire life of a person and determine his relationship to people, to himself and to business. Character finds its manifestation both in human activity and in his interpersonal contacts, and, of course, he gives his behavior a peculiar, characteristic shade only for him.

The term character itself has been proposed Theophrastus who first gave broad description 31st type of human character ( read about), among which he singled out boring, boastful, insincere, talkative, etc. Subsequently, many different character classifications were proposed, but all of them were built on the basis of typical features inherent in a certain group of people. But there are times when typical character traits appear more vividly and peculiarly, which makes them unique and original. Sometimes these features can "sharpen", and most often they appear spontaneously, under the influence of certain factors and in appropriate conditions. Such a sharpening (or rather, the intensity of features) in psychology is called character accentuation.

The concept of character accentuation: definition, essence and severity

character accentuation- excessive intensity (or strengthening) of a person's individual character traits, which emphasizes the originality of a person's reactions to influencing factors or a specific situation. So, for example, anxiety as a character trait in its usual degree of manifestation is reflected in the behavior of most people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. But if anxiety acquires features of personality character accentuation, then a person’s behavior and actions will be distinguished by the predominance of inadequate anxiety and nervousness. Such manifestations of traits are, as it were, on the border of the norm and pathology, but, under the influence of negative factors, certain accentuations can turn into psychopathy or other deviations in a person’s mental activity.

So, the accentuation of human character traits ( in lane from lat. accentus means stress, strengthening) inherently do not go beyond the boundaries of the norm, but in some situations quite often prevent a person from building normal relationships with other people. This is due to the fact that each type of accentuation has its own “Achilles heel” (the most vulnerable spot) and most often the impact of negative factors (or a traumatic situation) falls on it, which in the future can lead to mental disorders and inappropriate behavior person. But it is necessary to clarify that accentuations themselves are not mental abnormalities or disorders, although in the current International Classification of Diseases (10th revision) accentuations have all the tact and are included in class 21 / paragraph Z73 as a problem that is associated with certain difficulties in maintaining normal for a lifestyle person.

Despite the fact that the accentuation of certain traits in character, in terms of their strength and characteristics of manifestation, quite often go beyond the boundaries of normal behavior for a person, yet they cannot in themselves be attributed to pathological manifestations. But it must be remembered that under the influence of difficult life circumstances, traumatic factors and other irritants that destroy the human psyche, the manifestations of accentuations intensify and the frequency of their repetitions increases. And this can lead to various neurotic and hysterical reactions.

Samo the concept of "character accentuation" was introduced by a German psychiatrist Carl Leonhard(or rather, he used the terms "accentuated personality" and "accentuated personality trait"). He also owns the first attempt to classify them (it was presented to the scientific community in the second half of the last century). The term has since been clarified. A.E. Lichko, who under accentuations understood the extreme variants of the norm of character, when some of his features are excessively strengthened. According to the scientist, in this case, selective vulnerability is observed, which is related to certain psychogenic influences (even in the case of good and high resistance). A.E. Lichko emphasized that, regardless of the fact that any accentuation, although it is an extreme option, is still the norm, and therefore it cannot be presented as a psychiatric diagnosis.

The degree of severity of accentuations

Andrei Lichko singled out two degrees of manifestation of accentuated features, namely: explicit (the presence of clearly defined features of a certain accentuated type) and hidden (under standard conditions, features of a particular type appear very weakly, or are not visible at all). The table below shows more detailed description these degrees.

Degrees of severity of accentuations

Severity	Norm Options	Peculiarities
explicit	extreme	Accentuated features are well expressed and appear throughout the individual life of a person. Accentuated features are most often well compensated (even if there is no mental trauma), but maladjustment can be observed in adolescence.
hidden	ordinary	Accentuations find their manifestations most often due to mental trauma or under the influence of a traumatic situation. Basically, accentuated features do not lead to a violation of adaptation (short-term maladjustment is occasionally possible).

Dynamics of personality character accentuation

In psychology, unfortunately, today the problems related to the development and dynamics of accentuations have not yet been sufficiently studied. The most significant contribution to the development of this issue was made by A.E. Lichko, who emphasized the following phenomena in the dynamics of types of accentuations (in stages):

• the formation of accentuations and the sharpening of their features in a person (this happens in the puberty period), and later they can be smoothed out and compensated (obvious accentuations are replaced by hidden ones);
• with hidden accentuations, the features of a particular accentuated type are revealed under the influence of psycho-traumatic factors (a blow is applied to the most vulnerable place, that is, where there is the least resistance);
• against the background of a certain accentuation, certain violations and deviations occur (deviant behavior, neurosis, acute affective reaction, etc.);
• types of accentuations undergo a certain transformation under the influence of the environment or due to the mechanisms that were laid down constitutionally;
• the formation of acquired psychopathy takes place (accentuations were the basis for this, creating a vulnerability that is selective for the adverse effects of external factors).

Typology of character accentuations

As soon as scientists turned their attention to the features of the manifestation of a person’s character and the presence of some similarities, their various typologies and classifications immediately began to appear. In the last century, the scientific searches of psychologists were focused on the features of the manifestation of accentuations - this is how the first typology of character accentuations appeared in psychology, which was proposed back in 1968 by Karl Leonhard. His typology gained wide popularity, but the classification of types of accentuations developed by Andrei Lichko became even more popular, who, when creating it, relied on the work of K. Leonhard and P. Gannushkin (he developed the classification of psychopathy). Each of these classifications is intended to describe certain types of character accentuation, some of which (both in the typology of Leonhard and in the typology of Lichko) have common features of their manifestations.

K. Leonhard divided his classification of character accentuations into three groups, which were distinguished by him depending on the origin of accentuations, or rather, where they are localized (related to temperament, character or personal level). In total, K. Leonhard distinguished 12 types and they were distributed as follows:

• temperament (natural formation) included hyperthymic, dysthymic, affective-labile, affectively-exalted, anxious and emotive types;
• to character (socially conditioned education), the scientist attributed the demonstrative, pedantic, stuck and excitable types;
• two types belonged to the personal level - extra- and introverted.

Character accentuations according to Leonhard

Type of	Characteristic
hyperthymic	optimistic, active, luck-oriented; there is a desire for activity, a need for experiences
dysthymic	slow (inhibited), silent, focused on failure; characterized by excessive emphasis on ethical manifestations, frequent fears and various experiences, a heightened sense of justice
affectively labile	oriented to standards, compensation (mutual) traits is observed
affectively exalted	emotional, (the desire to elevate feelings and cult various emotions), excitable, inspired, contact
anxious	timid, timid (fearful), submissive, confused, non-contact, insecure, executive, friendly, self-critical
emotive	soft-hearted, sensitive, impressionable, fearful, executive, sympathetic (tendency to compassion)
demonstrative	self-confident, boastful, agile, ambitious, vain, light, deceitful; focused on one's "I" (is the standard)
pedantic	indecision, non-conflict and conscientiousness: hypochondria is observed; often there is a fear that one's own "I" does not correspond to ideals
stuck	suspicious, touchy, responsible, conceited, stubborn, conflict; subject to jealousy; there are transitions from elation to despair
excitable	quick-tempered, pedantic, hard on the rise, focuses primarily on instincts
extroverted	contact, sociable, open, non-conflict, frivolous, spontaneity
introverted	non-contact, closed, silent, restrained, principled, stubborn

K. Leonhard developed his typology of accentuations based on an assessment of interpersonal communication between people. His classification is focused mainly on adults already. Based on the concept of Leonhard, a characterological questionnaire was developed, the author of which is H. Shmishek. This questionnaire allows you to determine the dominant type of accentuation in a person.

The types of accentuation of Shmishek's character are as follows: hyperthymic, anxious-fearful, dysthymic, pedantic, excitable, emotive, stuck, demonstrative, cyclomitic and affective-exalted. In the Shmishek questionnaire, the characteristics of these types are presented according to Leonhard's classification.

Basis of classification A. Lichko accentuations of character in adolescents were, because he directed all his research to studying the characteristics of the manifestation of character in adolescence and the causes of the appearance of psychopathy in this period. According to Lichko, during adolescence, pathological character traits manifest themselves most clearly and find their expression in all spheres of a teenager's life (in the family, school, interpersonal contacts, etc.). Adolescent accentuations of character are manifested in a similar way, for example, a teenager with hyperthymic type accentuation splashes everywhere with its energy, with a hysterical one it attracts as much attention as possible to itself, and with a schizoid type, on the contrary, it tries to protect itself from others.

According to Lichko, they are relatively stable in the pubertal period, but speaking of this, it is necessary to remember the following features:

• most types are sharpened precisely in adolescence, and this period is the most critical for the occurrence of psychopathy;
• all types of psychopathy are formed at a certain age (the schizoid type is determined from early years, the features of a psychosthenic are manifested in primary school, the hyperthymic type is most pronounced in a teenager, the cycloid type is mainly in youth (although in girls it can manifest itself at the beginning of the puberty period), and the sensitive type is mainly formed by the age of 19);
• the presence of patterns of transformation of types in adolescence (for example, hyperthymic features can change to cycloid), under the influence of biological and social factors.

Many psychologists, including Lichko himself, argue that the term “character accentuations” is the most ideal for the puberty period, because it is adolescent character accentuations that manifest themselves most clearly. By the time puberty comes to an end, accentuations are mostly smoothed out or compensated, and some move from explicit to hidden. But it should be remembered that adolescents who have obvious accentuations are a special risk group, since under the influence of negative factors or traumatic situations, these traits can develop into psychopathy and affect their behavior (deviations, delinquency, suicidal behavior, etc. ).

Accentuations of character according to Lichko were identified on the basis of the classification of accentuated personalities by K. Leonhard and psychopathy by P. Gannushkin. The following 11 types of character accentuations in adolescents are described in Lichko's classification: hyperthymic, cycloid, labile, asthenoneurotic, sensitive (or sensitive), psychasthenic (or anxious and suspicious), schizoid (or introverted), epileptoid (or inert-impulsive), hysteroid ( or demonstrative), unstable and conformal types. In addition, the scientist also called a mixed type, which combined some features of various types of accentuations.

Character accentuations according to Lichko

Type of	Characteristic
hyperthymic	most often there is a good mood, sometimes irascibility and irritability are manifested; good health, increased activity, energy, high performance
cycloid	frequent mood swings (polar) - from depressive and irritable to calm and upbeat (phase alternation)
labile	increased mood volatility (and the cause may be the most insignificant), outwardly fragile and infantile, increased affectivity, need for friendship and
asthenoneurotic	high fatigue, irritability, capriciousness, suspiciousness, low concentration, weakness and an increased level of claim
sensitive	high sensitivity and responsibility, there is instability of self-esteem, fearfulness, timidity, impressionability
psychasthenic	increased suspiciousness (anxious), indecision, prudence, pedantry,
schizoid	introversion, isolation, dryness (do not show empathy), low emotionality,
epileptoid	a combination of inert traits and impulsive manifestations (painstakingness, accuracy, purposefulness, suspicion, conflict and hostility)
hysterical	emotionality, instability of self-esteem, the need for increased attention in oneself
unstable	characterized by weak will, inability to resist negative influences
conformal	high comfort (adapts to the standards of behavior established in a particular group), therefore this type is characterized by stereotyped, banal, conservatism

Although A.E. Lichko studied mainly adolescent character accentuations, his typology is widely used to identify accentuations in adults.

Character accentuation is the most complex type of norm on the verge of mental illness, which is characterized by inharmonious personality development: some features will be overly pronounced and pointed, while others will be too suppressed. The concept of character accentuation in psychology was developed as an “accentuated personality”, but was later narrowed down to the indicated option.

Personal character accentuations: stages

In the course of diagnosing character accentuations, two types of accentuations are distinguished, which differ in severity:

1. hidden accent. This is the usual option in which negative traits character make themselves known only in individual, difficult situations despite the fact that in ordinary life a person can be quite adequate.
2. obvious accentuation. This phenomenon is a borderline version of the norm. In this case, usually throughout a person’s life, in almost any situation, one can note the manifestation of problematic character traits. A pronounced accentuation in everyday life is usually called a "psychopath".

Such general characteristics accentuations of character allows you to distinguish between concepts and give a more correct assessment of the human condition.

Accentuations of character and psychopathy

There are special criteria that make it possible to distinguish the accentuation of a person's character as the boundary of the norm from pathology. There are only three of them:

1. A character is called pathological if it is stable and practically does not change during life.
2. The degree of negative manifestations of character is also very important for diagnosis. If a person has psychopathy, then he shows the same negative traits everywhere, both at work, and at home, and in a close circle, and among strangers. If a person changes depending on the conditions, then we are talking about the features of character accentuation.
3. The most striking sign is the emergence of difficulties because of character both for the person himself and for those around him. If the features do not interfere with social adaptation, then we are not talking about psychopathy, but about accentuation.

Such features allow you to distinguish between concepts and determine whether the character is the norm or not.

Basic character accentuations

Consider some of the main types of accentuations that are quite common:

Surely in these descriptions you could recognize some of your friends.

Character (Greek - sign, distinctive property, distinctive feature, feature, sign or seal) - the structure of persistent, relatively constant mental properties that determine the characteristics of the relationship and behavior of the individual.

When they talk about character, they usually mean by this just such a set of properties and qualities of a personality that impose a certain imprint on all its manifestations and deeds. Character traits are those essential properties of a person that determine a particular way of behavior, way of life. The static character is determined by the type of nervous activity, and its dynamics is determined by the environment.

Character is understood as:

a system of stable motives and ways of behavior that form a behavioral type of personality;

a measure of the balance of the inner and outer worlds, the features of an individual's adaptation to the reality around him;

distinctly expressed certainty of the typical behavior of each person.

Character accentuations

The concept of "accentuation" was first introduced by the German psychiatrist and psychologist Karl Leonhard.

Definition. Accentuation is the disharmony of character development, which manifests itself in the excessive severity of its individual features or compounds, which causes an increased vulnerability of the individual to certain types of influences and makes it difficult to adapt to some specific situations.

Accentuation is not a disease, not a pathology, not a psychopathy, but an extreme expression of the norm. This is a sharpening of any individual traits, which, under certain unfavorable conditions, can lead to pathology - psychopathy.

The famous Soviet psychiatrist P. B. Gannushkin formulated three criteria for psychopathy:

1. Stability over time. A character can be considered pathological, that is, regarded as psychopathy, if it is relatively stable over time (it changes little during life).

2. The totality of the manifestation of character. With psychopathy, the same character traits are found in all spheres of human life: in production activities, at home, in communication with friends and relatives, etc.

3. Social maladaptation. A person constantly has difficulties in life. Moreover, these difficulties are experienced either by himself or by the people around him.

In the case of character accentuations, there may not be any of the listed signs of psychopathy, or at least all three signs are never present at once.

The absence of the first sign is expressed in the fact that the accentuation of character is manifested only at certain stages of personality development. Most often, it is formed in adolescence, and smoothes out when growing up.

The absence of the second sign means that the traits of an accentuated character do not appear in any situation, but only in special conditions. At the same time, it should be noted that the selective vulnerability of character traits in relation to certain types of influences can very often be combined with a good or even increased resistance of this trait to other influences.

Social maladjustment with accentuation either does not occur at all, or may be temporary, of a short duration. Difficulties in adapting the personality in some specific situations with a certain accentuation of character can be combined with good and even increased abilities for social adaptation in other situations.

Types of character accentuations

Depending on the degree of expression, there are explicit and hidden (latent) accentuations. Explicit accentuations appear relatively constantly; with hidden accentuations, pointed character traits are not detected until the person falls into extreme conditions. Under these conditions, hidden accentuations turn into explicit ones. In extremely unfavorable conditions for the personality, character accentuation can lead to pathological personality changes - psychopathy.

Based on this theory of character accentuation, various classifications were created. The most famous are the classifications of K. Leonhard and A. E. Lichko.

Classification of character accentuations (according to K. Leonhard)

Demonstrative type. The main feature of a demonstrative personality is the need to impress, to attract attention, to be in the center of events. This is manifested in vain, often deliberate, behavior, in particular, in such traits as self-praise, perception and presentation of oneself as the central character of any situation. Much of what such a person says about himself often turns out to be the fruit of his imagination or a much embellished account of events.

Pedantic type. External manifestations of this type are increased accuracy, the desire for order, indecision and caution. Before doing anything, such a person thinks everything over for a long time and carefully. Behind external pedantry are the unwillingness and inability to make quick changes, the lack of desire to take responsibility. These people love their usual work, conscientious in everyday life.

Stuck type. The stuck type of personality is distinguished by a high stability of affect, the duration of an emotional response, experiences. Insulting personal interests and dignity, as a rule, is not forgotten for a long time and is never forgiven just like that. In this regard, people around often characterize representatives of this type as touchy, vindictive and vindictive people. The duration of experiences is often combined with fantasizing, carrying out a plan of revenge on the offender.

Excitable type. A feature of an excitable personality is a pronounced impulsive behavior. The manner of communication and behavior largely depends not on the rational comprehension of one's actions, but on impulse, attraction, instinct or uncontrollable impulse. In the field of social interaction, representatives of this type are characterized by extremely low tolerance.

Hyperthymic type. A noticeable feature of the hyperthymic personality type is the constant stay in high spirits, even in the absence of any external reasons for this. High spirits are combined with high activity and a thirst for activity. Hyperthyms are characterized by such qualities as sociability, increased talkativeness, and an optimistic outlook on life. Difficulties are often overcome without much difficulty.

Dysthymic type. A dysthymic personality is the opposite of a hyperthymic one. Dystimics tend to focus on the dark, sad side of life. This is manifested in everything: in behavior, and in communication, and in the peculiarities of the perception of life, events and other people (socio-perceptual features). Usually these people are serious by nature, they are not characterized by activity.

Affectively labile type (cyclothymic type). An important feature of the cyclothymic type is the change of hyperthymic and dysthymic states. Such changes are frequent and systematic. In the hyperthymic phase in cyclothymes, joyful events cause not only joyful emotions, but also a thirst for activity, increased activity. In the dysthymic phase, sad events cause them not only grief, but also a state of depression. In this state, slowness of reactions, thinking, and emotional response are characteristic.

Affectively exalted type (exalted type). The main feature of an exalted personality is a violent (exalted) reaction to what is happening. They easily get excited by joyful events and fall into despair from sad ones. They are distinguished by extreme impressionability about any event or fact. At the same time, inner impressionability and a tendency to experience find a vivid external expression in their behavior.

Anxious type. The main feature of this type is increased anxiety about possible failures, concern for one's fate and the fate of loved ones, while there are usually no objective reasons for such anxiety or they are insignificant. They are distinguished by timidity, sometimes humility. Constant alertness to circumstances is combined with self-doubt.

Emotive type. The main feature of an emotive personality is high sensitivity. Such qualities as kindness, kindness, sincerity, emotional responsiveness, highly developed empathy, increased tearfulness (as they say, ``wet eyes'') are characteristic.

Extrovert type. Such a person is easily influenced by the environment, constantly looking for new experiences. The opinion of such people is not stable, since new thoughts expressed by others are easily accepted on faith and are not internally processed. A characteristic feature is impulsiveness of actions.

introverted type. This type is characterized by reliance on their life experience. This type is not affected by various situations. The degree of immersion in the inner world leads a person to separation from reality. Characterized by an accentuated tendency to think and a weak readiness for action.

Structure of character To determine the structure or structure of a person's character means to single out the main components or properties in the character and to establish the specific features caused by them in their relationship and interaction. In the structure of the existing character, we must single out two sides: content and form. The content includes features that express the orientation of the personality (sustainable needs, attitudes, interests, inclinations, ideals, goals), a system of relations to the surrounding reality and representing individually peculiar ways of implementing these relations. In the content of the character, one or the other component can come to the fore, depending on the way of life, educational influences and the requirements of the surrounding reality. This or that orientation of the personality leaves an imprint on all human behavior, although it is determined by an integral system of relations. AT different forms character expresses ways of manifestation of relations, fixed emotional-volitional features of behavior, temperament. People differ from each other in habits, behavior. Intellectual, volitional and emotional character traits are related to form. “In the system of personality, four groups of character traits are distinguished, forming symptom complexes. Snmptomocomilexes are systems of interrelated mental properties. 1. Features that characterize a person's attitude to other people, to a team, to society (sociability, sensitivity, responsiveness, respect for other people and their opposite features - isolation, callousness, callousness, rudeness, contempt for people). 2. Features that show a person’s attitude to his day (hard work, a penchant for creativity, conscientiousness, responsibility, initiative, perseverance and their opposite features - laziness, a tendency to routine work, dishonesty, irresponsibility, passivity). 3. Features that show how a person relates to himself (self-esteem, pride, self-criticism, modesty and their opposite - self-conceit, arrogance, vanity, arrogance, touchiness, shyness, selfishness, self-centeredness). 4. Features that characterize a person's attitude to things (neatness or carelessness, careful or careless handling of things) ". “Depending on this or that structure of character, a person exhibits certain traits of behavior. The number of these traits is great. But it is possible to identify the main groups or types of character traits. These include: a) moral (sensitivity, attentiveness, delicacy); b) strong-willed (temper, passion, tenderness); c) emotional (decisiveness, perseverance, firmness). More clearly, one can define the main synthetic properties of a positive nature. “Among them, the following stand out: - Moral education of character. It characterizes a person in terms of direction and form of behavior. - Completeness of character. It testifies to the versatility of aspirations and hobbies of a person, a variety of activities, such people are distinguished by inner wealth and activity. - Integrity of character. This is the unity of the psyche man's warehouse, the consistency of his relationship to various aspects of reality, the absence of contradictions in aspirations and interests, the unity of word and deed. - Definiteness of character. It is expressed in the stability of behavior, which in all cases corresponds to established beliefs, moral and political ideas and concepts, the main direction that makes up the meaning of life and activity of the individual. You can tell in advance about such a person how he will behave in certain conditions of life. - Strength of character. This is the energy with which a person pursues the goals set for himself, this is the ability to get carried away passionately and develop a great effort of strength when meeting with difficulties and obstacles, this is the ability to overcome them. - Strength of character. It manifests itself in the sequence of actions and perseverance of a person, in the conscious upholding of views and decisions. - Balance of character. This is the most optimal ratio of restraint and activity for activity and communication with people, developed evenness of behavior. These properties of character are in a complex, sometimes contradictory relationship. All these properties are not a natural gift, but the result of life influences, upbringing and self-education. But self-education is due to the corresponding motivation, which depends on mental processes and states. So, character is a set of individually peculiar properties of a personality, determined by its relations and manifested in the ways of activity typical for a given personality. In the character of each person one must see the unity of stable and dynamic properties. "Character can mask one of the innate manifestations, enhance others, inhibit others due to the formation and strengthening of new reflex connections." Therefore, with the natural science points of view, character is an alloy of traits such as nervous activity and life impressions, fixed in the form of certain temporary nerve connections in the cerebral cortex. Character is a consequence of the reflection of the complexity of life experiences, is formed in the process of active interaction between the individual and the environment. Character finds its expression not only in deeds and actions, but also in speech, facial expressions and pantomime, and also leaves a seal on the external appearance of the individual and is reflected in a typical posture. Character, reflecting life, in turn affects the way of life. Character is of great importance not only for the individual, but also for society. Character is a holistic formation, a system of properties of personalities that are in certain relationships to each other. “In the structure of character, content and form are distinguished. Content of character reflects the social impact of influence, constitutes the life orientation of the individual, that is, her material and spiritual needs, interests, ideals and social attitudes. In different forms of character, ways of manifesting relationships, fixed emotional-volitional characteristics of behavior, temperament are expressed. People differ from each other in habits, manners of behavior. The character is influenced by needs, intelligence and abilities, will, emotions, orientation, temperament. The totality of distinctive essential, typical features forms a type of character that reflects the typical conditions of people's lives. 2. Traits of character Character is an inseparable whole. But it is impossible to study and understand such a complex whole as character without highlighting individual aspects or typical manifestations (character traits) in it. Common features character are manifested in the relationship of the individual to social duties and duty, to people, to himself. The attitude to social duties and duty, first of all, is manifested in the attitude of the individual to social work. In this regard, such character traits as diligence, conscientiousness, perseverance, thrift, and the opposite of them - laziness, negligence, passivity, wastefulness are revealed. A person's attitude to work has a decisive influence on the formation of his other personal qualities. D. I. Pisarev wrote: "Character is tempered by labor, and whoever has never earned his own daily food by his own labor, for the most part remains forever a weak, sluggish and spineless person." The attitude towards people is evident in such character traits, as sociability, politeness, goodwill, etc. The antipodes of these traits are isolation, tactlessness, malevolence. As V. Hugo stated, "every person has three characters: the one that is attributed to him; the one that he attributes to himself; and, finally, the one that is in reality." In order to clarify the essence of his character, it is useful for a person to know the opinion about himself of the team in which he works and spends a significant part of his life. And above all, how orderly his relations with people are, how much people need him, how authoritative he is among them. Attitude towards oneself is manifested in self-assessment of one's actions. Sober self-assessment is one of the conditions for personal development, helping to develop such character traits as modesty, adherence to principles, self-discipline. negative traits character are heightened conceit, arrogance and boasting. A person with these traits is usually quarrelsome in a team, involuntarily creates pre-conflict and conflict situations in it. Another extreme in a person's character is also undesirable: underestimation of one's own merits, timidity in expressing one's positions, in defending one's views. Modesty and self-criticism must be combined with a heightened sense of self-worth, based on the awareness of the real significance of one's personality, on the presence of certain successes in work for the common good. Principle is one of the valuable personal qualities that give the character an active orientation. Volitional character traits. Will is understood as a complex mental process that causes the activity of a person and awakens him to act in a directed way. Will is the ability of a person to overcome obstacles, to achieve the goal. Specifically, she acts in such character traits as purposefulness, determination, perseverance, courage. These character traits can contribute to the achievement of both socially useful and anti-social goals. To do this, it is important to determine what the motive of a person's volitional behavior is. "A brave act, the motive of which is to enslave another person, to seize someone else's property, to promote oneself, and a brave act, the motive of which is to help a common cause, of course, have completely different psychological qualities." According to volitional activity, characters are divided into strong and weak. People with a strong character have stable goals, are proactive, boldly make decisions and implement them, have great endurance, are courageous and courageous. People in whom these qualities are weakly expressed or some of them are absent are classified as weak-character. They are characterized by a passive manifestation of their business and personal qualities. Often such people, having the best intentions, do not achieve significant results in work, study. Many of them sincerely experience their inability to act independently, persistently and decisively. Volitional qualities can be cultivated in a person. IP Pavlov emphasized that a person is the only system capable of regulating itself within wide limits, that is, it can improve itself .. Weak-willed people with thoughtful pedagogical work with them can become actively active. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of a person, for example, his temperament. So, it is easier for a choleric person to develop activity and determination than for a melancholic person. A person himself must train his will from a young age, develop such qualities as self-control, activity, courage.

PSYCHOPATHY If the accentuation of character is an extreme version of the norm, then psychopathy is a pathology of character. According to P. B. Gannushkin, "psychopathies are anomalies of character that determine the entire mental appearance of an individual, imposing their imperious imprint on his entire mental warehouse, do not undergo any drastic changes during life and prevent him from adapting to the environment" . To more comprehensively define psychopathy, several definitions of this concept can be considered. In Ball's words, "Psychopathic personalities are permanent residents of the borderline between mental health and mental illness, as unfortunate biological variations, as having gone too far away from a certain average level or normal type." Schneider: "Psychopathic personalities are such abnormal personalities, from whose abnormality either they themselves or society suffer." Kraepelin speaks of psychopathic personalities as infantile (partial, uneven infantilism; more often manifested in the field of will and feelings): “The impression of something underdeveloped, childish, for example, increased suggestibility, a tendency to exaggerate, excessive fantasy in hysterics, weak will in unstable …". Gannushkin-Kerbikov criteria for psychopathy Character pathology (psychopathy) is always characterized by three features (Gannushkin-Kebrikov criteria): 1) totality; 2) stability; 3) disadaptation. The absence of at least one criterion excludes psychopathy. Classifications of psychopathy There are several classifications of psychopathy on various grounds. Psychopathies can be classified according to severity: severe, severe, moderate. Psychopathies can be divided according to the cause of occurrence: 1. Constitutional (or true, genuine, "nuclear"). In the emergence of constitutional psychopathy, the decisive factor belongs to heredity. They often include such types of psychopathy: cycloid, schizoid, psychasthenic, epileptoid. 2. Acquired (psychopathic or pathological development). With psychopathic development, the main thing is improper upbringing, the negative influence of the environment. AT this case excitable, hysterical, unstable psychopathy are revealed. 3. Organic. The latter develop as a result of the action on the brain of prenatal, natal and early postnatal (the first 2-3 years) pathological factors (intoxication, infections, traumatic brain injury, etc.). After an organic brain lesion, excitable and unstable psychopathy is more often noted. Different authors offer different typologies of psychopathy and character accentuations. For example, the classification proposed by A. E. Lichko looks like this: hyperthymic, cycloid, labile, astheno-neurotic, sensitive, psychasthenic, schizoid, epileptoid, hysteroid, unstable, conformal In addition to certain types of psychopathy, Lichko also distinguishes mixed ones, for example: , sensitive-psychasthenic, etc. E. G. Eidemiller offers his own classification, close to Lichko's typology, in his method of auto-identification and identification by verbal characterological portraits. A somewhat different classification of accentuations of character traits (demonstrative, pedantic, stuck) and accentuations of temperament traits (hyperthymic personality, dysthymic, affective-labile, affective-exalted, anxious), as well as combinations of accentuated character traits and temperament (extroverted and introverted personalities) was proposed by K. . Leonhard. Interesting description different types character offers D. Dril. He explores the antisocial behavior of "nervous tantrums, alcoholics, epileptics", and also analyzes some diseases, criminal cases, the causes of crimes and the connection with character traits. In addition, Dril characterizes some characters from fiction (for example, the type of Rudin, Oblomov). Gives a general description of "impoverished natures". F. Scholz describes the pathology of children's characters, the formation of character accentuations and psychopathy in accordance with different types of upbringing, heredity. He uses simple names for different character types, such as: crybaby, fearful, arrogant (abnormalities in the field of feelings and sensations), windy child, curious and secretive (abnormalities in the field of feelings and impressions), restless, greedy, prone to destruction (abnormalities in the field of will and action). Offers methods of correction, education for children with different types of character. V. V. Pushkov and G. A. Kharitonov consider the dependence of psychopathic disorders in adolescents on their age, gender, upbringing conditions, and the presence of organic disorders. The following methods are used to diagnose character accentuations and psychopathy: PDO (pathocharacterological diagnostic questionnaire), Eidemiller identification method, Leonhard-Shmishek method, MMPI. 39. Professional selection. Methods of professional selection.

Professional selection is a procedure for probabilistic assessment ((Professional Fitness)) of a person, studying the possibility of mastering a certain specialty, achieving the required level of skill and effective performance of professional duties. There are 4 components in professional selection: medical, physiological, pedagogical and psychological. In its essence and criteria, professional selection is a socio-economic event, and in terms of methods - biomedical and psychological.

The concepts of "professional selection" and "psychological selection" are often identified, since the essence of the latter is the diagnosis and prediction of abilities. The main stages of psychological professional selection:

1) Extraction and primary processing of the necessary initial diagnostic information;

2) Formulation of forecasts of ability for this type of professional activity and assessment of the expected level of suitability of the subject;

3) Verification of forecasts based on data on the actual effectiveness of the professional activities of selected individuals.

The system of psychological professional selection includes a complex of special diagnostic methods, technical means and standardized procedures. Also, methods of generalization, interpretation of the received diagnostic information and forecasting of the success of the activity are used.

The condition that determines the practical expediency of psychological professional selection is the proof of its socio-economic justification, the availability of a reasonable and proven selection system, and experienced diagnosticians.

Occupational selection consists in a scientifically based admission of a person to a certain work in the event that he has the necessary inclinations, sufficient physical and educational training. Professional selection is usually preceded by professional selection. Professional selection serves to determine the range of professions that are most suitable for a given person, that is, it helps him choose a profession using scientifically based methods and means. For the purposes of professional selection (vocational selection), questionnaire, instrumental and test methods are used.

MAIN METHODS OF PROFESSIONAL SELECTION OF CANDIDATES

Preliminary analysis of personal data (short registration form, resume, letter of application) - a comparison of requirements, capabilities, qualifications, experience, personal characteristics, etc. is carried out. candidate, the degree of his compliance with the “ideal” candidate.

Preliminary screening interview (usually telephone) - preliminary identification of missing information.

Analysis of a completed detailed questionnaire or a special questionnaire.

The main interview (a series of interviews) - a description of the life path of the applicant and his characteristics from the point of view of psychology is formed - strengths and weaknesses, personality traits, the ability to perform the functions of an “ideal” candidate, the ability to immediately begin to effectively fulfill their duties - without “buildup”.

Collecting information about the candidate (from other people), checking reviews and recommendations - the characteristics of the candidate and his compliance with the “ideal” candidate (from subordinates, colleagues, managers) are being clarified.

ADDITIONAL METHODS OF PROFESSIONAL SELECTION OF CANDIDATES

1) Testing abilities (IQ, attention span, etc.) - an assessment of the level and structure of intelligence (mental abilities), an assessment of the level of memory, attention, etc. is carried out.

2) Psychological testing - possible behavior is predicted in various production situations, assessment of the compliance of personal requirements for a candidate for the position in question.

3) Testing knowledge and skills, performing trial tasks - passing standardized tests or completing professional tasks, preparing documents (for example, a “Business Plan”, etc.)

4) Sociometric assessment - assessment of business qualities in a group.

5) Assessment Center - involves the participation of the candidate in a special seminar lasting 1-2 days. The assessment center program includes business games, group exercises, testing and professional assignments.

6) Expert assessments.

7) “Exotic” methods - a polygraph test (lie detector), a security check, a medical examination (health and stamina, attitudes towards alcohol and drugs, a check for the absence of a criminal past are revealed).

It is possible to apply several methods of verification at the same time.

1.1 Description of professional selection methods

As a rule, the professional selection of personnel covers two areas: an assessment of the professional knowledge and personal qualities of a candidate or employee. The employee is needed by the organization as -

The worker is a specialist, a professional,

An employee is a performer of a certain work.

The worker is a person.

1.2 Professional selection based on professional qualities. Application of special questionnaires, professional questionnaires, work with resumes

The easiest way to evaluate professional knowledge is to ask a specialist to do it - an expert. For example, ask to draw up an auditor's opinion on the professional qualities of the current or future chief accountant.

Another way. Prepare special questionnaires or tasks to reveal the true knowledge of a specialist. (Appendix No. 1)

Method three. Ask him to complete pre-designed tasks: for example, in order to determine the degree of computer proficiency, ask the future secretary to find the right file and prepare some kind of letter.

A lot of useful information about the level of a candidate can be obtained from questionnaires and resumes. The questionnaire is a specially designed questionnaire that includes a list of certain qualities and answer options. At the same time, the list of qualities that a specialist should possess depends on the scope of his activity and position.

Analysis of resumes and personal data allows you to identify the compliance of the applicant's education with the minimum qualification requirements, the correspondence of practical experience to the nature of the activity, the presence of restrictions of any kind on the performance of job duties, readiness to accept additional workloads. This contributes to further narrowing the circle of applicants for the position. (Appendix No. 2, 3).

1.3 Professional selection for personal business qualities. Definition of psychological professional suitability

During professional selection, not only the professional experience of potential candidates is evaluated, but it is also necessary to study the professional suitability of the candidate - the degree to which his psychological characteristics correspond to the requirements of a particular position (job). This is usually done by a psychologist. What is Psychological Fitness?

For the correct conduct of professional selection, it is necessary to understand the meaning and objectives of the study of professional suitability. This understanding is based on the basic criterion of professional suitability (i.e., correct for any profession). A person has the necessary degree of professional suitability if:

His individual psychological qualities ensure success in this particular activity (that is, they allow him to perform work with the required quality and at the right time);

At the same time, the person himself, at least, does not bear any losses (the state of health does not worsen, neurotic traits do not become active, the personality does not deform, etc.).

Often, the employees themselves, and the management of the organization, do not attach much importance to psychological fitness. However, practice shows that if an employee is psychologically unsuitable, then this is reflected in the quality and timing of the work performed and the microclimate of the team in which he works. The employee himself also suffers: he fails to achieve the desired professional successes, or they are given too much effort, and, consequently, promotion is difficult, the desired social and material status is not achieved, well-being worsens (both from physical overstrain and overload of some functions, and from a constant feeling of dissatisfaction with work), the character and relationships with others deteriorate.

Thus, people who see in the phrase "professional selection" a meaning that discriminates against an employee are completely wrong.

What is a knowingly unsuitable candidate?

Two groups can be distinguished here: qualities that are a contraindication for almost any activity (with rare exceptions), and features that are specified by management. The first ones include:

mental illness;

neurotic personality warehouse with all the signs of its actualization;

personality deformation.

The main reason why the management of most organizations tries to avoid hiring people with mental illness is the possible unpredictability of their behavior and the high probability of sudden and prolonged absence from the workplace.

The second group of people whose presence in the organization is undesirable are those with pronounced signs of neuroticism. For an employer who does not delve into subtle psychological matters, it is enough that such an employee is characterized by reduced efficiency, inattention, irritability, excessively violent reactions to people and circumstances, and frequent illnesses. For a psychologist, it is important to figure out whether such a state is temporary, situational (in which we accidentally found a person at the time of diagnosis) or persistent - inherent in this person and ready to be activated at any moment from the slightest trouble. The second option makes such a person undesirable for the organization.

The third group of people whose presence in an organization will no doubt add to its problems are those with personality deformities. A characteristic feature of such a person is the disharmony of the personal organization, which leads to an inadequate perception of himself and people. The consequence can be anger, uncriticality in evaluating one's own actions, a striking mismatch of ideas about oneself with the true personal appearance, an unreasonable fear of intrigues (deception, "setting up", slander, etc.) on the part of others and other similar traits that negatively affect reality and people working nearby.

In addition, to screen out obviously unsuitable candidates, the organization's management may establish additional requirements, for example, it is stipulated that persons with communication problems or with poorly formed speech skills, poor development of analytical abilities, etc., are considered unsuitable in advance.

The need to determine the professional suitability of personnel is due to two main reasons. Firstly, any organization in which a new person comes to work has its own established values, views on the world around us, its own specific features and basic (i.e. main) internal aspirations, on the basis of which joint activities are formed, the solution of common problems . It is very important that the new employee, in terms of his personal qualities, can successfully "fit" into the team, be compatible with other employees, increase, and not lower the potential of the team. This point is not always possible to solve even for experienced managers. The leader can be well versed in the business qualities of a new employee, but intuition sometimes fails. After some time, it turns out that a pleasant, sociable at first glance employee begins to change the positive psychological mood of other employees, “infect” them with negative emotions. It may well happen that after some time a previously successful team increasingly begins to fail even without visible conflict situations. Negative emotions, like viruses, spread from one to another, reducing performance at work and worsening interpersonal relationships. Such mistakes can be very costly. Secondly, the psychological assessment of an employee allows you to more accurately determine his resources, his internal potential, and, consequently, to find out in which workplace the employee will be more useful, whether you can expect rapid professional growth from him, what abilities should be developed, what personal characteristics he can strengthen, and how weaken collective work.

Determining the presence or absence of the qualities necessary to perform a certain job is carried out by psychologists using different methods. This is a diagnostic conversation, and the use of special psychological tests, and a business game, and others.

For example, the “probing questionnaire” method, which helps to isolate some important characteristics even before meeting with the candidate. The questionnaire is a simple personality test. It usually consists of four components:

* personal data;

* expert opinion.

A systematic analysis of this information gives a fairly accurate idea of ​​the personality of the candidate due to the psychological overtones of most questions. (Appendix No. 4) For example, items 1-9 of the questionnaire are a survey taking into account the systematized psychoanalytic categories that provide the firm's psychologist with important additional information. In some cases, further testing, which requires the firm to spend time and money, becomes redundant.

From the answer to question 1, you can get additional information about the media and social environment of the candidate. Questions #2 and #4 deal with the professional motivation of the candidate. It is logical if the events of the candidate's life are related to the desired position. However, the exaggeration of the role of these events is alarming. Question number 3 determines the leadership qualities of the candidate. A positive answer to this question is important for candidates for leadership positions. From the answers to question number 5, the psychologist receives information that is of additional interest to the company. It is desirable that the firm could use the candidate's hobbies for their own purposes. Too many hobbies can negatively affect a candidate's assessment, as there is a risk that there will be no time left for work. Question No. 6, in addition to information about the candidate's social environment, evaluates the role of external and internal factors in a person's life. Externally controlled people are ideal performers, getting the job done quickly and accurately. These people can lead the unit. In the role of a higher-level manager, their effectiveness will be insufficient, because, as a rule, they avoid making decisions. Most often they are introverts. In contrast to this type, a person controlled from the inside is directed to the outside world (extrovert according to Eysenck). The extrovert's hobbies are active (sports, tourism), while the introvert prefers quieter activities (collecting, drawing, sewing). An extrovert is open to the outside world. He is more capable of independent action, of leadership than an introvert. The deepest meaning of questions No. 7 and No. 8 is in determining the candidate's self-esteem and the degree of his self-confidence. Question 9 is based on the accident-prone personality theory. According to this theory, some people attract accidents and provoke them. The severity of the misfortunes that happen to the candidate is alarming, as is their complete absence. Questions #10 and #11 assess the candidate's criticality and self-esteem.

The use of such a "probing questionnaire" requires psychological knowledge, intuition and the ability to read between the lines from a recruiting specialist.

Increasingly, especially when assessing highly qualified employees, it is necessary to use new, non-standard approaches in assessing personnel. For example, a special socio-genetic interviewing of the subject. This method was first applied by the famous American scientist, Doctor of Psychology and Physics Ch.K. Toychem and based on the study of a person's heredity according to his pedigree, the professional activities of his ancestors, their diseases, hobbies, positive and negative events in their biography. Secondly, you can use the latest psychological equipment - devices "Polytest" and "Photon-2m". These devices make it possible to determine with great accuracy some of the properties of our nervous system. For example, by the speed of reaction to a moving object, the stability of the hands or the moisture content of our fingers. Thirdly, you can use various computer programs that have additional degrees of protection for the reliability of the results.

A very effective way to study psychological professional suitability is a diagnostic business game: the psychologist chooses a plot that is close in content to the planned professional activity and observes what qualities of the applicant are manifested. A business game can be combined with an interview and testing.

The specific approach to the study of professional suitability depends on several factors, primarily on the tasks that the organization's management sets for the psychologist.

In cases where the number of applicants is large, there is a shortage of time, there is a hiring for positions with a large turnover of personnel, the danger of "overseeing" a good applicant does not bother the management, one can limit oneself to only a "pilot" study to screen out people with undesirable qualities. For this, "selection by limiting qualities" is used. For a specific activity, one or two undesirable qualities are determined, and the psychologist directs all attention to the search for these qualities in applicants.

Important positive aspects of this approach are significant savings in the time and effort of the psychologist and the ability to get results relatively quickly. This “savings effect” can be enhanced by a psychologist using group diagnostics, when the necessary tests (for the previous example, these are tests of stability and switched attention in conditions of interference) are presented simultaneously (in parallel) to a whole group of candidates. This approach is often used with a large number of candidates in order to conduct more painstaking and detailed research with those remaining after dropping out. The decision on these candidates is usually made by the head of the personnel service.

The selection of candidates with certain qualities for a specific position requires more time, since in this case the psychologist must state the presence or absence of a whole group of qualities in applicants. In this case, diagnostic work is carried out individually, and only one or two tests can be presented to a small group of applicants (of such a size that the psychologist can pay attention to each of its members). Usually, such work is controlled by the head of the personnel service, but the head of the organization can himself trace the results of psychological diagnostics.

The most painstaking work awaits a psychologist in the case when an organization selects an employee for a responsible position, and the candidate’s failure to meet the requirements can have great consequences for the organization. Here, the psychologist is required to predict success and, possibly, correct undesirable traits, and this requires a comprehensive study of the employee's personality and identification of his most important problems (i.e., although the most superficial, but problematic analysis). Such a study is necessary, as a rule, in the selection of middle and senior managers. This work is carried out only individually, and its results are brought to the head of the organization. Additional time should be provided for writing the conclusion, which is always better than verbal transmission of information, since it can always be returned to.

Often the head of the personnel department expects the psychologist to objectively assess the moral potential and predict the possible actions of the employee that can cause significant damage to the organization (such as a tendency to steal, abuse of office, etc.). Unfortunately, psychological knowledge is powerless here. With the help of psychological methods, it is possible to determine such qualities as insufficient social, emotional or ideological maturity of the applicant. The psychologist can identify in the applicant the traits of an unstable personality type, i.e., weakness of will and irresponsibility, a tendency to follow one’s desires, excessive craving for pleasure. However, an employee with signs of these qualities will not necessarily be a robber or a spy for a competing firm, although he can be expected to make missteps in his work and stupid actions.

Some organizations use a "lie detector" (polygraph) - a device whose sensors register the galvanic skin, cardiovascular and other reactions of the body to significant words related to the alleged unscrupulous plans of the candidate or the already committed reprehensible act of the employee. However, practice has shown that only very high-class specialists can correctly explain these reactions. Therefore, if it is necessary to study the moral principles of an employee or applicant, the good old way is the most effective - qualified and conscientious work of the security service.

They are hypertrophied and manifest themselves in the form of "weak points" in the psyche of the individual - its selective vulnerability to certain influences with good and even increased resistance to other influences. Separate accentuated character traits are usually quite compensatory. However, in difficult situations, a person with an accentuated character may experience a violation of behavior. Accentuations of character, his "weak points" can be obvious and hidden, manifested in extreme situations. Persons with personal accentuations are more malleable to the influences of the environment, more prone to mental trauma. And if an unfavorable situation strikes at a “weak spot”, then the entire behavior of such persons changes dramatically - accentuation features begin to dominate (Fig. 95).

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

Rice. 95. Structure of character

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

Intensively manifesting in adolescence, character accentuations can be compensated over time, and under adverse conditions, develop and transform into "marginal" psychopathy.

Types of character accentuations

The main types of character accentuation include:

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

Sometimes accentuation borders on various types psychopathy, therefore, in its characterization, typology, 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 personality questionnaire MMPI (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 medium (normal), pronounced (accentuated) and beyond the norm (psychopathy).

The central, or pivotal, relations of the individual are the relation of the individual to those around him (the team) and the relation of the individual to work. The existence of central, core relationships and the properties conditioned by them in the structure of character is of great practical importance 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 personality, namely, the attitude towards people. In other words, it is impossible to form only a certain property, it is possible to educate only a whole system of interrelated properties, while paying the main attention to the formation of the central, pivotal relations of the individual, namely, relations to others and work.

The integrity of character, however, is not absolute. It's related to that. that the central, core relationships do not always completely and completely determine the rest. In addition, the degree of integrity of character is individually peculiar. There are people with a more holistic and less holistic or contradictory character. At the same time, it should be noted that when the quantitative expression of one or another character trait reaches the limit values ​​and turns out to be at the border of norms, the so-called accentuation of character arises.

character accentuation- these are extreme variants of the norm as a result of strengthening individual features. 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 social (social factors).

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

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

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

The main ones are the following:

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

Most of the people in accordance with this typology can be divided into groups.

One of the curious 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 the psychology and behavior of a person that do not go beyond the norm, bordering on pathology, are observed. Such accentuations as temporary states of the psyche are most often observed in adolescence and early adolescence. The author of the classification explains this factor as follows: “... under the action of psychogenic factors addressing “the place of least resistance, temporary disturbances in adaptation, deviations in behavior may occur.” As the child grows up, the features of his character that manifest themselves in childhood remain quite pronounced, lose their sharpness, but with age they can again appear clearly (especially if a disease occurs).

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

They can be defined as harmonious and disharmonious.

Harmonious character types are characterized by a sufficient development of the main character traits without isolation, isolation, without exaggeration in the development of any one trait.

Disharmonious ones are manifested with the identification of different character traits and are called accentuated or accentuated.

In 20-50% of people, some character traits are so sharp that there is a “skew” of character - as a result, interaction with people worsens, difficulties and conflicts appear.

The severity of accentuation can be rachtic: from mild, noticeable only to the immediate environment, to extreme options, when you have to think about whether there is no illness - psychopathy. Psychopathy is a painful deformity of character (while maintaining the intellect of a person), as a result of which relationships with other people are sharply violated. But, unlike psychopathy, character accentuations appear inconsistently, over the years they can completely smooth out, approach the norm. Accentuations of character are most often found in adolescents and young men (50-80%), since it is these periods of life that are most critical for the formation of character, the manifestation of originality, and individuality. Then 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

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

Hyperthymic type

Almost always different good mood, high vitality, splashing energy, unstoppable activity. Strives for leadership, adventures. It is necessary to be reserved about his unreasonable optimism and overestimation of his capabilities. Features attractive to interlocutors: energy, thirst for activity, initiative, a sense of the new, optimism.

For the people around him, it is unacceptable: frivolity, a tendency to immoral acts, a frivolous attitude to the duties assigned to him, irritability in the circle of close people.

The conflict is possible with monotonous work, loneliness, in conditions of strict discipline, constant moralizing. This causes the person to become angry. Such a person shows himself well in work related to constant communication. These are organizational activities, household services, sports, theater. It is typical for him to often 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, they do not closely converge with colleagues. They rarely enter into conflicts, more often they are a passive side in them. They greatly appreciate those people who are friends with them and tend to obey them.

People around like their seriousness, high morality, conscientiousness and justice. But such traits as passivity, pessimism, sadness, slowness of thinking, "separation from the team" repel others from acquaintance and friendship with them.

Conflicts are observed in situations that require violent activity. For these people, a change in their usual way of life has a negative impact. They are good at jobs that do not require a wide range of communication. Under unfavorable conditions, they tend to neurotic depression. This accentuation occurs most often in persons of melancholic temperament.

Cycloid type

The accentuation of character is manifested in cyclically changing periods of ups and downs in mood. During the period of upsurge, they manifest themselves as people with hyperthymic accentuation, during the period of decline - with dysthymic accentuation. During the recession, they perceive troubles more acutely. These frequent changes in mental state tire a person, make his behavior unpredictable, contradictory, prone to changing profession, place of work, interests.

excitable type

This type of people have increased irritability, a tendency to aggression, intemperance, gloom, boredom, but flattery, helpfulness, a tendency to rudeness and obscene language or silence, slowness in conversation are possible. They actively and often conflict, do not avoid quarrels with superiors, are quarrelsome in a team, are despotic and cruel in a family. Outside of fits of anger, these people are conscientious, accurate and show love for children.

People around do not like their irritability, irascibility, inadequate outbursts of rage and anger with assault, cruelty, weakened control over attraction. These people are well affected by physical labor, athletic sports. They need to develop endurance, self-control. Because of their quarrelsomeness, they often change jobs.

stuck type

People with this type of accentuation "get stuck" on their feelings, thoughts. They cannot forget insults and "settle scores" with their offenders. They have official and domestic intractability, a tendency to protracted squabbles. In the conflict, they are most often the active side and clearly define the circle of friends and enemies for the day. They show dominance.

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

A conflict is possible with hurt pride, unfair resentment, an obstacle to achieving ambitious goals.

Pedantic type

These people have a pronounced "tediousness" in the form of experiencing the details, in the service they are able to torture them with formal requirements, exhaust the household with excessive accuracy.

For others, they are attractive conscientiousness, accuracy. seriousness, reliability in deeds and feelings. But such people have a number of repulsive character traits: formalism, "chicanery", "boring", the desire to shift decision-making to others.

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

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

alarm type

People of this type of accentuation are characterized by low mood, timidity, timidity, self-doubt. They constantly fear for themselves, 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, unfair accusations.

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

Such people cannot be leaders, make responsible decisions, as they are characterized by endless experience, weighing.

emotive type

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

Rarely enters into conflicts and plays a passive role in them. Resentment does not splash out, but prefers to keep them in himself. Those around him like his compassion, pity, expression of joy about other people's successes. He is very executive and has a high sense of duty.

Such a person is usually a good family man. But extreme sensitivity, tearfulness repel others from him.

Conflicts with a loved one, death or illness, he perceives tragically. Injustice, rudeness, 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 in the spotlight 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 with courtesy, perseverance, purposefulness, acting talent, the 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 by such a person occurs when his interests are infringed, his merits are underestimated, he is overthrown from the “pedestal”. These situations cause him hysterical reactions.

exalted type

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

Such traits as altruism, artistic taste, artistic talent, brightness of feelings and attachment to friends are liked by interlocutors. But excessive impressionability, pathos, alarmism, susceptibility to despair are not their best features. Failures and sad events are perceived tragically, such people are prone to neurotic depression.

Their environment of existence is the realm of the arts, artistic views sports, professions associated with proximity to nature.

introverted type

People of this type of accentuation are characterized by low sociability, isolation. They are aloof from everyone and enter into communication with other people only if necessary, most often immersed in themselves and their thoughts. They are characterized by increased vulnerability, but they do not tell anything about themselves and do not share their experiences. Even to their loved ones, they are cold and reserved. Their behavior and logic are often not understood by others.

These people love solitude and prefer to be alone 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.

The people around them like them for restraint, degree, deliberateness of actions, the presence of strong convictions and adherence to principles. But the stubborn upholding of their unrealistic interests, views and the presence of their own point of view, which differs sharply from the opinion of the majority, repel people from them.

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

Conformal type

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

These people are not organized and tend to obey others. In communication with friends and family, they give way to leadership to others. Surrounding in these people like their willingness to listen to another, diligence. But at the same time, these are people "without a king in their heads", subject to someone else's influence. They do not think about their actions and have a great passion for entertainment. Conflicts are possible in a situation of forced loneliness, lack of control.

These people have easy adaptability to a new job and do an excellent job with their job responsibilities when tasks and rules of conduct are clearly defined.

Types of character accentuation- these are multiple types of characters in which individual features have passed into a pathological state. Some accentuated character traits are often compensated to a sufficient degree, but in problematic or critical situations, an accentuated personality may show violations of adequate behavior. Accentuations of character (this term originates from Latin (accentus), which means - underlining) - are expressed in the form of "weak points" in the psyche of the individual and are characterized by selective vulnerability in relation to some influences with increased stability to other influences.

The concept of "accentuation" for the entire time of its existence has been presented in the development of several typologies. The first of these was developed by Karl Leonhard in 1968. The next classification became more widely known in 1977, which was developed by Andrei Evgenievich Lichko, based on the classification of P. B. Gannushkin, performed back in 1933.

Types of character accentuation can be directly manifested and can be hidden and revealed only in emergency situations when the behavior becomes most natural.

Personalities of any type of character accentuation are more sensitive and malleable to environmental influences and, therefore, have a greater propensity for mental disorders than other individuals. If any problematic, anxious situation becomes too difficult for an accentuated person to experience, then the behavior of such an individual immediately changes dramatically and accentuated features dominate.

Leonhard's theory of character accentuation has received due attention because it has proven its usefulness. Only the specificity of this theory and the questionnaire attached to it to establish the type of character accentuation was that they were limited by the age of the subjects. The questionnaire was calculated only on the character of adults. That is, children or even adolescents are not able to answer a number of questions, because they do not have the necessary life experience and have not yet been in such situations to answer the questions posed. Consequently, this questionnaire could not truthfully determine the personality's character accentuation.

Understanding the need to determine the type of character accentuation in adolescents, psychiatrist Andrei Lichko took up this. Lichko modified Leonhard's questionnaire. He rewrote the descriptions for the types of character accentuation, changed some of the type names and introduced new ones.

The description of the types of character accentuation Lichko expanded, guided by information about the expression of accentuation in children and adolescents and changes in manifestations as the personality develops and grows up. Thus, he created a questionnaire on the types of accentuations of the character of adolescents.

A. Lichko reasoned that it would be more appropriate to study the types of accentuations of the character of adolescents, based on the fact that most accentuations are formed and manifested precisely in this age period.

To better understand the types of character accentuation, examples should be given from familiar episodes and persons. Most people know the most popular cartoon characters or characters from fairy tales, they are deliberately portrayed as too emotional, active or vice versa passive. But the bottom line is that it is this expression of extreme variants of character norms that attracts to itself, such a person is interested, someone is imbued with sympathy for her, and someone is just waiting for what will happen to her next. In life, you can meet exactly the same "heroes", only in different circumstances.

Types of character accentuation examples. Alice from the fairy tale "Alice in Wonderland" is a representative cycloid type character accentuations, she had alternations of high and low activity, mood swings; Carlson is a vivid example of a demonstrative type of character accentuation, he likes to brag, possesses, he is characterized by feigned behavior and a desire to be in the spotlight.

A stuck type of character accentuation is characteristic of superheroes who are in a state of constant struggle.

A hyperthymic type of character accentuation is observed in Masha (the cartoon "Masha and the Bear"), she is spontaneous, active, undisciplined and noisy.

Types of character accentuation according to Leonhard

Karl Leonhard was the founder of the term "accentuations" in . His theory of accentuated personalities was based on the idea of ​​the presence of main, expressive and additional personality traits. The main features, as usual, are much smaller, but they are very expressive and represent the whole personality. They are the core of the personality and are of decisive importance in its development of adaptation and mental health. A very strong expression of the main personality traits rebounds on the whole personality, and under problematic or unfavorable circumstances, they can become a destructive factor for the personality.

K. Leonhard believed that accentuated personality traits can first of all be observed with.

The accentuation of personality is determined by the style of communication. Leonhard created a concept in which he described the main types of character accentuations. It is important to remember that the characterization of character accentuation according to Leonhard describes only the types of adult behavior. Karl Leonhard described twelve types of accentuation. All of them, by their origin, have different localization.

The labile type of character accentuation is manifested in the rapid changeability of mood and the entire emotional state. Even when there are no obvious reasons for great joy or great sadness, a person switches between these strong emotions, changing his entire state. Such experiences are very deep, a person can lose his ability to work.

The asthenoneurotic type of character accentuation is expressed in the personality's tendency to. Such a person is often irritable, constantly complains about his condition, quickly gets tired. The irritation can be so strong that they can yell at someone for no reason, and then regret it. Their depends on the mood and the influx of hypochondria. If the state of health is good, then the person feels more self-confident.

The sensitive type of character accentuation is expressed in high, fearfulness, isolation. Sensitive individuals have a hard time making new contacts, but with those people they know well, they behave cheerfully and naturally. Often, because of their feelings of inferiority, they overcompensate. For example, if earlier a person was too shy, then, having matured, he begins to behave too liberated.

The psychasthenic type of character accentuation is manifested in a person's tendency to obsessive states; in childhood, they are subject to various phobias. They are characterized by anxiety, arising against the background of uncertainty and uncertainty about their future. Prone to introspection. They are always accompanied by some kind of rituals, the same type of obsessive movements, thanks to this they feel much calmer.

The schizoid type of character accentuation is manifested in the inconsistency of feelings, thoughts and emotions. The schizoid combines: isolation and talkativeness, coldness and sensitivity, inactivity and purposefulness, antipathy and attachment, and so on. The most striking features of this type are a low need for communication and avoidance of others. Not the ability to empathize and show attention are perceived as coldness of a person. Such people are more likely to share something intimate with a stranger than with a loved one.

The epileptoid type of character accentuation manifests itself in an angry-angry state. In such a state, the irritability and anger of a person accumulates and after a while splashes out with prolonged outbursts of anger. The epileptoid type of accentuation is characterized by inertia in various aspects of life - emotional sphere, movements, life values ​​and rules. Often such people are very jealous, mostly unfounded. They try to live for today's real day and what they have, they do not like to make plans, fantasize or dream. given to the epileptoid type of personality is very difficult.

The hysteroid type of character accentuation is characterized by increased egocentrism, a thirst for love, universal recognition and attention. Their behavior is demonstrative and feigned, in order to get attention. It would be better for them if they were hated or treated negatively than if they were treated indifferently or neutrally. They approve of any activity in their direction. For hysterical personalities the most terrible is the possibility of being unnoticed. Another important feature of this type of accentuation is suggestibility, aimed at emphasizing merits or admiration.

An unstable type of character accentuation is manifested in the inability to observe socially acceptable forms of behavior. From childhood, they have a reluctance to learn, it is difficult for them to concentrate on learning, complete tasks or obey their elders. As they get older, unstable personalities begin to experience difficulties in establishing relationships, especially difficulties in romantic relationships. They find it difficult to establish deep emotional bonds. They live in the present, one day without plans for the future and any desires or aspirations.

The conformal type of character accentuation is expressed in the desire to mix with others, not to differ. They easily, without hesitation, accept someone else's point of view, are guided by common goals, adjust their desires to the desires of others, without thinking about personal needs. They quickly become attached to their inner circle and try not to be different from others, if there are common hobbies, interests or ideas, they also immediately pick them up. In their professional life, they are uninitiated, trying to do their job without being active.

In addition to the types of character accentuation described, Lichko additionally highlights mixed accentuations, since accentuation in pure form not seen very often. Separate accentuations, which are the most expressive, are interconnected, while others cannot be simultaneously characteristic of one person.