Pronounced accentuation. Accentuation of character

To understand what character is and in what cases accentuation is spoken of, it is important to know what components it is made of, what is the difference between character and temperament.

What is character?

Unlike temperament, character is not inherited and is not an innate personality trait. It is also not characterized by constancy and immutability. Personality is formed and develops under the influence of the environment, upbringing, life experience and many other external factors. Thus, the character of each person is determined both by his social existence and by his individual experience. The consequence of this is an infinite number of characters.

However, although each person is unique ( like his experience) there is a lot in common in the life activities of people. This underlies the division of large numbers of people into certain personality types ( according to Leonard and so on).

What is the difference between character and temperament?

Thus, temperament characterizes the dynamism of a person, and the nature of his beliefs, views and interests. Also, human temperament is a genetically determined process, while character is a constantly changing structure.
The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates described four types of temperament, which received the following names - sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, melancholic temperament. However, further studies of the higher nervous activity of animals and humans ( including those conducted by Pavlov), proved that the basis of temperament is a combination of certain nervous processes.

From a scientific point of view, temperament refers to the natural behavioral characteristics that are typical for a given person.

The components that determine temperament are:

• General activity. It manifests itself at the level of mental activity and human behavior and is expressed in varying degrees of motivation and desire to express oneself in a variety of activities. The expression of general activity varies from person to person.
• Motor or motor activity. Reflects the state of the motor and speech-motor apparatus. Manifests itself in the speed and intensity of movements, tempo of speech, as well as in its external mobility ( or, conversely, restraint).
• Emotional activity. Expressed in the degree of perception ( sensitivity) to emotional influences, impulsiveness, emotional mobility.

What is personality?

Today, a person is understood as a specific individual who is a representative of his society, nationality, class or group. Modern psychologists and sociologists in defining personality, first of all, highlight its social essence. A person is born a person, but he becomes a person in the process of his social and labor activities. Some may remain infantile ( immature and failed) individuals throughout life. The formation and development of personality is influenced by biological factors, social environmental factors, upbringing and many other aspects.

Accentuation of character according to Lichko

• hyperthymic type;
• cycloid type;
• labile type;
• astheno-neurotic type;
• sensitive type;
• psychasthenic type;
• schizoid type;
• epileptoid type;
• hysterical type;
• unstable type;
• conformal type.

Hyperthymic type

The first significant difficulties appear when adapting to school. Good academic abilities, a lively mind and the ability to grasp everything on the fly are combined with restlessness, increased distractibility and indiscipline. This behavior affects their uneven studies - a hyperthymic child has both high and low grades in his diary. A distinctive feature of such children is always a good mood, which is harmoniously combined with good health and often a flourishing appearance.

The emancipation reaction is the most painful and distinct in such adolescents. The constant struggle for independence gives rise to constant conflicts with parents, teachers, and educators. Trying to escape from family care, hyperthymic teenagers sometimes run away from home, although not for long. True escapes from home are rare for this personality type.

The family usually plays a decisive role in the accentuation of a hyperthymic personality. The factors that determine accentuation are hyperprotection, petty control, cruel dictatorship, as well as dysfunctional family relationships.

Cycloid type

Typical cycloids in childhood are not much different from their peers. However, already with the onset of puberty, they experience the first subdepressive phase. Teenagers become apathetic and irritable. They may complain of lethargy, loss of energy, and that it is becoming increasingly difficult to study. Society begins to burden them, as a result of which teenagers begin to avoid the company of their peers. Very quickly they become lethargic homebodies - they sleep a lot, walk little.

Adolescents react to any comments or calls from parents for socialization with irritation, sometimes rudeness and anger. However, serious setbacks in school or personal life can deepen depression and cause violent reactions, often with suicidal attempts. Often at this moment they come under the supervision of a psychiatrist. Similar phases in typical cycloids last two to three weeks.

In labile cycloids, unlike typical ones, the phases are much shorter - several good days are quickly replaced by several bad ones. Within one period ( single phase) short changes in mood are recorded - from a bad mood to causeless euphoria. Often these mood swings are caused by minor news or events. But, unlike other personality types, there is no excessive emotional reaction.

Behavioral reactions in adolescents are moderately expressed and delinquency ( running away from home, getting into drugs) is not typical for them. The risk of alcoholism and suicidal behavior is present only in the depressive phase.

Labile type

Over time, mood swings begin to occur. At the same time, the mood changes frequently and excessively abruptly, while the reasons for such changes are insignificant. This could be either an unfriendly look from a random interlocutor or an inopportune rainfall. Almost any event can plunge a labile teenager into despondency. At the same time, interesting news or a new suit can lift your spirits and distract you from the existing reality.

The labile type is characterized not only by frequent and sudden changes, but also by their significant depth. A good mood affects all aspects of a teenager’s life. Well-being, appetite, sleep and ability to work depend on it. Accordingly, the same environment can evoke different emotions - people seem either cute and interesting, or bored and boring.

Labile teenagers are extremely vulnerable to reprimands, reprimands and condemnations, worrying deeply within themselves. Often, troubles or minor losses can lead to the development of reactive depression. At the same time, any praise or sign of attention gives them sincere joy. Emancipation in the labile type occurs very moderately and manifests itself in short bursts. As a rule, they feel good in families where they feel love and care.

Astheno-neurotic type

The main features of adolescents of this type of accentuation are increased irritability, fatigue and a tendency towards hypochondria. Irritation is noted for an insignificant reason and is sometimes poured out on people who accidentally fell under the hot hand. However, it quickly gives way to repentance. Unlike other types, there is no pronounced intensity of affect, no duration, no violent frenzy. Fatigue usually manifests itself in mental activities, while physical activity is better tolerated. The tendency to hypochondria is manifested by careful care of one's health; the heart becomes a frequent source of hypochondriacal experiences.

Running away from home, drug addiction and alcoholism are not typical for teenagers with this type. However, this does not exclude other adolescent behaviors. They are drawn to their peers, but quickly get tired of them and seek rest or solitude. Relationships with the opposite sex are usually limited to short bursts.

Sensitive type

They are extremely attached to close people, even if they treat them coldly and harshly. They stand out among other children for their obedience, and are often considered a homely and obedient child. However, difficulties are noted at school, since it frightens them with a crowd of peers, fuss and fights. Despite this, they study diligently, although they are embarrassed to answer in front of the class and answer much less than what they know.

Puberty usually passes without any special outbreaks or complications. The first significant difficulties in adaptation arise at 18–19 years of age. During this period, the main characteristics of the type are maximally manifested - extreme impressionability and a sense of personal insufficiency.

Sensitive adolescents retain their childhood attachment to the family, and therefore the emancipation reaction is rather weakly expressed. Excessive reproaches and lectures from others cause tears and despair, and not the protest typical of teenagers.

Sensitive individuals mature early, and they also develop a sense of duty and high moral demands early. Moreover, these requirements are addressed both to oneself and to others. Adolescents have the most painfully expressed feeling of their own inferiority, which with age turns into a reaction of overcompensation. This is manifested by the fact that they seek self-affirmation not on the side of their abilities ( where they can open up as much as possible), but where they feel inferior. Timid and shy teenagers put on a mask of swagger, trying to show their arrogance, energy and will. But very often, as soon as the situation demands action from them, they give up.

Another weak link of the sensitive type is the attitude of others towards them. They are extremely sensitive to situations where they become the object of ridicule or suspicion, or when the slightest shadow falls on their reputation.

Psychasthenic type

The main features of the psychasthenic type are:

• indecision;
• tendency to reason;
• anxious suspiciousness;
• love of introspection;
• the formation of obsessions - obsessive fears and concerns;
• the formation of compulsions - obsessive actions and rituals.

Specially invented signs and rituals become protection against this anxiety for the future. For example, when going to school, you need to go around all the hatches, under no circumstances stepping on their covers. Before the exam, when entering the school, you should not touch the door handles. Whenever you worry about your mother again, you need to say a spell you have invented to yourself. In parallel with obsession, a psychasthenic teenager experiences indecision. Any choice, even a small one ( going to the cinema or choosing juice), can become the subject of long and painful hesitation. However, after the decision has been made, it must be immediately implemented, since psychasthenics do not know how to wait, showing extreme impatience.

As with other types, overcompensation reactions may be observed here, in this case in relation to one’s indecision. Such a reaction manifests itself in them with exaggerated decisiveness in those moments when prudence and caution are required. This, in turn, results in a tendency to introspection about the motives of one’s actions and actions.

Schizoid type

Other characteristics of the schizoid type are:

• isolation;
• inability to make contacts;
• reduced need for communication.

Some teenagers, nevertheless, sometimes try to make acquaintances and make some contacts. However, most often this ends in failure and disappointment. As a result of failures, they often withdraw even more into themselves.

The coldness of schizoids is explained by their lack of intuition ( inability to penetrate into other people's experiences) and lack of empathy ( inability to share the joy or sadness of another). Based on this, the actions of a schizoid teenager can be cruel, and this is not due to the desire to hurt someone, but to the inability to feel the suffering of others. The emancipation reaction also proceeds in a very unique way. In a family, schizoid children can tolerate guardianship and obey a certain routine and regime. But, at the same time, they react violently to the invasion of their world of interests and hobbies. Also in society, they are furiously indignant about existing rules and orders, expressing their protest with ridicule. Such judgments can be nurtured for a long time and implemented in public speeches.

Despite their isolation and isolation, schizoid teenagers have hobbies that are usually more pronounced than others. In the first place there are intellectual and aesthetic hobbies ( hobby). Most often this is a strictly selective reading. Teenagers may be interested in a certain era of history; it may be a strictly defined genre of literature or a certain movement in philosophy. Moreover, passion may not correlate in any way ( not be interconnected) with their needs. For example, this could be a passion for Sanskrit or Hebrew. Moreover, this is never exposed ( otherwise it will be regarded as an invasion of privacy) and is often hidden.
In addition to intellectual hobbies, hobbies of the manual-physical type are also noted. This could be gymnastics, swimming or yoga exercises. At the same time, training is combined with a complete lack of interest in collective sports games.

Epileptoid type

Other characteristics of the epileptoid type are:

• emotional explosiveness;
• constant tension;
• cognitive ( mental) viscosity;
• stiffness;
• inertia.

The first signs of psychopathy are detected in early childhood. From an early age, such children are distinguished by gloomy embitterment. Their dysphoria is manifested by whims, a desire to deliberately harass others. Unfortunately, sadistic tendencies are already noted at an early age - such children love to torture animals, beat and tease the younger and weaker. Moreover, they do all this on the sly. Also, such children are distinguished by unchildish thriftiness in their clothes and toys, as well as meticulous neatness in things. They react to any attempts to touch their things with an extremely angry reaction.

The full picture of epileptoid psychopathy unfolds during puberty, starting at 12–13 years of age. It is characterized mainly by pronounced affective ( emotional) discharges that are a consequence of prolonged and painful dysphoria. In such discharges there is swearing, severe beatings, rage and cynicism. Often the reason for anger may be small and insignificant, but it always concerns the personal interests of the teenager. In a fit of rage, such a teenager is capable of throwing his fists at a stranger, hitting a parent in the face, or pushing a child down the stairs.

Attraction to the opposite sex awakens with force, but is always colored by the dark tones of jealousy. They never forgive betrayal, both real and imaginary, and flirting is interpreted as a grave betrayal.

The emancipation reaction is very painful in epileptoid adolescents. The struggle for independence makes them extremely angry and vindictive. They demand not so much freedom and deliverance from power, but rights - their share of property and material wealth. Also extremely painful for this type of personality are reactions of infatuation. Almost everyone is prone to gambling and collecting. Very often they are driven by an instinctive desire to get rich. Hobbies also include sports, music and singing.

Self-esteem is one-sided. Most teenagers of this type note their tendency to have a gloomy mood and adherence to rules and neatness. However, they do not recognize their own characteristics in relationships with others.

Hysterical type

Other characteristics of a hysterical personality type are:

• increased suggestibility;
• deceit;
• fantasizing;
• theatricality;
• a tendency to show off and pose;
• lack of deep sincere feelings with great expression of emotions.

In order to attract attention, children begin to manipulate and show various demonstrative reactions. Over time, suicidality becomes the main behavioral reaction. In this case, we are talking about demonstration and suicidal blackmail, and not about serious attempts. Suicidal blackmail is characterized by safe methods - cuts to the veins are made on the forearm or shoulder, medications are selected from the home medicine cabinet ( citramon, activated carbon). They are also always designed for spectators - attempts to jump out of a window or throw themselves under the wheels of a vehicle are made in front of those present. Such suicidality is always signaled - various farewell notes are written, secret confessions are made.

Teenagers may blame failed love for their attempts. However, upon careful study of the circumstances, it turns out that this is just a romantic veil. The only reason for this behavior in the hysterical type is wounded pride and lack of attention. A suicidal demonstration followed by fuss and emergency help brings considerable satisfaction to the egocentrism of a hysterical teenager.

Another distinctive characteristic is the “flight into illness” of hysterical teenagers. Very often they depict mysterious illnesses, and sometimes even strive to end up in a psychiatric hospital. By getting into it they thus gain a reputation for being unusual.

Hobbies, including alcoholism or drug use, are also demonstrative in nature. Already in adulthood, hysterical individuals retain the traits of childish opposition, imitation, and infantility. As a rule, the reaction of the opposition ( negativism) manifests itself in the loss of habitual attention and the loss of the role of an idol. A similar reaction manifests itself in the same way as in childhood - withdrawal into illness, suicidal behavior, attempts to get rid of the one to whom attention has shifted. For example, if another family member appears ( new baby, mother's new husband), then all attempts will be directed towards him.

At this point, teenagers begin to signal themselves by becoming addicted to drinking or drugs, wandering off and absenteeism, and sometimes even stealing. Thus, they seem to be saying to return their previous attention, otherwise they will go astray.
The hobbies of this psychotype are always concentrated around their own egocentrism. They prefer ensembles, the stage, theaters. Self-esteem in adolescents with this type of character is far from objective.

Unstable type

They can complete tasks and not shirk from class only under very strict supervision. They have an increased craving for entertainment, idleness and total idleness. They run away from classes just to walk down the street. They are extremely unstable in their choice and try literally everything - they go to theft and start smoking while still children. Growing up quickly, they lose interest in their previous hobbies and are constantly looking for thrills and new sensations. Associated with this is a painful reaction of emancipation - teenagers strive to free themselves from guardianship in order to indulge in entertainment. They never feel true love for relatives, including parents, and treat their troubles and concerns with indifference. Basically, they use their family ties as a source of material wealth. They feel bad when alone, as they are unable to occupy themselves. As a result, they are constantly drawn to teenage groups of all kinds. However, cowardice and lack of initiative do not allow the labile teenager to take the place of leader in them.

Teenage hobbies are mainly centered around gambling. Those disciplines that require hard work disgust them. They can work only out of extreme necessity, but soon everything is quickly abandoned. Any difficulties or threat of punishment for failure to complete work causes one behavioral reaction - to run away. Unstable teenagers do not make plans, do not dream of anything or any profession. They amaze with their complete indifference to the future.

One of the main features of unstable types is weakness of will. It is this trait that can keep them in a regulated environment for some time. They can reconcile only if idleness threatens severe punishment, and there is nowhere to escape. The weak point of the unstable is the lack of supervision. Self-esteem of adolescents is far from objective; adolescents often attribute desirable traits to themselves.

Conformal type

Representatives of this accentuated type are people of their environment. Their main rule is to think like everyone else and act like everyone else. The desire to join the majority makes them imitators in everything - from clothing and home furnishings to points of view. Even in childhood, this is especially noticeable in the choice of clothes, school supplies, and hobbies. If something new appears in society ( for example style), then initially representatives of the conformist type vehemently reject everything. But as soon as a new trend flows into society, they, for example, wear the same clothes or listen to the same music as everyone else.

Due to the desire to be in accordance with their surroundings, conforming teenagers cannot resist anything. Therefore, they are a copy of their microenvironment. In a good environment they absorb all the good things, in a bad environment they absorb all the bad customs and habits. Often, such teenagers may become an alcoholic in the company of others or may be drawn into group crimes.

Their professional success owes much to two qualities - a lack of initiative and criticism. They can work a lot, as long as the work does not require constant personal initiative. They even like very intense work if it is clearly regulated. They are also remarkably uncritical. Everything that their environment says becomes truth for them. Teenagers are not inclined to change their group and choose the educational institution where the majority of their comrades go. Conformists deprived of initiative often find themselves drawn into group crimes. Therefore, the most severe mental trauma for them is expulsion from the group. Emancipation is poorly expressed, and hobbies are determined by the teenager’s environment and the fashion of the time.

Intermediate types of accentuation

Intermediate types include the labile-cycloid and conformal-hyperthymic type, as well as combinations of the labile type with the astheno-neurotic and sensitive type. The formation of intermediate types is due to developmental characteristics in the early period, educational factors and, above all, genetic factors.

Intermediate accentuated types are:

• schizoid-sensitive;
• schizoid-psychasthenic;
• schizoid-epileptoid;
• hysteroid-epileptoid;
• labile-cycloid;
• conformal hyperthymic.

Options for amalgam types are:

• schizoid-unstable;
• epileptoid-unstable;
• hysterical-unstable;
• conformally unstable.

Classification of accentuated character according to Leonhard

• demonstrative;
• pedantic;
• stuck; stuck
• excitable.

Stuck type

Any injustice can cause a strong and violent reaction. However, emotions subside after a person has “given vent to his feelings.” Anger also subsides very quickly, especially when the offender can be punished. If the emotional explosion does not take place, the affect continues much more slowly. In cases where a stuck person was unable to respond either in word or deed, internal tension can drag on. In this case, you just have to return your thoughts to what happened, as all emotions come to life, and a new explosion is brewing. Thus, the affect of such a person will last until the internal experiences completely disappear.

Equally, such psychotypes react to social injustice. Therefore, fighters for civil justice and freedom are often found among them.
Traits of being stuck also appear in the case of a person’s failure, since ambition is very strong in such people. As a result, they become arrogant and overconfident.

Pedantic type

Pedantic people are extremely slow in making decisions and take all issues seriously - both work and everyday ones. In their discussions, pedants can drive those around them to white heat. People around us perceive scrupulousness and pedantry as banal tediousness.

The main feature of this character is total rigidity, which determines the unpreparedness for any changes. Also due to weak repression mechanisms ( or their complete absence) traumatic events are experienced by pedants for a very long time. The inability to dislodge trauma from memory leads to the fact that pedants return to it again and again. All this leads to even greater indecision and inability to react quickly. The pedantic type is non-conflict by nature, but reacts very strongly to violations of the established order.

Other qualities of a pedantic personality are:

• punctuality;
• conscientiousness;
• accuracy;
• focus on high quality;
• indecision.

Excitable type

The main characteristic is instinctiveness - the desire to satisfy one’s needs and desires at this very moment. Such excitability is very difficult to extinguish, which is why people of this psychotype are often quite irritable and intolerant of others. At the moment of excitement, they do not think about the consequences, weakly assess what is happening, and deny any criticism.

Impulsivity of a pathological nature is noted in all spheres of life, including in drives. Such individuals eat and drink everything, are impulsive and promiscuous in the sexual sphere. Most of them become chronic alcoholics. They do not think about the danger or the consequences both for themselves and for family life. Among chronic alcoholics you can find many excitable individuals. Promiscuity in sexual relations leads to the fact that such people have many illegitimate children at an early age, both in women and men. Many of them may take the path of prostitution.

The excitable type is in many ways similar to epileptic psychopathy. This manifests itself in heaviness of thinking, slowness of thought processes and difficulty in perceiving other people's thoughts. A state of constant emotional arousal provokes multiple conflicts. As a result, such people often do not take root in any team. This is also aggravated by the fact that some of them support their opinions not only with shouts and all kinds of demonstrations, but also with their fists. Also, such people are characterized by destructive behavior - destroying objects, breaking glass, and the like.

Demonstrative type

As they grow up, they continue to fantasize, using deception to attract attention. This is explained by the fact that the words spoken seem to them to be true at the moment. Another character trait is connected with this - the ability to forget what a person does not want to remember.
The demonstrative type is characterized by a constant desire to be the center of attention. To get attention, such people tend to adapt very quickly to a new environment. Thus, the demonstrative type is distinguished by mobility and, at the same time, inconstancy.

Due to their originality of thinking and actions, demonstrative people can carry others along with them. At the same time, they often focus on themselves, which can push people away.

Other types of accentuations according to Leonhard are:

• Hyperthymic accentuation. These are very active people who are characterized by sociability and restlessness. When communicating with them, gestures, active facial expressions and other non-verbal means of communication prevail.
• Dysthymic accentuation. Unlike the previous type, these are serious people who are often in a depressed mood. They are characterized by silence, pessimism and low self-esteem. As a rule, these are homebodies.
• Anxious accentuation. This type is characterized by timidity, fearfulness and lack of self-confidence. They are worried about various fears, they experience troubles painfully hard. Also, from an early age, they are distinguished by responsibility, tact, and are endowed with high moral qualities.
• Exalted accentuation. Differs in sociability, exaltation and altruism. However, this does not prevent such individuals from quickly falling into depression.
• Emotive accentuation. This type is characterized by increased empathy - a heightened sense of connection and sympathy for other people.
• Cyclothymic accentuation. This type is distinguished by a combination of hyperthymic and dysthymic features, which appear alternately.

Psychopathy and character accentuations in adolescents

• totality;
• durability;
• violation of social adaptation.

Despite the fact that the degree of character anomalies is difficult to quantify, psychologists and psychiatrists still distinguish degrees of accentuations. These degrees are based on certain indicators.

Indicators that influence the severity of psychopathy are:

• severity, duration and frequency of decompensations ( breakdowns), phases;
• severity of social behavior disorders;
• degree of social ( work, family) maladjustment;
• degree of self-esteem ( the psychopath's criticality towards himself).

Severe psychopathy

Severe degree of psychopathy

Moderate degree of psychopathy

Psychopathic development and marginal psychopathy

In diagnosing this character anomaly, it is important not only to identify the main accentuated traits, but also to note the harmful influence of the environment. This is often wrong ( defective) upbringing.

The most common types of defective upbringing that influence the formation of psychopathy are:

• Hypoprotection. This type of defective parenting is characterized by a lack of care and control over behavior. At the same time, hypoprotection is not limited to meeting basic needs, that is, children do not go naked and hungry. Basically, this concerns the lack of attention, care and true interest of parents in the affairs of the teenager. Hypoprotection can also be hidden, when control over a teenager’s behavior seems to be carried out, but in fact it is only a formalism. This type of education is especially dangerous when accentuation is based on unstable and conformist types. As a result, teenagers find themselves in antisocial companies and quickly adopt a bad lifestyle. Also, lack of care is very harmful in hyperthymic, epileptoid and schizoid accentuation.
• Dominant hyperprotection. This type of defective parenting is characterized by excessive guardianship, petty control and even surveillance. Such constant control grows into a whole system of constant prohibitions. In turn, constant prohibitions and the inability to make even minor decisions of their own confuse the teenager. Very often, children and adolescents create the following value system - everything is not allowed with adults, but everything is possible with their peers. This type of upbringing does not allow a teenager to analyze his own actions and learn independence. In addition, the sense of responsibility and duty is suppressed, the teenager ceases to be responsible for his own actions. Hyperprotection is most dangerous for hyperthymic adolescents, since it leads to a sharp increase in the emancipation reaction. Teenagers, or even children, rebel against oppression in the most aggressive ways.
• Emotional rejection. Characterized by emotional coldness, lack of care and affection. With this type of defective upbringing, a child or teenager constantly feels that they are burdened and that they are a burden in the life of their parents. Often such defective upbringing occurs within the framework of hidden emotional rejection on the part of the parents, when they do not recognize the true hardships with their son or daughter. Allegedly, common sense suppresses this rejection of children as unworthy. Sometimes such rejection turns into a reaction of overcompensation in the form of emphasized care and exaggerated attention. However, children and especially teenagers feel this false attitude well. A schizoid teenager reacts to such insincerity by withdrawing into himself, building an even bigger wall between himself and his family. The unstable type rushes to look for an outlet in the company of friends.
• Conditions of abusive relationships. This type of defective upbringing is manifested by open and severe reprisals for minor offenses. At the same time, very often they simply “take it out” on the child. However, abusive relationships do not only affect the child or adolescent. A similar heavy and harsh atmosphere dominates the entire environment. Very often, brutal massacres are hidden from prying eyes, and the family looks “healthy” in appearance. Growing up in abusive relationships is very dangerous for epileptoid and conformist types. In this case, there is a high risk of psychopathic development. However, mental indifference and beatings also affect other types of personalities in an unhealthy way. Such families have the highest risk of developing psychopathy.

Diagnosis of character accentuations and psychopathy

• first scale ( hypochondria scale) measures the traits of the astheno-neurotic personality type;
• second scale ( depression scale) indicates a hypothymic personality type;
• third scale ( hysteria scale) designed to identify individuals prone to neurotic reactions of conversion ( hysterical) type;
• fourth scale ( psychopathy scale) - diagnoses sociopathic personality type;
• fifth scale– is not used to diagnose personality type, but is used to determine male or female personality traits ( imposed by society);
• sixth scale ( paranoid scale) characterizes touchiness and diagnoses the paranoid type;
• seventh scale ( anxiety and psychasthenia) intended for diagnosing anxious and suspicious personality types;
• eighth scale ( schizophrenia and autism scale) determines the degree of emotional alienation, indicates the schizoid type and the autism spectrum;
• ninth scale ( hypomania scale) indicates a hyperthymic personality type.

In addition to the MMPI test, the Cattell questionnaire and the Schmishek test are used in the diagnosis of accentuations and psychopathy. The first questionnaire is a widely used method for assessing individual personality characteristics and is intended to describe individual-personal relationships. The Shmishek test is aimed at diagnosing accentuation according to Leonhard.

Schmishek test for diagnosing the type of accentuation according to Leonhard

There are two variants of this technique - adult and children.
They consist of the same number of questions and, accordingly, have the same types of accentuations. The difference lies in the wording of the questions, that is, the children's version contains questions adapted for children, the adult version - for adults. The theoretical basis of both options is the theory of accentuated personalities, according to which all personality traits are divided into basic and additional. Basic traits are the core of personality; they determine a person’s character.

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

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

Rice. 95. Character Structure

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

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

Types of character accentuations

The main types of character accentuation include:

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

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

Accentuation of character according to A. Lichko

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The main ones are the following:

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

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

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

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

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

They can be defined as harmonious and disharmonious.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hyperthymic type

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

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

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

Dysthymic type

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

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

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

Cycloid type

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

Excitable type

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

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

Stuck type

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

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

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

Pedantic type

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

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

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

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

Anxious type

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

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

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

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

Emotive type

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

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

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

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

Demonstrative type

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

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

Exalted type

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

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

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

Introverted type

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conformal type

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

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

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

Accentuations (from the Latin accentus - emphasis, underlining) are extreme variants of the norm, in which individual character traits are exaggerated and manifest themselves in the form of “weak points” in the individual’s psyche - its selective vulnerability to certain influences with good and even increased stability to other influences.

The types of accentuated personalities have not yet been definitively determined. They are described by K. Leongard and A. E. Lichko. However, these authors give an overly detailed classification of accentuations.

Fig.1.

We distinguish only four types of accentuated personalities: excitable, affective, unstable, anxious.

Unlike psychopathy, character accentuations do not cause general social maladaptation of the individual.

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

Types of character accentuations

The main types of character accentuation include:

· excitable;

· affective;

· unstable;

· anxious;

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

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

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

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

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

The main ones are the following:

§ a person’s character is formed quite early in ontogenesis and throughout the rest of his life manifests itself as more or less stable;

§ those combinations of personality traits that make up a person’s character are not random. They form clearly distinguishable types that make it possible to identify and build a typology of characters.

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

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

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

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

They can be defined as harmonious and disharmonious.

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

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

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

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

Then the accentuations can be smoothed out or, on the contrary, intensified, developing into neuroses or psychopathy.

Figure 2. Scheme of character accentuation according to E. Filatova and A.E. Testicle

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

Hyperthymic type

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

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

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

Dysthymic type

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

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

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

Cycloid type

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

Excitable type

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

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

Stuck type

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

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

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

Pedantic type

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

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

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

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

Anxious type

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

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

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

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

Emotive type

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

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

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

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

Demonstrative type

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

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

Exalted type

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

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

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

Introverted type

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conformal type

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

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

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

Conclusion on the fourth chapter

Individual accentuated character traits are usually sufficient compensation. However, in difficult situations, a person with an accentuated character may experience behavioral disturbances. Accentuations of character, its “weak points” can be obvious and hidden, manifesting themselves in extreme situations. Persons with personal accentuations are more susceptible to environmental influences and are more susceptible to mental trauma. And if an unfavorable situation strikes a “weak spot,” then the entire behavior of such individuals changes sharply—the features of accentuation begin to dominate.

character personality age psychological

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

When they talk about character, they usually mean just such a set of properties and qualities of a person that leave a certain stamp on all its manifestations and actions. Character traits constitute those essential properties of a person that determine a particular way of behavior or way of life. The statics of character are determined by the type of nervous activity, and its dynamics are determined by the environment.

Character is also understood as:

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

a measure of balance between the internal and external worlds, the characteristics of an individual’s adaptation to the reality around him;

a clear definition 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 a disharmony in the development of character, which manifests itself in the excessive expression of its individual traits or connections, causing increased vulnerability of the individual to certain types of influences and complicating its adaptation in 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. Character can be considered pathological, that is, regarded as psychopathy, if it is relatively stable over time (changes little throughout life).

2. Totality of character manifestation. With psychopathy, the same character traits are found in all spheres of a person’s life: in work, at home, in communication with friends and relatives, etc.

3. Social maladjustment. A person constantly faces 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 be none 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 character accentuation appears only at certain stages of personality development. Most often it forms in adolescence, and smoothes out as people grow older.

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

Social maladjustment during accentuation either does not occur at all, or may be temporary and short-lived. Difficulties in personality adaptation 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 severity, obvious and hidden (latent) accentuations are distinguished. Explicit accentuations appear relatively constantly; with hidden accentuations, sharpened character traits are not detected until the person finds himself in extreme conditions. Under these conditions, hidden accentuations become explicit. In extremely unfavorable conditions for the individual, accentuation of character can lead to pathological changes in personality - psychopathy.

Based on this theory of character accentuation, different classifications have been created. The most famous classifications are those 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 make an impression, attract attention, and be in the center of events. This manifests itself 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 a figment of his imagination or a significantly embellished account of events.

Pedantic type. External manifestations of this type are increased accuracy, desire for order, indecisiveness and caution. Before doing anything, such a person thinks long and carefully about everything. Behind external pedantry is a reluctance to make quick changes and an inability to make them, and a lack of desire to accept responsibility. These people love their usual work and are conscientious in everyday life.

Stuck type. The stuck personality type is characterized by high stability of affect, duration of emotional response, and experiences. An insult to personal interests and dignity, as a rule, is not forgotten for a long time and is never forgiven just like that. In this regard, others often characterize representatives of this type as touchy, vindictive and vindictive people. The duration of the experience is often combined with fantasizing and hatching a plan for revenge on the offender.

Excitable type. A feature of an excitable personality is pronounced impulsiveness of behavior. The manner of communication and behavior largely depends not on a rational understanding of one’s actions, but on an impulse, drive, instinct or uncontrollable urge. In the area 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 presence in an elevated mood, even in the absence of any external reasons for this. High mood is combined with high activity and thirst for activity. Hypertims are characterized by such qualities as sociability, increased talkativeness, and an optimistic outlook on life. Difficulties are often overcome without much difficulty.

Dysthymic type. Dysthymic personality is the opposite of hyperthymic. Dysthymics tend to focus on the dark, sad aspects of life. This is manifested in everything: in behavior, in communication, and in the peculiarities of perception of life, events and other people (social-perceptual characteristics). Usually these people are serious by nature, they are not active.

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

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

Anxious type. The main feature of this type is increased anxiety about possible failures, concern for one’s own fate and the fate of loved ones, while, as a rule, there are no objective reasons for such concern or they are insignificant. They are distinguished by timidity, sometimes submissiveness. Constant wariness of circumstances is combined with self-doubt.

Emotive type. The main feature of an emotive personality is high sensitivity. Characterized by such qualities as kindness, kindness, sincerity, emotional responsiveness, highly developed empathy, increased tearfulness (as they say, “wet eyes”).

Extroverted type. Such a person is easily influenced by his environment and is constantly looking for new experiences. The opinions of such people are not persistent, since new thoughts expressed by others are easily taken on faith and are not internally processed. A characteristic feature is impulsiveness of actions.

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

Character structure To determine the structure or structure of a person’s character means to identify the main components or properties in the character and to establish the specific features determined by them in their relationships and interactions. In the structure of an established character, we must distinguish two sides: content and form. The content includes features that express the orientation of the individual (sustainable needs, attitudes, interests, inclinations, ideals, goals), a system of relationships to the surrounding reality and represent individually unique ways of implementing these relationships. In the content of character, first one or another component can come to the fore, depending on the way of life, educational influences and the requirements of the surrounding reality. One or another orientation of the individual leaves an imprint on all human behavior, although it is determined by an integral system of relationships. Different forms of character express ways of manifesting relationships, entrenched emotional and volitional characteristics of behavior and temperament. People differ from each other in habits and behavior. Intellectual, volitional and emotional character traits relate to form. “In the personality system, four groups of character traits are distinguished, forming symptom complexes. Snmptomocomylexes are systems of interconnected mental properties. 1. Traits that characterize a person’s attitude towards other people, towards the team, towards society (sociability, sensitivity, responsiveness, respect for other people and the opposite traits - isolation, callousness, callousness, rudeness, contempt for people). 2. Traits that show a person’s attitude towards his day (hard work, a penchant for creativity, conscientiousness, responsibility, initiative, perseverance and the opposite traits - laziness, a tendency to routine work, dishonesty, irresponsibility, passivity). 3. Traits that show how a person relates to himself (self-esteem, pride, self-criticism, modesty and their opposites - conceit, arrogance, vanity, arrogance, resentment, shyness, selfishness, egocentrism). 4. Traits that characterize a person’s attitude towards things (neatness or sloppiness, careful or careless handling of things).” “Depending on one or another character structure, a person exhibits certain behavioral traits. The number of these traits is large. 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, persistence, firmness).” It is possible to more clearly define the basic synthetic properties of a positive nature. “Among them, the following stand out: - Moral education of character. It characterizes a person from the direction and form of behavior. - Completeness of character. It testifies to the versatility of a person’s aspirations and hobbies, the variety of activities, such people are distinguished by their inner wealth and activity. - Integrity of character. This is the unity of a person’s mental make-up, the consistency of his relationships to various aspects of reality, the absence of contradictions in aspirations and interests, the unity of word and deed. - Definition 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 orientation that constitutes the meaning of life and activity of the individual. You can tell in advance about such a person how he will behave in certain living conditions. - Strength of character. This is the energy with which a person pursues the goals he has set for himself, this is the ability to become passionately involved and develop great tension when encountering 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 defense of views and decisions made. - Balance of character. This is the most optimal ratio of restraint and activity for activity and communication with people, developed evenness of behavior.” These character traits are in a complex, sometimes contradictory relationship. All these properties are not a natural gift, but the result of life influences, education and self-education. But self-education is conditioned by appropriate motivation, which depends on mental processes and states. So, character is a set of individually unique properties of a person, determined by his relationships and manifested in modes of activity typical for a given person. 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.” Consequently, from a natural science point 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 reflecting the complexity of life’s impressions and is formed in the process of active interaction between the individual and the environment. Character finds its expression not only in actions and actions, but also in speech, facial expressions and pantomime, and also leaves its mark on the external appearance of the individual and is reflected in a typical pose. Character, reflecting life, in turn influences lifestyle. Character is of great importance not only for the individual himself, but also for society. Character is a holistic formation, a system of personal properties that are in certain relationships to each other. “In the structure of character, content and form are distinguished. The content of character reflects the social influences of influence, constitutes the life orientation of the individual, that is, his material and spiritual needs, interests, ideals and social attitudes. Different forms of character express ways of manifesting relationships, entrenched emotional and volitional characteristics of behavior and temperament. People differ from each other in their habits and behavior patterns." Character is influenced by needs, intelligence and abilities, will, emotions, orientation, and temperament. The set of distinctive, essential, typical traits forms a character type that reflects the typical living conditions of people. 2. Character Traits Character is an inextricable whole. But it is impossible to study and understand such a complex whole as character without identifying individual aspects or typical manifestations (character traits) in it. General character traits are manifested in the individual’s relationship to social responsibilities and duty, to people, and to himself. The attitude towards social responsibilities and duty is, first of all, manifested in the individual’s attitude towards social work. In this regard, such character traits as hard work, conscientiousness, perseverance, frugality, and their opposites - laziness, negligence, passivity, wastefulness are revealed. A person’s attitude towards work has a decisive influence on the formation of his other personal qualities. D.I. Pisarev wrote: “Character is tempered by work, and whoever has never earned his daily living by his own labor, for the most part remains forever a weak, lethargic and characterless person.” Attitude towards people is clearly reflected in such character traits as sociability, politeness, friendliness, etc. n. The antipodes of these traits are isolation, tactlessness, and hostility. As V. Hugo argued, “every person has three characters: the one that is attributed to him; the one that he ascribes to himself; and, finally, the one that actually exists.” In order to find out the essence of his character, it is useful for a person to know the opinion of the team in which he works and spends a significant part of his life. And first of all, how orderly his relationships 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-esteem is one of the conditions for personal improvement, helping to develop such character traits as modesty, integrity, and self-discipline. Negative character traits are increased conceit, arrogance and boasting. A person possessing these traits is usually difficult to get along with in a team and unwittingly creates pre-conflict and conflict situations in it. The other extreme in a person’s character is also undesirable: underestimation of one’s 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-esteem, based on the awareness of the real significance of one’s personality, on the presence of certain successes in work for the common benefit. Integrity is one of the valuable personal qualities that gives character an active orientation. Strong-willed character traits. Will is understood as a complex mental process that causes human activity and awakens him to act purposefully. Will is a person’s ability to overcome obstacles and achieve a goal. Specifically, it appears in such character traits as determination, determination, perseverance, and courage. These character traits can contribute to the achievement of both socially useful and antisocial goals. To do this, it is important to determine what the motive for 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 advance in one’s career, and a brave act, the motive of which is to help a common cause, have, of course, completely different psychological qualities.” Based on their volitional activity, characters are divided into strong and weak. People of 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-willed. They tend to passively demonstrate their business and personal qualities. Often such people, having the best intentions, do not achieve significant results in work or study. Many of them sincerely worry about their inability to act independently, persistently and decisively. Volitional qualities can be cultivated in a person. I.P. Pavlov emphasized that man 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. Thus, 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 qualities such as self-control, activity, and courage.

PSYCHOPATHY If accentuation of character is an extreme variant of the norm, then psychopathy is a pathology of character. According to P.B. Gannushkin, “psychopathy is an anomaly of character that determines the entire mental appearance of an individual, leaving its imperious imprint on his entire mental makeup, does not undergo any drastic changes during life and prevents him from adapting to the environment.” . To more comprehensively define psychopathy, several definitions of the concept can be considered. As Ball puts it, “Psychopathic personalities are permanent inhabitants of the region bordering between mental health and mental illness, like unfortunate biological variations, like those who have gone too far away from a certain average level or normal type.” Schneider: “Psychopathic individuals are such abnormal individuals, from whose abnormality either they themselves or society suffer.” Kraepelin speaks of psychopathic personalities as infantile (partial, uneven infantilism; more often manifested in the area of ​​will and feelings): “The impression of something underdeveloped, childish, for example, increased suggestibility, a tendency to exaggerate, excessive imagination 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) maladjustment. The absence of at least one criterion excludes psychopathy. Classifications of psychopathy There are several classifications of psychopathy according to various criteria. Psychopathy can be classified according to severity: severe, severe, moderate. Psychopathy can be divided according to the reason for its occurrence: 1. Constitutional (or true, genetic, “nuclear”). In the occurrence of constitutional psychopathy, the decisive factor is heredity. These often include the following types of psychopathy: cycloid, schizoid, psychasthenic, epileptoid. 2. Acquired (psychopathic or pathocharacterological development). In psychopathic development, the main thing is improper upbringing and the negative influence of the environment. In this case, excitable, hysterical, unstable psychopathy is revealed. 3. Organic. The latter develop as a result of the action on the brain of prenatal, natal and early postnatal (first 2-3 years) pathological factors (intoxication, infections, traumatic brain injuries, etc.). After organic brain damage, excitable and unstable psychopathy is more often observed. Different authors offer different typologies of psychopathy and character accentuations. For example, this is the classification proposed by A. E. Lichko: hyperthymic, cycloid, labile, astheno-neurotic, sensitive, psychasthenic, schizoid, epileptoid, hysteroid, unstable, conformal. In addition to individual types of psychopathy, Lichko also identifies mixed ones, for example: hyperthymic-unstable , sensitive-psychasthenic, etc. E. G. Eidemiller offers his classification, close to Lichko’s typology, in the method he developed 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, affectively labile, affectively exalted, anxious), as well as combinations of accentuated character traits and temperament (extroverted and introverted personalities) was proposed by K .Leonhard. An interesting description of different character types is offered by D. Dril. He examines the antisocial behavior of “nervous hysterics, alcoholics, epileptics,” and also analyzes certain diseases, criminal cases, the reasons for committing 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 and heredity. He uses simple names for different types of character, such as: capricious child, fearful, arrogant (abnormalities in the field of feelings and sensations), flighty child, curious and secretive (abnormalities in the field of feelings and impressions), restless, greedy, prone to destruction (abnormalities in the area of ​​will and action). Offers methods of correction and 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, conditions of upbringing, and the presence of organic disorders. To diagnose character accentuations and psychopathy, the following methods are used: PDO (pathocharacterological diagnostic questionnaire), Eidemiller identification method, Leonhard-Schmishek method, MMPI. 39. Professional selection. Methods of professional selection.

Professional selection is a procedure for probabilistic assessment ((Professional Suitability of professional suitability)) of a person, studying the possibility of mastering a certain specialty, achieving the required level of skill and effectively performing professional duties. There are 4 components in professional selection: medical, physiological, pedagogical and psychological. In its essence and criteria, vocational selection is a socio-economic event, and in terms of methods it is medical-biological 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. 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 psychological professional selection system includes a set of special diagnostic techniques, technical means and standardized procedures. Techniques of generalization, interpretation of the received diagnostic information and making forecasts for the success of activities are also used.

The condition that determines the practical feasibility of psychological vocational selection is the proof of its socio-economic justification, the presence of a well-founded and tested selection system, and experienced diagnostic specialists.

Vocational selection consists of scientifically based admission of a person to a certain job if he has the necessary inclinations and sufficient physical and educational preparation. Vocational selection is usually preceded by professional selection. Vocational 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.

BASIC 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 (series of interviews) - a description of the applicant’s life path and his characteristics from a psychological point of view is formed - strengths and weaknesses, personality traits, the ability to perform the functions of an “ideal” candidate, the ability to immediately begin to effectively perform his duties - without “swinging”.

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 clarified.

ADDITIONAL METHODS FOR PROFESSIONAL SELECTION OF CANDIDATES

1) Ability testing (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 - predicts possible behavior in certain production situations, assesses the compliance of personal requirements for the candidate for the position in question.

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

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

5) Assessment Center - involves the candidate’s participation 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 - polygraph (lie detector) test, security check, medical examination (health and stamina, attitude to alcohol and drugs, checking for absence of a criminal past are revealed).

It is possible to apply several verification methods simultaneously.

1.1 Description of professional selection methods

As a rule, professional personnel selection covers two areas: assessment of professional knowledge and personal qualities of a candidate or employee. An organization needs an employee as -

The worker is a specialist, a professional,

An employee is a performer of a specific job.

An employee is a person.

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

The easiest way to assess professional knowledge is to ask a specialist - an expert - to do it. For example, ask an auditor to draw up an opinion on the professional qualities of a 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 perform pre-thought-out tasks: for example, in order to determine the degree of computer proficiency, ask the future secretary to find the necessary file and prepare some kind of letter.

A lot of useful information about the candidate’s level 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 must have depends on his field of activity and position.

Analysis of resumes and personal data allows us 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, and readiness to accept additional workloads. This further narrows the pool of applicants for the position. (Appendix No. 2, 3).

1.3 Professional selection based on personal business qualities. Determination of psychological professional suitability

During professional selection, not only the professional experience of potential candidates is assessed, but it is also necessary to study the professional suitability of the candidate - the degree to which his psychological characteristics meet the requirements of a particular position (workplace). This should usually be done by a psychologist. What is psychological vocational fitness?

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

His individual psychological qualities ensure success in this particular activity (i.e., they allow him to perform work with the required quality and in the required time frame);

At the same time, the person himself, at a minimum, does not suffer any losses (the state of health does not deteriorate, neurotic traits are not activated, personality is not deformed, etc.).

Often, employees themselves, and even the management of the organization, do not attach much importance to psychological fitness. However, practice shows that if an employee is psychologically unfit, 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 achieved through too much effort, and, consequently, job advancement is hampered, the desired social and material status is not achieved, well-being deteriorates (both from physical overexertion and overload of certain functions, and from a constant feeling of dissatisfaction with work), character and relationships with others deteriorate.

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

What is a obviously unsuitable candidate?

Here we can distinguish two groups: qualities that are a contraindication for almost any activity (with rare exceptions), and features that are specified by management. The first include:

mental illness;

neurotic personality with all the signs of its actualization;

personality deformation.

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

The second group of people whose presence in the organization is undesirable are people 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 performance, inattention, irritability, overly violent reactions to people and circumstances, and frequent illnesses. It is important for a psychologist to figure out whether such a state is temporary, situational (in which we accidentally caught a person at the time of diagnosis) or persistent - inherent in a given person and ready to become active 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 undoubtedly add to its problems, are persons with personality deformations. A characteristic feature of such a person is disharmonious personal organization, which leads to an inadequate perception of himself and people. The consequence may be embitterment, uncritical assessment of one’s own actions, a striking discrepancy between self-image and true personal appearance, unreasonable fear of intrigues (deception, “spoofing”, slander, etc.) on the part of others and other similar traits that negatively affect reality and people working nearby.

In addition, in order to weed out obviously unsuitable candidates, the management of the organization may establish additional requirements, for example, it stipulates that persons with communication problems or poorly developed speech skills, poor development of analytical abilities, etc. are considered unsuitable in advance.

The need to determine the professional suitability of personnel is explained by two main reasons. Firstly, any organization to 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 and the solution of common problems . It is very important that the new employee, based on his personal qualities, can successfully “fit” into the team, is compatible with other employees, and increases, rather than decreases, the potential of the team. Even experienced managers cannot always resolve this issue. A manager may have a good understanding of the business qualities of a new employee, but intuition sometimes fails. After some time, it turns out that a pleasant, sociable employee at first glance begins to change the positive psychological mood of other employees, “infecting” 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 productivity at work and worsening interpersonal relationships. Such mistakes can be very costly. Secondly, a psychological assessment of an employee makes it possible to more accurately determine his resources, his internal potential, and, therefore, find out in which workplace the employee will be more useful, whether rapid professional growth can be expected from him, what abilities should be developed, what personal characteristics it can strengthen or weaken collective work.

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

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

* personal data;

* expert opinion.

Systematic analysis of this information gives a fairly accurate picture of the candidate’s personality due to the psychological subtext of most questions. (Appendix No. 4) For example, points 1-9 of the questionnaire represent a survey taking into account systematized psychoanalytic categories that provide the company psychologist with important additional information. In some cases, further testing, which requires the company to spend time and money, becomes unnecessary.

From the answer to question No. 1, you can get additional information about the media and social environment of the candidate. Questions No. 2 and No. 4 concern the candidate’s professional motivation. It is logical if the events of the candidate’s life are relevant to the position being sought. However, the exaggeration of the role of these events is alarming. Question No. 3 determines the candidate's leadership qualities. A positive answer to this question is important for candidates for leadership positions. From the answers to question No. 5, the psychologist receives information that is of additional interest to the company. It is desirable that the company can use the candidate’s hobbies for its own purposes. Too many hobbies can negatively impact a candidate's evaluation, 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, assesses the role of external and internal factors in a person’s life. Externally controlled people are ideal performers, completing work 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 these are introverts. In contrast to this type, a person controlled from within is directed towards the outside world (extrovert according to Eysenck). An extrovert's hobbies are active (sports, tourism), while an introvert prefers quieter activities (collecting, drawing, sewing). An extrovert is open to the world around him. He is more capable of independent action and leadership work than an introvert. The deep meaning of questions No. 7 and No. 8 is to determine 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 cause them. The severity of the misfortunes occurring to the candidate is alarming, as is their complete absence. Questions No. 10 and No. 11 assess the candidate's criticality and self-esteem.

The use of such a “probing questionnaire” requires the recruitment specialist to have psychological knowledge, intuition and the ability to read between the lines.

Increasingly, especially when assessing highly qualified employees, it is necessary to use new, non-standard approaches when assessing personnel. For example, special socio-genetic interviewing of the subject. This method was first used by the famous American scientist, doctor of psychology and physics C.K. Toych and the basics of studying a person’s heredity based on 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 - the “Politest” and “Photon-2m” devices. These devices allow us to accurately determine some properties of our nervous system. For example, by the speed of reaction to a moving object, the stability of our hands or the moisture of our fingers. Thirdly, you can use various computer programs that have additional degrees of protection to ensure the reliability of the results obtained.

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

The specific approach to studying 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, recruitment is underway for positions with a high turnover of personnel, the danger of “overlooking” a good applicant does not bother the management, you can limit yourself to only a “pilot” study to filter out people with undesirable qualities. For this purpose, “selection for limiting qualities” is used. For a specific activity, one or two undesirable qualities are identified, and the psychologist directs all his attention to searching for these qualities in applicants.

Important positive aspects of this approach are the significant saving of time and effort of the psychologist and the ability to obtain results relatively quickly. A psychologist can enhance this “saving effect” by using group diagnostics, when the necessary tests (for the previous example, these are tests of stability and switching attention under conditions of interference) are presented simultaneously (in parallel) to a whole group of candidates. This approach is often used when there are a large number of candidates in order to conduct a more painstaking and detailed study with those remaining after screening. The decision on these candidates is usually made by the head of the personnel department.

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

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, when selecting middle and senior managers. This work is carried out only individually, and its results are communicated to the head of the organization. Additional time should be allowed for writing a conclusion, which is always better than verbal transmission of information, since you can always return to it.

Often, the head of the personnel department expects from the psychologist an objective assessment of the moral potential and a forecast of possible actions of the employee that could cause significant damage to the organization (such as a tendency to theft, abuse of official position, etc.). Unfortunately, psychological knowledge is powerless here. Using psychological methods, it is possible to determine such qualities as the insufficient social, emotional or ideological maturity of the applicant. A psychologist can identify traits of an unstable personality type in an applicant, i.e., weakness of will and irresponsibility, a tendency to follow one’s desires, and an excessive craving for pleasure. However, an employee with signs of these qualities will not necessarily be a thief or a spy for a competing company, although mistakes in work and stupid actions can be expected from him.

Some organizations use a “lie detector” (polygraph) - a device whose sensors record 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 action 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 most effective is the good old method - qualified and conscientious work of the security service.