Types of accentuation: features

The study of individual differences, in particular accentuations of character, refers to a separate discipline - the sphere of differential psychology. This branch is devoted to the works of many scientists - Western and domestic.

Substantiation of research of features of character

Why is it necessary to study types of accentuation of personality? Analysis of the differences between individuals has two objectives. First, it is a research goal - to allocate as many groups as possible, to develop specific advice for representatives of each of them. The more classes will be allocated, the more effective will be the psychological recommendations for their representatives.

Secondly, to know the types of character accentuation is necessary in order for a person to understand the features and causes of his behavior, could, in accordance with this, adjust it.

Often in this respect there is very little worldly psychology. For example, there is a common opinion about the kindness of fat people. Conversely, a lean person is sometimes perceived as anxious, alert. Of course, such a breakdown into categories can be partly true. Such an error in the classification did not escape, although already in the medical sphere, even Hippocrates: once the ancient doctor directly linked the location to the apoplectic blow with completeness.

The Soviet psychologist AE Lichko, like the German psychiatrist C. Leonhard, used the term "accentuation" in his studies. As applied to a particular property, this term means that it is highlighted more vividly than others, as if stressed. In other words, accentuation is the expression of a certain character trait. For a person with this or that quality, certain social situations will be very painful, while others will be easily transferred. In this article, we will consider the types of accentuation for Lichko and for Leongard.

The psychology of differences is not a strict discipline. Types of accentuation are always descriptive, and in pure form practically do not occur. Everyone can find themselves in two or more types.

It should also be noted that assigning oneself to a certain category should not be aimless. Entering into psychological tests, you need to ask yourself the question: "Why am I doing this?" If a person understands that he belongs to a particular group, he needs to work out for himself a corresponding strategy of compensation, self-help. To do this, you need to study those tips that are given by psychologists for representatives of different classes, and apply them to life.

Classification by AE Licko

The Soviet psychologist investigated the types of accentuation of adolescents. In all, he singled out eleven groups. The features of types of character accentuation in his theory have much in common with the classification of Karl Leonhard. Consider them in order.

Hypertensive type

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

Superficiality of interests is a negative trait, which has a hypertensive type of accentuation. Its representatives may have many abilities, but their interests are unstable.

Cycloid type

The main characteristic of this category is the volatility of mood. The elevated state is replaced by despondency, irritability. And this happens with a periodicity of two to three weeks.

Labile type

The emotional tone of these adolescents, noticed Lichko, can not be defined as stably low or high. Their mood is unstable, his shift can happen very quickly. Within this category, there are two subtypes: reactive labile and emotionally labile. The former are inclined to change their mood due to external factors. The state of others is more conditioned by inner experiences.

Representatives of labile type sometimes seem indifferent to others. But this is far from the case - the real problem for some of them can be the ability to correctly express their feelings. Having deep affection for close people, they do not know how to report them.

Astheno-neurotic type

Those who belong to this category are the main visitors of medical institutions. Their main difference is the concentration of attention on the state of their body. Hardly having felt an indisposition, they can suspect at themselves a fatal illness - such scales attains their suspiciousness.

Sensitive type

The main characteristic of adolescents in this category, noticed Lichko, is hypersensitivity, which is reflected in their behavior. Sensitive type people also differ in painful irritability. Their weakness is big companies. In them they always feel uncomfortable, try to closely observe what is happening, and sometimes copy the behavior of others. Representatives of the sensitive type can attract the attention of the entire company, for example, to take some kind of trick. But they manage to do it poorly, and they again return to the previous state only with more aggravated timidity.

The advantage of representatives of the sensible type is diligence, responsibility, the ability to establish and maintain deep friendly ties.

Psychosthenic type

Differs indecisiveness. Any household situation can become a source of excruciating uncertainty for the psychasthenic. They are distinguished by a high intellect and confidence in their conclusions. But the latter is rarely confirmed by deeds. Psychasthenics are prone to gustatory actions just in those moments when it is worthwhile weighing the pros and cons.

Schizoid type

Despite the fact that they are very vulnerable internally, the schizoid practically lacks the ability to empathy - they are not sensitive to someone else's pain. The schizoid type of accentuation has a positive side - good inventors come out of them. Most of those people who moved forward the progress of humanity, were schizoids. Their main feature, which immediately catches your eye, is eccentricity. "Not from this world" - this can be safely said about schizoids.

Epileptoid type

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

Hysteroid type

For this category, all life is one huge scene. Some people may at first be uncomfortable to be in a society with an hysteroid. After all, their main quality is the constant desire to be in the center of attention. But for certain professions belonging to this class (its analogue in Leonhard is a demonstrative type of accentuation) is an advantage. For example, excellent sellers, actors, singers come out of hysterias.

Unstable type

Representatives of this category in Licko were the most irresponsible teenagers. They were those who did not have any stable interests, practically did not think about their future. Unstable people can not concentrate on work for a long time, they are characterized by a constant craving for idleness and entertainment.

Conformal type

A distinctive feature of conformists is the desire not to differ from the environment. Their credo is "to be like everyone else." A negative feature of this category is the tendency to betrayal in a difficult situation. A conformal person will not suffer from remorse - his actions he will always find an excuse.

Types of character accentuation by Leonhard

Carl Leonhardt identified twelve personality types. In many respects his classification intersects with the Licko theory, and some types in them are identical. Leonhard created three categories: the first was associated with the accentuation of character, the second - the accentuation of temperament. The criterion for distinguishing the third group is personal characteristics (an orientation toward oneself or to the outside world).

To begin with, it is necessary to clarify the difference between temperament and character. People who are not familiar with psychology often confuse these concepts. But even some psychologists tend to believe that temperament and character are one and the same.

Temperament is the speed of a person's reaction to events. This quality is, rather, a physiological property of the nervous system. Temperament refers to emotionality, the degree of reaction, balance. The character is a public education. Since birth, the surrounding people leave their mark on the child. Such social interactions "mold" its individuality.

So, Carl Leongard classified according to the character, temperament and personality characteristics, and the criteria for distinguishing categories were the styles of human social interaction.

Accentuations related to temperament

• Hypertensive type. The main characteristics are mobility, sociability. In childhood, hypertensives have good memory, are easily trained. In the adolescent period, conflicts are possible, as the group does not always allow hypertension to take the lead. As adults, members of this category remain sociable and energetic. With them, it is easy to find a common language, if not to engage in opposition.
• Dysthymic type. Gloominess, phlegmatic, inhibitory reactions are the main features of dysthymic. They are silent and seem to be incorrigible pessimists. The positive side of the dysthymic type is responsibility, a developed sense of justice.
• Labile type. He, as well as in Lichko's classification, is distinguished by his ability to quickly change his mood. Even a rudely spoken word can affect a representative of a labile type. A good mood can deteriorate even because it has started to rain.
• Exalted type. Representatives of this type are not conflicting, like society, attentive to others. Exalted type of accentuation is distinguished by amorousness, propensity to exalted feelings, sociability. These people are very quickly influenced by the events of the outside world - from positive they are easily delighted, from negative - panic. Many designers, musicians and artists have an exalted type of accentuation.

• An alarming type. The main feature is a feeling of anxiety for no apparent reason. Alarming children are quickly recognized by peers, and because of their indecision they can become an object of ridicule. Becoming adults, they remain no less hypochondriacal than they were children. It's hard for such people to insist on their own. However, the disturbing type of accentuation has its pluses - its representatives have a rich inner world, and also are always able to adequately assess their capabilities. Among other types, they perceive reality most clearly.
• Emotional type. It is believed that representatives of this category "think" of feelings. Their main characteristics are kindness, responsibility, ability to empathy, low conflict. People of an emotive type can feel relaxed only in the company of close people. They are kindhearted, compassionate, and also appreciate the beauty of nature more than others. In communicating with them, their feelings are always recognized. The main value for them is good relations in the family and in the workplace. Representatives of the emotive type are very vulnerable to callousness and rude behavior.

Accentuation according to the nature of the character

• The jamming type. A person belonging to this category can for years carry with himself or herself feelings. If these are negative emotions that were not correctly expressed, then they torture the person who is stuck for a long period of time. Striving for the goal is the main characteristic of this accentuation. The stuck type will get it by all means. Often for this he seeks to pick up good fellow travelers. Out of the stalemates are good leaders in any activity. However, if their fate is not so rosy, they can become the ringleaders of bandit groups. In addition, like the demonstrative, jamming type of accentuation Needs recognition from the side of society. However, this should be a really deserved respect, fame, which is justified.

• Pedantic type. Like the epileptoid in Lichko's classification, the main features of the representatives of this group are scrupulousness and attention to detail. Pedantic ones are highly appreciated in the office environment for their responsibility and efficiency. Also this accentuation is manifested in the care of one's own health, the absence of bad habits. The reverse side of the medal for such people is the constant fear of making a mistake, perfectionism.

• Excitable type. Impulsiveness, irritability, the desire to satisfy the rushing impulses immediately - that's what characterizes the excitable type of accentuation. People belonging to this group are usually endowed with a high level of conflict, which often prevents them from building a full-fledged relationship. The advantage is that they live entirely in the present.
• Demonstrative type. It is easy to determine, starting from the age of two. Such children, once having been in the spotlight, then try to win it by all means. If this tendency is supported by parents, then they almost always have an overestimated, self-esteem that is not really backed up. Schoolchildren of this type can set as an example to others. Therefore, it is not always easy to recognize that their abilities in a certain sphere hardly surpass the averages. On the other hand, a demonstrative type of accentuation is distinguished by artistry, good taste in clothes.

Types of accentuations in accordance with the personality

• Introverted type. Characterized by focusing on their experiences, avoiding social contacts. Reality for them is secondary to the inner world. Introverts are responsible, unobtrusive, like solitude.
• Extraverted type. Its representatives are self-confident people, lovers are among people and receive energy from communication. They are not inclined to dwell on aspects of inner life, always act in accordance with what makes them reality.

Currently, the theory of Licko has a greater application among psychologists, since the scientist conducted his research on healthy people (adolescents). The classification of Leonhard is often used by psychiatrists. Despite the names presented in both classifications, these groups have nothing to do with mental disorders. The schizoid type of accentuation, for example, in no case means the presence of schizophrenia - all terms are conditional. Different types of accentuation mean the severity of the symptom within the norm.