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Background: Behavioral testing is widely used to measure individual differences in behavior and cognition among dogs and predict underlying psychological traits. However, the diverse applications, methodological variability, and lack of standardization in canine behavioral testing has posed challenges for researchers and practitioners seeking to use these tests. To address these complexities, this review sought to synthesize and describe behavioral testing methods by creating a framework that uses a “dog-centric” perspective to categorize the test stimuli used to elicit responses from dogs. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to identify scientific literature that has reported behavioral testing to assess psychological traits in dogs. Five online databases were systematically searched. Following this, an inductive content analysis was conducted to evaluate and summarize the behavioral testing methods in the literature. Results: A total of 392 publications met the selection criteria and were included in the analysis, collectively reporting 2,362 behavioral tests. These tests were individually evaluated and categorized. Our content analysis distinguished 29 subcategories of behavioral testing stimuli that have been used, grouped into three major categories: human-oriented stimuli; environmental stimuli; and motivator-oriented stimuli. Conclusion: Despite the methodological heterogeneity observed across behavioral testing methods, our study identified commonalities in many of the stimuli used in test protocols. The resulting framework provides a practical overview of published behavioral tests and their applications, which may assist researchers in selecting and designing appropriate tests for their purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although temperament has been studied in a wide range of animal species such as primates, dog or a rodents, it has not yet been well documented in birds and in particular in psittacids. Since parrots possess developed communicative and cognitive skills, the study of personality traits is of particular interest. The aim of our study was to develop a reliable and valid temperament test by measuring quantitative behavioural parameters in two genera of medium-sized parrots: the African Grey Parrot ( Psittacus erithacus, n   =   15 ) and the Amazon parrot ( Amazona spp., n   =   16 ). We selected a set of 26 behavioural parameters based on a high intra-observer reliability. A principal component analysis was used to establish two reliable and valid temperament traits: anxiety/vigilance and curiosity/neophilia. Our test meets 5 out of 6 reliability and validity criteria which could be assessed. The two identified traits might be related to those found in other animal species, i.e. neuroticism and extraversion. These traits allowed us to demonstrate differences in the temperament of two species from two different genera: Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots were significantly more anxious/vigilant and more curious/neophilic than African Grey Parrots. We found that parrots were more curious/neophilic when the test was repeated after six weeks, suggesting that a brief exposure to the experimental conditions resulted in a process of habituation. However, a further test eighteen months after the initial test revealed a high consistency in the two temperament traits. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an objective observational temperament test applied on two parrot species in order to compare their temperament. We believe that comparison of different avian species’ temperament using similar testing procedures opens an interesting avenue of research which could be used to link temperament, phylogenetic and ecological data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although previous research has explored the existence of temperament clusters in children, these studies have used single samples, reducing generalizability, and broad temperament constructs to identify clusters, obscuring fine-grained dimensional differences. To address these limitations, the current study identified a common cluster structure across two diverse samples of preschool children using the same fine-grained temperament measure ( n s = 96, 187), then verified the cluster structure on a large, nationally-representative sample ( n = 757). A consistent six-cluster solution was identified across the three samples: Unregulated, Regulated, High Reactive, Bold, Average, and Well-Adjusted. Demonstration of a replicable typology advances the understanding of temperament in childhood, and provides a parsimonious way to communicate complex information about a child’s temperament to parents and caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using both variable- and person-centered approaches, this study examined the role of temperament in relation to children’s vulnerable or resilient responses to cumulative risk. Observed reactivity and regulation dimensions of temperament were tested as mediating and moderating the relation between family cumulative risk and teacher-reported adjustment problems in a sample of 259 preschool-age children. Further, latent profile analyses were used to examine whether profiles of temperament, accounting for multiple characteristics simultaneously, provided additional information about the role of temperament in children’s responses to risk. Results support a diathesis-stress model in which high frustration, low fear, and low delay ability confer particular vulnerability for children in high-risk contexts. Benefits of multiple approaches are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the current study was to examine relations from temperamental approach reactivity (i.e., impulsivity, frustration, and positive affect) and effortful control (EC; 42 and 54 months) to teachers’ reports of academic achievement and popularity (72 and 84 months). Frustration was positively related to achievement and negatively related to popularity for girls, but unrelated to boys’ outcomes. Interactions suggested that, among children with high EC or emotional approach (frustration or positive emotion), impulsivity positively predicted achievement. Few gender differences in interactions were noted. These results provide insight into the dynamics relations from temperament/personality to children’s academic and social adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relational aggression is linked to numerous adverse consequences. However, we know little about how temperament leads individuals to become perpetrators/victims of relational aggression, or how being a perpetrator/victim influences the development of temperament. We used longitudinal data from 674 Mexican-origin youth to examine relations between relational aggression and mother- and child-reported temperament from 5th grade ( M age = 10.8; SD = 0.60) through 11th grade ( M age = 16.8; SD = 0.50). Results show that: (a) high Negative Emotionality and low Effortful Control predicted increases in victimization; (b) low Effortful Control predicted increases in perpetration; (c) victims increased in Negative Emotionality and decreased in Effortful Control; and (d) perpetrators increased in Negative Emotionality and Surgency. Thus, temperament serves as both an antecedent to and a consequence of relational aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the temperament and quality of life (QoL) of patients with PCOS. Materials and methods: Fifty-three adult patients with PCOS and 38 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Demographic characteristics including age, education and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Affective temperaments were assessed by the temperament evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-autoquestionnaire version (TEMPS-A) scale. The general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument used in this study was short Form 36. Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) were also performed. Results: The patients with PCOS had significantly higher rates of depressive, anxious and hyperthymic scores compared to controls. The PCOS patients had significantly lower mean SF-36 health summary scores. Conclusions: TEMPS-A seems to be an easy and reliable test to evaluate temperament in PCOS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored how the Pavlovian temperamental traits strength of excitation (SE) and strength of inhibition (SI) were related to rejection and aggression. We predicted that rejection would increase aggression, but that higher SE and SI would mitigate this effect. Participants (n = 117) completed Strelau and Zawadzki's (1998) Pavlovian Temperament Survey. A week later they were told that a peer wanted (acceptance) or did not want (rejection) to work with them and they were given a chance to react aggressively by damaging that person's chance of getting a job. We found that only high SE was negatively related to rejected individuals' aggression. The results are related to the diathesis-stress and catalyst models' accounts of the role of temperament in shaping experience of social stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Increasing evidence suggests a link between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and suicidal behaviour (SB). Furthermore, decreased peripheral BDNF levels have been associated with clinical symptoms in various psychiatric disorders as well as with personality dimensions in healthy individuals. However, the relationship between BDNF and psychopathology is poorly investigated regarding SB. Methods: Plasma BDNF concentrations were analysed in 61 recent suicide attempters. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale. Personality dimensions were assessed using the Marke-Nyman Temperament Scale. Results: Plasma BDNF correlated positively and significantly with the personality dimension Solidity but not with the other personality dimensions or with clinical symptoms. Conclusion: BDNF plays an important role in the regulation of neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in humans. Our results indicate that lower BDNF concentrations are associated with higher levels of impulsiveness and changeability (low scores on the Solidity scale). Furthermore, low plasma BDNF levels may be proposed as a trait marker rather than a state marker for attempted suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Negative core beliefs were related to attachment anxiety and low self-directedness. • Attachment anxiety was related to low self-directedness. • Negative self-image may be the central construct of depression vulnerabilities. Abstract The present study examined the interrelations among negative core beliefs, attachment anxiety and low self-directedness, to test if the central constructs of depression vulnerabilities in cognitive, attachment and psychobiological personality theories are integrated into negative self-image. The subjects were 410 healthy Japanese medical students and staff. Negative core beliefs, attachment anxiety and self-directedness were evaluated by the Brief Core Schema Scales, Experiences in Close Relationships and Temperament and Character Inventory, respectively. There were strong interrelations among the three factors. The present study suggests that the central constructs of depression vulnerabilities in the three theories are integrated into negative self-image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of parents' positive and negative affect and behavior while interacting with their preschool child and the moderating role of child temperament in predicting children's subsequent difficulty with socially appropriate behavior around school-entry. Independent observational measures were used to assess child temperament (dysphoria; exuberance) and parenting at age 3, and multi-informant reports of child socially appropriate behavior were collected at age 6 ( N = 219). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that children's temperamental dysphoria moderated the relationship between positive parenting and later socially appropriate behavior. High- and low-dysphoric children trended in opposite directions; highly dysphoric children experienced greater difficulty with socially appropriate behavior as levels of positive parenting increased, whereas low-dysphoric children experienced less difficulty with socially appropriate behavior with higher levels of positive parenting. There was also an interaction between positive and negative parenting, whereby the combination of elevated positive and negative parenting predicted children's later difficulty with socially appropriate behavior. The findings suggest that positive parenting interacts with early child temperament and negative parenting to impact the development of children's socially appropriate behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare temperament-character features, impulsiveness and functionality levels of bipolar patients who attempted suicide and who did not. Methods: One hundred one patients admitted to Erenköy Mental Health Training and Research Hospital who were diagnosed with bipolar disorder according to DSM-IV-TR and 50 healthy age and gender-matched controls are included in this study. We applied Sociodemographical and Clinical Data Form and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Axis-I Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I), Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) to both patient and control groups; Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire (BDFQ) to only patient group. Results: There was not any statistically significant difference in sociodemographic features between the patient and control group (p>0.05). Mean age of the patient group was 35,69±12,10, mean age of the control group was 32,00±9,24. 38 individuals (%37,62) in the patient group were found to have one or more suicidal attempts. In the comparison between the patient group that attempted suicide and the patient group without suicidal attempt, statistically significant differences were found in cooperativeness (C), self-directedness (SD), self transcendence (ST), novelty seeking subgroup (NS2), harm avoidance subgroup (HA4), reward dependency subgroup (RD2) and total scores of BDFQ and BIS-11. Discussion: In our study, the statistically significant lower C and SD scores found in suicide attempters, which points out tendency to personality disorders, suggests that personality disorders might be associated with suicide attempts in bipolar disorder patients. In addition to this, higher impulsiveness and lower bipolar functionality scores that found in suicide attempters suggests that these suicide attempts might be more impulsive attempts and impair patients functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventionally, individual differences have been assessed using temperament measures for infants and children, and personality measures for adults. We chose to explore both temperament and personality to see whether a convergence exists specifically during adolescence. A sample of 225 adolescents completed Rothbart's Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire–Revised (EATQ–R), a 4-factor temperament scale, and the HEXACO Personality Inventory–Revised (HEXACO PI–R), a 6-factor personality scale. As hypothesized, we found significant relations between the 2 measures. However, there were some important differences between the 2 measures regarding Honesty–Humility, Openness, and Frustration that highlight the unique contributions of both instruments to understanding and measuring adolescent individual differences. As there is a relatively scant history of measuring temperament or personality in adolescence, it is sometimes difficult for researchers to decide which instrument is most appropriate. The results reported here suggest that either the EATQ–R or the HEXACO PI–R could be appropriate, depending on the specific research questions being asked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Effortful control (EC), the self-regulation component of temperament, is traditionally measured using questionnaires. Through the years, several neuropsychological measures originating from the cognitive psychology and the executive function (EF) literature have been introduced in the domain of temperament research to tap EC. Although this is not particularly surprising, given the conceptual overlap between EC and EF, it remains unclear whether EC questionnaires and neuropsychological EF tasks can really be used interchangeably when measuring EC. The current study addressed two important aspects in evaluating the interchangeability of both types of measures, that is: (a) do they measure the same construct? and (b) do they give the same results when comparing clinical populations?Method: Three EC questionnaires, two inhibitory control tasks, and two attentional control tasks were administered in 148 typically developing children, 30 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 31 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). All children were between 10 and 15 years of age and had a full scale IQ of 80 or higher.Results: Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the questionnaires and EF tasks do not capture the same underlying latent variable(s). Groups could not be differentiated from each other based on their performance on EF tasks, whereas significant group differences were found for all EC-reports.Conclusions: Overall, our findings show more differences than commonalities between the EC questionnaires and EF tasks and, consequently, suggest that both types of measures should not be used interchangeably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age- and gender-related and individual characteristics of hypoxic resistance in healthy subjects with different temperaments (choleric and sanguine persons) were studied, and different responses to acute normobaric hypoxia (inhalation of air with 10% O) were found. The age-related changes in the dynamics of blood oxygen saturation after the acute hypoxia were manifested at the level of certain sections on the SpO curve (phases of delay, decline, and rise). It is established that, in children, the sensitivity to acute hypoxia was higher than in teenagers and that in teenagers is was higher than in adults. A higher lability of mental processes, the predominance of sympathetic activity in the autonomic regulation, and a greater personal anxiety are associated with the choleric temperament. The choleric persons are characterized by a slower restoration of blood oxygen saturation to the initial level after acute hypoxia than the sanguine persons, which is regarded as a lower hypoxic resistance of the former. We have developed a complex algorithm describing the dependence of the oxygen saturation dynamics in different phases of the hypoxic test, which can be used as a universal method of the estimation of hypoxic resistance in different groups of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Proprioceptive Diagnosis of Temperament and Character (DP-TC) test (Tous, 2008), which assesses fine motor performance without vision of one's own body, was used together with a verbal personality test (Durán, García, García, & Martínez, 2001) to examine personality differ-ences between a group of gun licence (GL) applicants and a group from the general population (GP). MANOVA results showed significant differences between the groups on the DP-TC test, with the GL group scoring higher on Emotionality (Tem-perament) and Impulsivity (Temperament and Character) and lower on Decision-Making (Temperament and Character) and Mood (Tempera-ment). In the GL group, fine motor performance on the DP-TC test was compared with the verbal test results by means of a principal components analysis with varimax rotation. The results corresponding to the Tempera-ment dimensions of the DP-TC test showed only one association with the verbal test variables, thus corroborating the notion that Temperament has little social influence. Comparison of the proprioceptive and verbal tests showed that the results on the Emotionality scale of the DP-TC were con-sistent with those on the Ego-strength scale of the verbal personality test, but not with Neuroticism; this suggests that these subjects might fake their replies in order to obtain the gun licence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Temperament & Personality Questionnaire (T&P) is a self-report instrument designed to evaluate personality styles overrepresented in patients with depression. This report briefly describes the translation and adaptation of the T&P into Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: The procedures, which included 10 steps, followed guidelines for the adaptation of self-report instruments defined by the International Society For Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Task Force for Translation and Cultural Adaptation. Results: The author of the original T&P questionnaire authorized and participated in the translation conducted by the authors and independent native speakers. Evaluation of the translated questionnaire indicated that only minor adjustments were required in the Portuguese version. Conclusions: The Brazilian version of T&P, translated and adapted following a rigid standardized process, is available for use free of charge and may be especially useful in pursuing links between personality styles and depressive conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We investigated the effect of co-morbid bipolar disorder and bulimia on temperamental dimensions measured by TEMPS-A, relative to “pure” bulimia and “pure” bipolar disorder, in female patients. Methods: The study was performed on 47 patients with bipolar disorder (BD) with a mean age of 36±10 years, 96 patients with bulimia or bulimic type of anorexia, mean age 26±9 years and 50 control healthy females (HC), mean age 29±6 years. Among bulimic patients, a group of 68 subjects with co-morbid bulimia with bipolarity (BD+B) was identified, based on positive score of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). The TEMPS-A questionnaire, 110 questions version, has been used, evaluating five temperament domains: depressive, cyclothymic, hyperthymic, irritable and anxious. Parametric analysis was performed for 4 groups (BD, “pure” bulimia (PB), BD+B and HC), with 28 subjects randomly chosen from each group, using analysis of variance and cluster analysis. Results: All clinical groups significantly differed from control group by having higher scores of depressive, cyclothymic, irritable and anxious temperaments and lower of hyperthymic one. Among patients, significantly higher scores of cyclothymic and irritable temperaments were found in BD+B compared to both PB and BD. These differences were also reflected in cluster analysis, where two clusters were identified. Limitations: Bipolarity in bulimic patients assessed only by the MDQ. Conclusions: These results show that co-morbid bulimia and bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme dimensions of both cyclothymic and irritable temperaments, significantly higher than each single diagnosis. Possible clinical implications of such fact are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic immunological skin disorder characterized by round or oval patches of non-scarring hair loss. Current psychosomatic medicine focuses on the triggering of various diseases by stress and on psycho-immunological changes related to psychosocial stress. There has been little research on the personality traits in alopecia areata. The aim of this study is to examine temperament--character profiles and psychopathology of AA patients and to compare the findings with healthy controls. Method: Seventy-three patients who applied to outpatient clinics of dermatology for AA were included. The control group (n=78) was recruited from a nonclinical population. General psychopathology was assessed with the revised version of the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90-R). Personality was assessed using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Results: The Global Severity Index (GSI) and depression subscale of the SCL-90-R scores were higher in the AA than in the control group (p<0.05). Total scores of novelty seeking (NS), reward dependence (RD), and self-transcendence (ST) of the patient groups were significantly lower than those of the control groups (p<0.05). When depression and anxiety were considered as covariates, the significant difference which was detected by the t-test still existed between the two groups in terms of NS, RD and ST. Conclusion: It is well known that psychiatric symptoms are common in AA. This study suggests that AA patients have distinctive temperaments such as novelty seeking, reward dependence and self-transcendence dimension compared with healthy controls. AA patients with low NS, RD and ST scores may be prone to depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Several lines of evidence have well established a relationship between Bipolar Disorder and Cluster B Personality Disorders. The study compares mood spectrum and temperamental symptoms, personality traits and clinical characteristics among outpatients (n = 63) diagnosed with major depression (MD), bipolar disorder (BD), cluster B personality disorders (PD-B) and comorbidity of BD + PD-B. Method: The diagnosis was determined with structured interviews (MINI and SCID II) and symptom assessments with evaluation and diagnostic instruments (MOODS-SR, BI, TEMPS-A and IPDE). Differences between groups were explored with post hoc analysis and analysis of variance. Results: Patients with BD+PD-B comorbidity presented an earlier onset and more severity in suicide attempts, hospitalizations and self-harm behaviors. They showed more characteristics of cyclothymic and irritable temperament and more cluster A and B personality traits, than patients with BD only. PD-B patients obtained intermediate scores in manic like symptoms: higher than patients with depression and lower than patients with bipolar disorder. However, the Bipolarity Index clearly distinguished patients with BD or with comorbidity (BD+PD-B) from the other diagnostic groups (PD-B and MD). Conclusions: BD+PD-B comorbidity presents a more severe type of emotional dysregulation compared to the other diagnostic groups, including BD and PD-B alone. Assessing temperament, personality traits, emotional dysregulation in mania and depression, self-harm and hospitalizations severity and age onset could facilitate differential diagnosis and enhance effectiveness of treatments for BD, PD-B and their comorbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To measure levels of parenting stress and postnatal depression in mothers of very preterm infants in comparison with mothers of infants born at term is the objective of this study. The study also aimed to explore factors associated with parenting stress in the mothers of the preterm infants. Methods: One hundred and five mothers who delivered 124 babies at ≤30weeks gestation were enrolled together with 105 term mothers who delivered 120 babies. At one year of age (corrected for prematurity for the preterm cohort), the mothers completed the Parenting Stress Index Short Form (PSI), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Short Temperament Scale for Toddlers. The infants had neurodevelopmental assessment. The preterm and term groups were compared. Results: Questionnaires were completed by 101 of the preterm mothers and 98 of the term mothers. The mean PSI Total Stress score was significantly higher for the preterm mothers (70.28 vs 64.52, p =0.022), with 19% of the preterm group and 9% of the term group having high scores (p =0.038).There was no group difference on the EPDS or measures of temperament, with disability being greater in the preterm infants. For the preterm group, maternal depression and infant temperament were independent predictors of Total Stress scores on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Parenting stress in mothers of preterm infants at one year of age is significantly greater than that found in mothers of term infants. For preterm mothers, symptoms of depression and infant temperament are independent risk factors for higher levels of parenting stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The study compared the performance of shelter dogs and family pets in a battery of behavioral temperament tests, in order to evaluate whether there is an association between the living conditions in shelters (social and spatial restriction) and alterations of behavior. Thirty half-breed house dogs were given a battery of four temperament tests: sociability and interspecific fear, trainability, interspecific aggression, and non-social fear. Results show that, compared to family pets, shelter dogs remained close to the experimenter for a longer period during the sociability test and their scores were significantly higher in the non-social fear test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: TEMPS-A (Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego—Autoquestionnaire) is a self-rated instrument that measures five affective temperaments: depressive, cyclothymic, hyperthymic, irritable, and anxious. The aim of our study was to examine the psychometric characteristics of the Slovenian TEMPS-A and to ascertain if temperament profile is related to the professions chosen by Slovenian students. Methods: 892 Slovenian university students in six different professional fields (economics, geography, engineering, law, sports pedagogy and nursing) were included in our study. Results: Cronbach''s reliability coefficients denoted acceptable internal consistency of the subscales. Principal component analysis revealed relatively good internal structure of the instrument. Nursing and geography students scored the highest on depressive temperament. Sports pedagogues as well as engineers demonstrated the most firm personality structure with distinctive hyperthymic temperament. Law students revealed the most irritable temperament, while nursing and law students scored the highest on anxious temperament. Limitations: Sample of Slovenian students is not representative for general population. The structure of the sample was crucial as well, as it comprised mainly of younger students who just started their study. Conclusions: The Slovenian version of the TEMPS-A proved to have relatively good internal consistency and internal structure. The questionnaire verified as a reliable and valid instrument and generally in line with previous studies. This study strengthens the perspective that professional areas could be associated with distinct affective temperament profile that could influence career decisions. The findings in students of economics, geography, and sport pedagogy are new as they have not been previously investigated by TEMPS researchers. The results open new possibilities for future research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study examined the behavioural expression of cattle immediately prior to slaughter through the process of Qualitative Behavioural Assessment (QBA), and compared these results to measurements of physiology and temperament. Twenty-eight Angus steers were filmed while in a funnel chute as they were being moved towards an abattoir killing box. Footage of cattle was shown in random order to 15 observers. Observers assessed the cattle using a qualitative approach based on Free Choice Profiling (FCP) methodology, which gives observers complete freedom to choose their own descriptive terms. Data were analysed with Generalised Procrustes Analysis (GPA). There was significant consensus (P <0.001) amongst observers in terms of their assessment of the behavioural expression of the cattle. Two main dimensions were identified, explaining 58.8% and 9.2% of the variation between animals, respectively. Low values for GPA dimension 1 were associated with terms such as ‘calm’ and ‘relaxed’ and high values associated with terms such as ‘nervous’ and ‘anxious’. Low values for GPA dimension 2 were associated with terms such as ‘annoyed’ and ‘frightened’ and high values associated with terms such as ‘curious’ and ‘interested’. We found no significant correlations between the QBA scores and three temperament measures (taken at weaning). However, cattle slaughtered towards the end of the line (r s =0.45, P =0.016) and cattle with a greater plasma lactate concentration (measured at exsanguinations) (R 24 =0.45, P =0.020) were attributed higher GPA dimension 1 scores (i.e. more ‘nervous’/‘anxious’). The only animal with an ultimate muscle pH>5.7 (classified as a ‘dark cutter’) had a low value for GPA dimension 2 (scored as relatively more ‘annoyed’/‘frightened’). The findings from this study suggest that QBA could contribute to assessing pre-slaughter animal handling, highlighting potential issues to be followed up with additional measures. The significant correlations between GPA dimension 1 with slaughter order and plasma lactate warrant further investigation, comparing behavioural expression with aspects of meat quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: The aim of this research was to compare these two personality theories in the dimensional sense and to determine their relations, overlapping and correlative predictions. Methods: The sample of this study consisted of 200 healthy volunteers. One hundred and twelve participants were male and their old were changed from 18 to 63. The sample was constituted according to snowball sampling method. Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and Five Factor Personality Inventory (FFPI) were used for data collection. Results: Except for the self-transcendence dimension, all dimensions of both theories are highly related over the level of 0.40, with at least one dimension of the other theory. According to regression analyzes 37-60% of FFPE dimensions' variance was predicted by TCI dimensions and 3-60% of TCI dimensions' variance was predicted by FFPI. Discussion: Nevertheless, these relations not indicate exactly overlapping, so two of personality theory's dimensions include unique properties in themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is crucial to characterize self-regulation in children. We compared the temperamental profiles of children with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Dysregulation Profile (CBCL-DP) to profiles associated with other CBCL-derived syndromes. 382 children (204 boys; aged 5-18) from a large family study were examined. Temperamental profiles were based on the Juvenile Temperament and Character Inventory. Children with the CBCL-DP had a temperamental profile characterized by high Novelty Seeking, high Harm Avoidance, low Reward Dependence and low Persistence. Linear mixed models and regression-based models demonstrated that the CBCL-DP was associated with a 'disengaged' temperamental profile. This profile is similar to the profile seen in adult disorders of self-regulation, including cluster B personality disorders. These results support the hypothesis that the CBCL-DP measures poor self-regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The current study examines associations between self- and teacher-rated temperament traits (activity, inhibition, negative emotionality, persistence, distractibility, and mood) and mathematics grades. The sample includes 310 ninth grade students (mean age 15.0) from several schools in Finland. Analyses were conducted with multilevel modeling. Except for mood, all temperament traits were associated with math grades independent of motivation and standardized cognitive ability test performance (intelligence). However, some relations were found only for teacher-reports and some only for student-reports. The rater dependent differences are of interest and emphasize a need for data from multiple raters before drawing conclusions on how temperament relates to school grades. The results suggest that temperament should be taken into account in schooling and in teacher education. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Current scores for equine personality traits assessed during performance tests are characterised by high means and inadequate variation, hampering genetic selection for these traits. A number of temperament and related behaviour tests have been developed in order to make assessment of equine personality more objective. However, rarely these tests have been validated for their use as a selection tool. Thus, as a first step the aim of the present study was to integrate a temperament tests into horse performance tests, in order to assess variability and repeatability of horses’ reactivity under the rider and the reliability of the judges’ assessment thereof. The temperament test was comprised of three novel stimuli, including a visual stimulus (BALL), a visual and tactile stimulus (GATE), and a visual and auditory stimulus (CANS). A total of 224 mares and stallions were subjected to the test during their participation in station performance tests for riding horses, and 133 of these horses were subjected to the test a second time either 2–3 weeks or 18 weeks after the first test. Horses were ridden in the test by professional riders, and their reactions to the stimuli were evaluated each by two judges and the rider using scores on a scale from 1 (task not concluded) to 10 (completely calm but attentive horse). Mean scores (±SD) ranged between 6.6±2.4 (GATE) and 7.8±2.1 (BALL), demonstrating lower means and considerably higher standard deviations than the same horses’ scores from present evaluation of the trait labelled temperament (8.1±0.9) or related personality traits (e.g. character: 8.3±0.8). Using variance components from mixed model analysis, inter-observer agreement between the two judges was for the individual stimuli very high (0.95 (BALL), 0.96 (GATE), 0.89 (CANS)), and there was likewise high agreement between the judges’ and the riders’ combined scores (0.93). Repeatabilities of horses’ scores were 0.72 (BALL), 0.75 (GATE), and 0.69 (CANS). Correlations to traits from the present evaluation of personality were low or non-existent, indicating that these traits are not a reflection of anxiety or fear reactivity as assessed by novel object tests. Horses’ improvement in judges’ combined scores from first to second test was not (P >0.1) influenced by differences in time between tests, but differed between breed-types and individual riders. Also, not surprisingly, the higher horses’ scores in the first test were, the lower their improvement in the second test was (−0.45±0.06 per additional score in the first test). Temperament tests using novel stimuli presented to horses under a rider may be a practical and valid tool for improving the current assessment of equine personality traits during performance tests. Considering a combination of absolute scores and horses’ improvement in scores of repeated tests, rather than measuring only absolute scores yields relevant information about horses’ personality, and at the same time it may prevent owners from deliberately training their horses for low reactions to the test-stimuli. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives This study aims to identify temperament and characteristics of cannabis and methamphetamine abusers for elucidating psycho-biological variables related to certain substance abuse. Methods A total of 320 patients who registered in the 'Hepatitis C cohorts study of intravenous drug users' between March 2006 and March 2010 participated in this study. Data on demographic variables were obtained and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and measures for nicotine dependence, alcohol dependence, depression and anxiety were assessed. After comparing TCI between cannabis, methamphetamine, and co-abusers, correlations between TCI and other clinical variables were examined. Results The methamphetamine abuser group showed significantly higher scores in Novelty Seeking (NS2) and Harm Avoidance (HA3) in temperament than the cannabis abuser and co-abuser groups, whereas the cannabis abuser group had higher scores in purposefulness (SD2), congruent second nature (SD5), and self-directedness (SD) in character than the methamphetamine abuser group. In addition, temperaments and characters correlated with various psychiatric symptoms. Conclusions We found the differences in temperament and characters among cannabis abusers, methamphetamine abusers. These findings might contribute to further understanding of mechanisms of cannabis and methamphetamine abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Novelty seeking (NS) represents a dopaminergically modulated tendency toward frequent exploratory activity. Considering the reports showing the relationship between exploratory activity and amygdalar function and structure, and the fact that amygdala is one of the key structures that constitute the dopaminergic pathway in the brain, amygdala might be closely related to NS tendencies. Amygdalar subregional analysis method, which has the enhanced sensitivity compared to the volumteric approach would be appropriate in investigating the subtle differences of amygdalar structures among healthy individuals. The aim of the current study was to examine whether amygdalar subregional morphometric characteristics are associated with the NS tendencies in healthy adults using the amygdalar subregional analysis method. Methods Twenty-six healthy adults (12 males, 14 females ; mean age 29.8 ± 6.2 years) were screened for eligibility. All subjects completed the Korean version of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and underwent high-resolution brain magnetic resonance imaging. Individuals were divided into 2 groups according to NS scores of the TCI. Results Individuals of the high NS group had significantly larger laterobasal subregions in right amygdala, after adjustment with the brain parenchymal volumes. Sensitivity analyses for each potential confounding factor such as age, education years and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores demonstrated consistent results. Conclusions This study suggests that NS differences are associated with the laterobasal subregion of the amygdala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, we investigated the differences and similarities between bipolar disorder positive and bipolar disorder negative obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) groups in terms of clinical characteristics and the affective temperaments. Patients and Method: Forty-four patients admitted to Bakirköy Prof Dr. Mazhar Osman Hospital of Psychiatry and Neurology with the diagnosis of OCD were enrolled to the study. Patients were assessed by interview with patients (SCID I), applying sociodemographic form, Hamilton depression scale (HAM-D), Yale Brown OCD scale(Y-BOCS), and TEMPSA affective temperament questionnaire. Results: The results showed significantly high rates of bipolar disorder comorbidity (38.6), especially bipolar II, in patients with OCD. Seasonal course of OCD was prominent in patients with bipolar disorder comorbidity (70%). The number of lifetime major depressive episodes and hospitalization rate was also higher in bipolar disorder comorbid patients. Depressive (23.4%), anxious (17.6%) and cyclothymic (11.8%) temperament was predominant among bipolar OCD patients. There were no significant differences in scores of the affective temperaments between bipolar and non-bipolar OCD groups. Conclusion: We conclude that there are obvious clinical influences of bipolar disorder on OCD patients. Affective temperamental differences should be investigated on large samples in the bipolar and non-bipolar OCD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fearful behavioral responses to handling (temperament) are undesirably associated with ADG and meat quality in infrequently handled Bos indicus cattle. It has never been assessed whether these relationships exist in calmer Bos taurus breeds in systems where handling is more frequent. Such systems predominate in some countries where beef production is a major agricultural activity. During fattening, 144 crossbred cattle from Limousin and Aberdeen Angus sires were assessed for temperament using 4 approaches: response to movement along a race (race score; 4 occasions), restraint in a crush (crush score; 4 occasions), flight speed from the crush (flight speed; 4 occasions), and isolation in a pen with a human (isolation score; 1 occasion in yr 1, 2 occasions in yr 2). Measurements of ADG were made between birth and slaughter and between 16 and 18 mo of age during fattening. Fattening occurred indoors on a complete mixed diet fed for ad libitum intake. Meat quality was measured by pH, color, and Volodkevitch shear force and by a sensory panel. The repeatability of temperament traits was 0.17 (race score), 0.35 (crush score), 0.51 (flight speed), and 0.36 (isolation score). The proportion of the total variance of temperament traits attributable to the sire and the social group was low (0.003 to 0.402). However, the sire did affect behavior in all tests apart from the crush score (ranging from P = 0.02 to P < 0.001). Correlations between behavior in the different tests (ranging from r = 0.21 to 0.54, and P = 0.02 to P < 0.001) apart from between-flight speed and isolation score indicate that fearful behavior was consistently shown across assessment methods. A calm response in the crush score test was associated with a greater ADG during fattening (P = 0.05), whereas a calm response during the isolation test was associated with a greater ADG in cold carcass weight (P = 0.02). Animals with a calm isolation score had less tender meat as judged by the sensory panel (P = 0.03), but no other effects were apparent between temperament and meat quality measures, although several tendencies (0.06 = P = 0.10) were found. Temperament did not appear to relate to meat quality in this study of frequently handled Bos taurus genotypes, which is in contrast to other studies using different beef production systems. Genetic correlations between temperament and meat quality under these conditions could, although not measured in this study, still exist in the absence of phenotypic correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to compare horses'' heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (RMSSD, pNN50) and behaviour in the same temperament test when being ridden, led, and released free. Behavioural measurements included scores and linear measurements for reactivity (R), activity (A), time to calm down (T) and emotionality (E), recorded during the approach (1) and/or during confrontation with the stimulus (2). Sixty-five horses were each confronted 3 times (1 ridden, 1 led, 1 free running in balanced order) with 3 novel and/or sudden stimuli. Mixed model analysis indicated that leading resulted in the lowest (P<0.05 throughout) reactions as measured by A1, A2, E1, E2, R2, and pNN50 while riding produced the strongest (A1, T2, HR, RMSSD, pNN50) or medium (E1, E2, R2) reactions. Free running resulted either in the strongest (A2, E1, E2, R2) or in the lowest (A1, T2, HR, RMSSD, pNN50) reactions. The repeatability across tests for HR (0.57), but not for RMSSD (0.23) or pNN50 (0.25) was higher than for any behavioural measurement: the latter ranged from values below 0.10 (A1, A2, T2) to values between 0.30 and 0.45 (E1, E2, R2). Overall, the results show that a rider or handler influences, but not completely masks, the horses'' intrinsic behaviour in a temperament test, and this influence appeared to be stronger on behavioural variables and heart rate variability than on the horses'' heart rates. Taking both practical considerations and repeatabilities into account, reactivity appears to be the most valuable parameter. Emotionality and heart rate can also yield valid results reflecting additional dimensions of temperament although their practical relevance may be less obvious. If a combination of observed variables is chosen with care, a valid assessment of a horse''s temperament may be possible in all types of tests. However, in practice, tests that resemble the practical circumstances most closely, i.e. testing riding horses under a rider, should be chosen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Over the past fifty years in the Western world the professions and activities that were once practised only by males, are now available to females, too. Affective temperaments, in line with their adaptive function, influence career choices. In general, males and females have proved to have different temperamental profiles. In this study we inquire into the question whether gender differences in temperament have continued unchanged in a field, such as the military career, that has been historically characterized by a male identity. Methods: 1426 males and 122 females wishing to become a cadet in the Italian Air Force were tested using TEMPS-A[P] (the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego self-questionnaire, Pisan version). Results: Univariate and multivariate analyses failed to distinguish males from females. Both males and females tend to have a high score on the hyperthymic scale (generally, a typical male temperament) and a very low one on the cyclothymic scale (generally, a typical female temperament), with low scores on the depressive and the irritable scales. Conclusions: This study supports the idea that different gender-related temperaments are functional to differences in the roles played by males and females during the biological and social evolutionary process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nucleus populations of Chester White, Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire boars and gilts (n=4774) were used to estimate breed differences in temperament and the relationship with performance. Adjusted backfat, adjusted loin depth, days to 113.4 kilograms (DAYS), estimated percent fat-free lean (LEAN), and three temperament scores: load score, scale score, and vocal score were recorded, on a scale of 1 (calm) to 5 (highly excited), during a performance test. Logistic regression for temperament scores included fixed effects of breed, sex, contemporary group (barn-farm-test date), and body weight as a covariate was used. Order that a pig was loaded into the scale, within pen, was included as a fixed effect for load score. After initial analysis, it was determined that vocal score was best described as two categories, vocal or non-vocal, and was reanalyzed accordingly. Linear mixed models for backfat, loin depth, DAYS, and LEAN included fixed effects of breed, sex, and load score, scale score, or vocal score. Growth rate was adjusted to 113.4kg, while backfat and loin depth were adjusted to 113.4kg through regression on mean body weight of the respective breed. The odds of increased load score were greater for Landrace (1.62, 1.30; P<0.01) than Duroc and Yorkshire respectively. Landrace had a greater (P<0.01) probability of a higher scale and vocal scores compared to Chester White (1.77, 2.37), Duroc (3.31, 3.94) and Yorkshire (2.51, 2.46). Yorkshire had greater (P<0.01) odds of increased load score (1.25), SS (1.32), and vocal score (1.60) than Duroc. Chester White had greater odds of increased load score and scale score than Duroc (1.58, 1.87) and Yorkshire (1.26, 1.42), respectively. Chester White were 1.66 (P<0.01) times more likely to have a higher vocal scores than Duroc. Phenotypic correlations (P<0.01) for scale score with load score, vocal score, backfat, loin depth, DAYS, and LEAN were 0.13, 0.32, −0.15, −0.07, 0.10 and 0.17, respectively. Landrace were more excited and vocal in the scale than Chester White, Durocs and Yorkshire. Landrace were more difficult to load into the scale than Durocs and Yorkshire. Chester White were more active in the scale than Durocs and Yorshire, and more vocal than Durocs. Yorkshire were harder to load, more active and vocal than Durocs. It was concluded that temperament differs between breeds, and pigs with lower temperament scores were fatter, had greater loin depth and grew faster. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Temperaments are stable personality traits that can be considered subsyndromal risk factors of psychiatric illnesses. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene has been found to be associated with affective temperaments, particularly the cyclothymic temperament, as measured with the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego—autoquestionnaire version (TEMPS-A). In this study we have attempted to replicate this finding in a population-based sample which is five times as large as the sample used in the original study. Methods: The 21 items of the cyclothymic subscale of TEMPS-A was filled in by 691 individuals (404 females, 287 males, 18–40years) randomly recruited from the general population. DNA was isolated from saliva, and the serotonin transporter polymorphism 5-HTTLPR was genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction and fragment analysis. Results: No significant association was found between 5-HTTLPR genotype and TEMPS-A score, neither when analysing by an additive allelic model nor when the different genotypes and allelic dominance were examined. Furthermore, no association was observed after gender stratification, or when TEMPS-A was analysed as a dichotomous measure, using a cut-off of ≥11 positive item responses. Limitations: Although being used in clinical settings, TEMPS-A has not been officially validated in Norway. Conclusions: This study suggests that there is no association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and cyclothymic temperament as measured by TEMPS-A. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The temperament evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego questionnaire (TEMPS), in its rater-wise and its self-evaluation forms, has been designed to evaluate temperamental characteristics in clinical and non-clinical populations. The validation process is currently in progress in various countries. In order to improve this validation process we have extended the area of correlations of its self-evaluation form (TEMPS-A[P]) to MMPI, and to a special RS that allows assessment of the emotional-affective state following a stressful situation. Methods: In 693 candidates applying to become cadets in the Italian Air Force we have assessed the correlation between the TEMPS-A[P] and the MMPI validity and clinical scales, and administered an emotional-affective state questionnaire (EAS-RS) after they had gone through the stressful challenge of taking an academy entrance examination. Results: As regards MMPI validity scales, TEMPS-A[P] depressive candidates tend to report their symptoms sincerely. Hyperthymic candidates tend to give false answers so that others will see them in a good light. Cyclothymic and irritable candidates tend to exaggerate symptoms. As regards the MMPI clinical scales, a low level of linkage between affective temperaments and abnormal personality traits was found. As regards EAS-RS: hyperthymic temperament on one hand, and cyclothymic and depressive temperaments on the other, are characterized by counter-polar emotional states following the test; these are desirable in the first case and undesirable in the other two. Conclusions: The convergent and discriminant validity of TEMPS-A[P] was confirmed. From a personalistic point of view, temperaments seem to belong to the realm of normality rather than to that of pathology, in line with their putative adaptive role. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of affective temperaments for predicting psychiatric morbidity and suicide risk, using a two-factor model to explain the relationships between temperament, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.We investigated 210 high school students, 103 males and 107 females, 18-19 years old, who were administered self-report questionnaires to assess temperament (TEMPS-A), depression (BDI-II), anxiety (STAI) and hopelessness (BHS). The final structural model had a good fit with the data, with two factors significantly correlated, the first labeled unstable cyclothymic temperament including Dysthymic/Cyclothymic/Anxious temperament, Irritable temperament and Depression, and the second labeled Demoralization including Anxiety (State/Trait) and Hopelessness. Depression, anxiety and hopelessness are in a complex relationship partly mediated by temperament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: : Bipolar disorder comorbidity in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) has relevant implications on the symptomatological expression, complications and pharmacologic treatment of the disorder. Relatively few data exist on OCD comorbid with soft-bipolar forms. The aims of the study are to evaluate affective temperaments in patients with OCD and to analyze differences in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics according to the presence or absence of cyclothymic temperament. Methods: : The sample consisted of 167 patients with a principal diagnosis of OCD (DSM-IV-TR). Affective temperaments have been evaluated through the Italian semistructured interview version of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego (TEMPS-I). Results: : A total of 90 patients (53.9%) were diagnosed with a dominant affective temperament. Cyclothymic affective temperament (CT) was the most represented in the sample of OCD patients (19.2%). Patients with CT showed significant lower mean age at onset, higher scores at the HAM-A, more repeating compulsions, higher rates of eating disorder comorbidity, OCD spectrum disorder comorbidity and higher rates of Axis II comorbidity (particularly Cluster A). Limitations: : Recruitment of OCD patients from a tertiary center. Absence of an investigation about treatment implications associated with cyclothymic temperament. Conclusions: : Patients with OCD and CT could be more severe and complicated compared to patients without CT. Moreover, individuals with OCD spectrum disorders may be vulnerable to bipolarity. Systematic assessment of affective temperament is necessary to detect OCD with such a soft-bipolar comorbidity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Swedish version of the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (J-TCI), it was sent to parents of 9- and 12-yr-old twins in Sweden. The final number of responders was 196 parents who rated 92 female and 104 male twin pairs. The inventory of one twin, randomly chosen from each pair, was included in the analyses. Reward Dependence, Persistence, and Cooperativeness were scored higher in girls; Novelty Seeking was higher in the 9-yr.-olds and Persistence in the 12-yr.-olds. Pearson's correlations showed that some dimensions were not stahstically independent from each other, even if the covariance was moderate. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was satisfactory for Harm Avoidance, Novelty Seeking, Self-Directedness, and Cooperativeness (.68-.81), while it was lower in those dimensions that had fewer items. The Swedish parent version of the J-TCI shared about the same psychometric characteristics as found in international samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Swedish version of the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (J-TCI), it was sent to parents of 9- and 12-yr-old twins in Sweden. The final number of responders was 196 parents who rated 92 female and 104 male twin pairs. The inventory of one twin, randomly chosen from each pair, was included in the analyses. Reward Dependence, Persistence, and Cooperativeness were scored higher in girls; Novelty Seeking was higher in the 9-yr.-olds and Persistence in the 12-yr.-olds. Pearson's correlations showed that some dimensions were not stahstically independent from each other, even if the covariance was moderate. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was satisfactory for Harm Avoidance, Novelty Seeking, Self-Directedness, and Cooperativeness (.68-.81), while it was lower in those dimensions that had fewer items. The Swedish parent version of the J-TCI shared about the same psychometric characteristics as found in international samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Variation in personality traits is 30–60% attributed to genetic influences. Attempts to unravel these genetic influences at the molecular level have, so far, been inconclusive. We performed the first genome-wide association study of Cloninger''s temperament scales in a sample of 5117 individuals, in order to identify common genetic variants underlying variation in personality. Participants’ scores on Harm Avoidance, Novelty Seeking, Reward Dependence, and Persistence were tested for association with 1,252,387 genetic markers. We also performed gene-based association tests and biological pathway analyses. No genetic variants that significantly contribute to personality variation were identified, while our sample provides over 90% power to detect variants that explain only 1% of the trait variance. This indicates that individual common genetic variants of this size or greater do not contribute to personality trait variation, which has important implications regarding the genetic architecture of personality and the evolutionary mechanisms by which heritable variation is maintained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work has proposed to address several broad objectives and some specific objectives. General objectives: * Identify personality traits and motivational structures of athlete performance profile in order to optimize the current patterns of selection in sport performance; * Highlighting the effects it has long practice of sport in the individuals personality; * Identifying the specific type of motivation that has significant influence in obtaining performance; Specifically, we pursued the following objectives: * Presentation of personality factors underlying the differentiation of personality profiles of the two groups of subjects. * Identification of specific temperamental type for each group of athletes examined. * Highlighting the weight of the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation reported to sports success. Research is certifying and descriptive study, which has the target population for a total of 40 athletes, who are divided into two groups: one consisting of 20 persons who practice or have practiced individual sports performance and other composed of 20 current or former collective sports performers. The tests used were: A. Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (R.B. Cattell) B. Personality Questionnaire of Guilford - Zimmerman C. Questionnaire for temperamental identification (Belov) D. Questionnaire for motivation identification (made by the authors) Under these tests, can be concluded that the first test significant differences were observed in 5 of those factors 16. In this regard can be said that differences between groups are in terms of self image, how to assert personal and expression of conventional trends. In the second, are obvious differences in the 3 factors of 10, the direction of effective emotion in shares obedience. Belov test emphasize the significant differences concerning the type of temperament and objectivity in conduct various events here. The weight of internal and external motivation for sport is different aspects in the 2 groups of athletes, and this is shown by the last test applied. As a general conclusion one can say that long practice relevant to a particular sport help shape a profile of personality. The essential characteristics that define the personality profile for individual sports group subjects are: courage, dynamism, a desire to be independent, assuming responsibilities and risks, the ability to make decisions in short, slight tendency to emotional instability, impulsivity and excessive consumption of energy carried. For athletes other relevant group following basic features: constant interest and attitude, emotional stability, depending on group, perseverance, hesitation to communicate with the public. This study completes a series of proposals to optimize the less favorable aspects highlighted in the personality of the members of 2 groups to improve performance both in life and in sports performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Temperaments have been described with respect to their adaptive roles. Thus, depressive traits seem to increase sensitivity to suffering, cyclothymic traits appear relevant to creativity, and hyperthymic traits have been implicated in territoriality and leadership and more generally in active pursuits. Methods: The temperaments of 1548 candidates applying to become a cadet officer in the Italian air force, who had taken the 2005 entrance examination, were compared with deviant and non-deviant peers. At a psychological level, we also compared those who had applied to become a cadet officer with other applicants who had failed in a previous entrance examination and with applicants who had passed or failed to pass the specific psychological entrance examination. Results: Applicants who took the entrance examination are more hyperthymic than their peers, regardless of any concurrent psychosocial deviance (i.e. drug addiction). The specificity of this correlation is confirmed by the fact that applicants who made a second attempt to pass the entrance examination after an initial failure were more hyperthymic than first-time applicants. Similarly, success in specific psychological admission tests is related to the same temperamental profiles, since those who prove to be psychologically fit are more hyperthymic. The inverse relationship emerges from an examination of other temperamental scales, which are better represented in controls (non-applicants), or other applicants making their first attempt at admission, or those who were excluded due to psychological flaws. Conclusion: In the present study, extremely high scores on the hyperthymic scale combined with extremely low ones in the cyclothymic scale seem to correspond to the specific temperament profile and to the highest likelihood of success in those applying to become a cadet officer in the Italian air force. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study explores the environmental, clinical, and personality factors that are associated with increased chronic psychotropic drug consumption in elderly patients. We collected data from 88 elderly individuals living in nursing homes, home-dwellings, and residential homes between December 2003 and June 2004. We assessed each subject's (1) current (previous four weeks) and chronic (>90 days) psychotropic drug consumption, (2) mood and anxiety (GHQ), and (3) personality (Temperament and Character Inventory). We found that 63% of the elderly subjects studied had used psychotropic drugs at least once and that one out of three elderly chronically consumed psychotropic drugs. Personality factors like harm avoidance and low level of persistence seem to be associated with chronic consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: There is currently a great deal of interest in the use of affective temperaments as possible intermediate phenotypes for bipolar disorder. However, much of the literature in this area is conflicting. Our aims were to test the hypothesis of a gradient in affective temperament scores, as measured by the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego (TEMPS-A), from bipolar disorder type I (BP-I), through bipolar disorder type II (BP-II), recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD-R), and a control group (CG) in the largest sample to date of 927 subjects. Methods: Non parametric tests were used to compare TEMPS-A scores between diagnostic groups and multinomial logistic regression was used to test the association between TEMPS-A scores and diagnosis while controlling for current mood state, age and gender. Results: Although the BP-II group scored higher than the BP-I and MDD-R groups on several TEMPS-A subscales, these differences were not significant when confounding variables were controlled for. The dysthymic subscale differentiated between affected and controls and the anxious subscale differentiated the MDD-R group from controls. Limitations: The cross-sectional design did not allow us to evaluate potential longitudinal changes of temperament scores, which were assessed only with a self-report questionnaire. Conclusion: We failed to find evidence of a gradient in affective temperament scores. Both unipolar and bipolar patients reported high dysthymic scores relative to controls, perhaps supporting a unitary view of depression across the bipolar–unipolar spectrum. Taking account of potential confounders will be important in future studies which seek to use affective temperaments as intermediate phenotypes in genetic research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of the present study is to explore the relationships between circadian typology and Cloninger’s model of the seven dimensions of personality, taking into account the possible sex interactions. This model considers four temperament dimensions (viz., HA, harm avoidance; NS, novelty seeking; RD, reward dependence; and PS, persistence) and three character dimensions (viz., SD, self-directedness; C, cooperativeness; and ST, self-transcendence). A sample of 862 university students (500 women), between 18 and 30 (21.94 ± 2.64) yrs of age completed the short versions of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-56) and the reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ). Women showed higher values for HA, RD, and C, while men showed higher values for NS. Evening-type subjects had higher NS but lower HA, PS, and SD scores. Moreover, circadian typology modulated the sex differences in HA and NS, and only evening-type men showed a lower HA score and higher NS score. Circadian typology is related to Cloninger’s model of Temperament and Character personality dimensions. Future studies should further examine possible implications, regarding both the vulnerability of developing psychopathological disorders and the prognosis of response to different treatments. (Author correspondence: ) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]