Cloninger’s theory of personality

Cloninger’s theory of personality, also known as the “Cloninger model,” is a proposal in which Personality is approached as a system that results from both the neurochemical functioning of the organism and social learning.. Both factors operate together and would determine how we usually act.

In the theory proposed by C. Robert Cloninger temperament is addressed as the element that integrates the functioning of biological systems. This allows the body to regulate behavior to adapt to the environment and is determined, to a large extent, by neurotransmitters.

The character for its part, is the result of learning that is acquired throughout the life cycle. It allows a person to relate to themselves and the world voluntarily, based on what they have learned from their experiences. All these elements are the basis of Cloninger’s theory, who also developed two widely accepted tests.

Cloninger’s theory of personality and temperament

In Cloninger’s theory, temperament is the emotional core of personality.. This is observed from an early age and remains relatively stable over time. It includes four dimensions:

Novelty Search (BN). It is an inherited tendency that regulates behaviors such as exploratory activity, response to novelty, impulsivity and active avoidance of frustration. It is regulated by dopamine and its processes.Risk avoidance (RE). It is an inherited tendency that leads to the inhibition of behavior, in response to novelty, the absence of reward or signals of punishment. It leads to passive avoidance of problems, pessimistic anticipation, shyness, etc. It is regulated by serotonin and its processes.Reward dependence (DR). It is the inherited tendency to respond with approach or attachment to social stimuli, depending on the reinforcements received from the environment or environment. It leads people to be loving, dedicated, sensitive, dependent and in need of approval. It is regulated by norepinephrine.Persistence (PS). Inherited tendency to maintain a behavior, despite frustration or fatigue. It is associated with behaviors that have previously been rewarded and that are maintained for it. It makes people persevering, ambitious, very determined and perfectionists. This dimension is associated with glutamate and serotonin.

Temperament is a reflection of the individual’s emotions and is understood as the emotional focus of personality.

Character in Cloninger’s theory

The second major axis in Cloninger’s theory of personality is character. This is mental in nature and is expressed deliberately. It corresponds to self-concept, personal values ​​and individual objectives. It includes three dimensions:

Self-direction (AD). High AD makes an individual responsible, confident, resourceful and self-sufficient, with great realism and effectiveness. Low AD causes the opposite.Cooperation (C). High C corresponds to people who feel part of humanity, have principles and behave in an empathetic, tolerant and compassionate way. Low C causes opposite behaviors.Transcendence (T). A high T refers to people who feel part of the universe. They have spiritual insight, humility and naturalness in the face of pain. People with low T are pragmatic and materialistic.

Personality in Cloninger’s model

Finally, Cloninger’s theory of personality addresses the central axis: personality itself. This is a synthesis of the interaction between temperament and character. That is, between the emotional being and the cognitive or mental being.

This combination gives rise to different personality types that, in turn, at the extreme become the following personality disorders:

Reliable – Stable.Methodical – Obsessive.Cautious – Avoidant.Sensitive – Narcissistic.Explosive – Borderline.Adventurous – Antisocial. Passionate – Histrionic. Independent – ​​Schizoid.

The mixture of temperament, character and personality is defining in behavior.

Colinger’s theory leads to a cognitive scheme

In this theory of personality, Temperament, character and personality give rise to habits and cognitive schemes. These establish a psychobiological outline as the central core of an individual’s identity, determining, therefore, their behavior.

Taking this argument as a basis, two tests were developed to classify individuals, as well as personality disorders.. They are currently widely used, both in the fields of psychology and psychiatry.

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