Accentuations of character appear. Accentuation of character: what is it, types according to Lichko and Leonhard

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 the 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 alertness to circumstances is combined with uncertainty about own strength.

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. Degree of immersion 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 demands 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. IN different forms character expresses 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 makeup, the consistency of his relationships with to various parties 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 personality. In the character of each person one must see the unity of stable and dynamic properties. “Character can mask one of the innate manifestations, enhance others, inhibit others due to the formation and strengthening of new reflex connections.” Consequently, with natural science points of view, character is an alloy of traits such as nervous activity and life impressions, fixed in the form of certain temporary nerve connections in the cerebral cortex. Character is a consequence of 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 has 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, first of all, is 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, goodwill, etc. 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 traits character 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. By will is meant complex mental process, which 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 another person’s goods, 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 passive manifestation 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, and is not subject to any influence during his life.” sudden changes and interfere with adaptation to the environment." In order to more comprehensively define psychopathy, several definitions of this 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 too far gone away from a certain average level or normal type." Schneider: "Psychopathic personalities 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 field 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 ones...” Gannushkin-Kerbikov criteria for psychopathy Character pathology (psychopathy) is always characterized by three signs (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 emergence of constitutional psychopathy decisive factor belongs to 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. Interesting description different types character is suggested 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 most suitable for this person, i.e., 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.

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

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 evaluate 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 happening to the candidate is alarming, as are 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 personnel selection service 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 determine with great accuracy 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 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.

Accentuation of character or personality accentuation– excessive strengthening of individual character traits. This personality trait determines behavior and actions, leaves an imprint on all areas of its activity: attitude towards oneself, towards others, towards the world. Accentuation is an extreme variant of the norm and is not considered a mental disorder or disease.

Prevalence. Personality accentuations are widespread, especially among adolescents. Among young people, obvious or hidden accentuations are found in 95% of those examined. With age, people will be able to smooth out undesirable features, and the number of accentuations decreases to 50-60%.

The benefits and harms of accentuations. On the one hand, an accentuated trait makes a person more stable and successful in some situations. For example, people with hysterical accentuation are talented actors, and those with hyperthymic accentuation are positive, sociable and can find an approach to any person.

On the other hand, an accentuated character trait becomes a person’s vulnerable spot, complicating life for himself and those around him. Situations that are not significant for other people turn into a test for the psyche. For example, people with a hypothymic type of accentuation experience difficulties when it comes to getting to know each other and establishing contact.

There is a danger that in difficult situations these enhanced character traits can develop into psychopathy, cause neurosis, and become the cause of alcoholism and illegal behavior.

In what cases can accentuations develop into pathology?

  • Unfavorable environmental conditions that hit the accentuated trait as if it were the very weak point, for example, for conformal accentuation - this is the rejection of a person in a team.
  • Long-term exposure to this factor.
  • Exposure to an unfavorable factor during a period when a person is most vulnerable. Most often these are elementary school and adolescence.
If these conditions are met, accentuation worsens and turns into psychopathy, which is already a mental disorder.

How do accentuations differ from psychopathy?

Reasons for the formation of accentuations. It is believed that the formation of accentuations is influenced by the innate properties of temperament. Thus, a person born choleric is prone to developing accentuation of the excitable type, and a sanguine person is prone to hyperthymic type. Strengthening of individual character traits occurs in childhood and adolescence under the influence of chronic traumatic situations (constant humiliation by peers) and characteristics of upbringing.
Degrees of personality accentuations
  • Explicit– manifests itself in a person’s behavior in most situations, but does not interfere with his ability to adapt to various social situations (acquaintance, conflict, communication with friends).
  • Hidden– does not manifest itself in life, can only be detected in critical situations that affect accentuated character traits.
Types of personality accentuations. Each scientist who dealt with character accentuations identified his own types. To date, several dozen of them have been described. This article will describe the main ones.
Psychologists began to deal with the problem of personality accentuations in the second half of the twentieth century. Therefore, many controversial issues remain in matters of classification, diagnosis and correction.

Types of accentuation

There are many personality traits, and each of them can be over-enhanced. It is the accentuated traits that determine the personality type and character traits and make a person different from others. Here are short descriptions of the main personality types.

Hysterical type

In other classifications demonstrative type. Widely distributed among women. It is especially pronounced in adolescence and at a young age. Distinctive features:
  • The desire to attract attention those around you to your person. They seek attention in all ways - through actions, manner of dressing and speaking, appearance. They demand respect, surprise, sympathy, and, in extreme cases, anger from others. The appearance is bright and attractive. Even in the absence of outstanding external data, they know how to look impressive.
  • Increased emotionality. They are distinguished by high sensitivity and violent reaction. At the same time, they easily endure mental pain, grief and resentment, although they demonstrate strong emotions. Some emotions are quickly replaced by others. There is a tendency towards envy and jealousy. They do not tolerate it if the attention of others is switched to another person.
  • Artistry manifests itself in everyone life situations. They easily get used to any role, which makes it easier to adapt to new situations. They are distinguished by arrogant facial expressions and mannered poses.
  • Developed imagination And creative thinking. They themselves believe in what they have invented. Suggestible. They are fond of applied magic and believe in horoscopes. Tend to advertise and exaggerate their victories in personal life.
  • timid. Tend to exaggerate the danger.
  • Positive features: They are open to communication and easily establish contact with a new person. Adapt well to new situations. They have an active life position. The desire for fame becomes a powerful motivator, which contributes to achieving success in creative professions(actors, singers, dancers, artists).
  • Flaws: excessive emotionality, an overly acute reaction to all events concerning one’s own personality, while indifference to the problems of others. Difficulties that arise along the way force us to abandon our plans. They do not tolerate routine work. They can easily get sick due to nervousness - they develop psychosomatic diseases. Loss of authority can lead to thoughts of suicide. They provoke conflicts based on the desire to be the center of attention.

Epileptoid type

In other classifications excitable personality type. People with this accentuation, just like hysterics, strive to attract attention to themselves. But they do this not so demonstratively, but with the help of stuttering, coughing, and complaints. Distinctive features:
  • Dissatisfaction and irritability. Prone to negative emotions. They constantly grumble and express complaints. They become fixated on the bad and think about the problem for a long time, while dissatisfaction grows until it spills out in the form of a major quarrel. The behavior model of such people is compared to a steam boiler, the temperature in which increases until an explosion occurs. After discharge, they cannot calm down for a long time. This feature distinguishes them from other types. IN family life show despotism, arrange frequent scandals because of little things.
  • Tendency to adhere to previously established order in things, deeds and relationships. They do not like changes or rearrangements. They keep order themselves and force others, especially family members and subordinates. Clutter can cause a major quarrel. Special attention pay attention to rationality, not to purity.
  • Easy attitude to moral standards. Their actions are guided only by their own opinion, so they can transgress moral standards, especially in a fit of anger. They can be rude, show disrespect for elders, and physical violence towards children and animals. In this case, they will not even notice the offense, and will not be tormented by remorse.
  • Structured thinking. When making decisions, they are guided by common sense and logic. However, this does not prevent them from going into fits of rage if their wishes are not fulfilled. They don't consider alternatives. They believe that their point of view is the only correct one.
  • Mistrust based on critical thinking. They don’t take their word for it, they demand proof. They don't trust strangers. They don't believe in horoscopes and predictions.
  • It is difficult to adapt to a new situation.
  • Positive features: scrupulousness, increased accuracy, concern for one’s health, the ability to receive benefits, the ability to defend one’s interests. IN calm state Show extreme kindness and care for family members and animals. They are energetic and active in matters of maintaining order, which can become part of the profession - managers, managers, caretakers.
  • Flaws violent attacks of anger, after which they cool down for a long time, gloominess, intolerance of contradictions, lack of respect for other people's opinions. These aspects of character provoke dissatisfaction with others and frequent conflicts in the family and at work. Possible addictions to alcohol, sexual perversions, and sadistic tendencies.

Schizoid type

People with schizoid accentuation are secretive, uncommunicative and outwardly cold. However, this accentuation rarely leads to adaptation disorders. Distinctive features:
  • Closedness. They do not know how and do not want to communicate with others. They strive for loneliness. After trying to make an acquaintance, they note that they have nothing to talk about with the person, which causes disappointment and withdrawal.
  • Combination of contradictory properties: shyness and tactlessness, sensitivity and indifference, pliability and stubbornness.
  • Lack of intuition regarding feelings other people. They cannot understand whether the interlocutor treats them well or badly, how he reacted to their words.
  • Inability to empathize. They are indifferent and do not show emotions in communication.
  • Secretive, do not show their inner world. They open up only to like-minded people.
  • Unusual interests and hobbies. Reading literature of a certain genre, drawing churches, calligraphy, sometimes collecting (for example, only stamps with images of flowers).
  • Positive features: developed imagination, creativity, creativity, passion for non-team sports to improve your body (cycling, yoga), playing musical instruments (guitar, violin).
  • Flaws. Sometimes a tendency towards voyeurism or exhibitionism may appear; small doses of alcohol or recreational drugs may be taken to overcome shyness in communication.
  1. Cycloid type. Accentuation causes periodic changes in mood (periods lasting from several days to 2 weeks). Distinctive features:
  • Wave-like mood changes. Each phase can last 1-2 weeks. Sometimes there are breaks of “equilibrium” between them. Cycloid accentuation often occurs in adolescents and smoothes out with age.
  • Rising periods– a person is full of energy and desire to work. At this time, cycloids are cheerful and sociable, striving for leadership and achieving success in school and at work. They do not tolerate loneliness, boredom, or monotony.
  • Recession periods or subdepression– mood and performance decrease sharply. There is no desire to communicate or do anything, and drowsiness develops. They strive for loneliness, entertainment loses its appeal. They become too sensitive to criticism and vulnerable. Self-esteem sharply decreases, thoughts appear about one’s uselessness and inferiority.
  • Positive features: in the recovery phase, a person is full of strength and desire to work and communicate.
  • Flaws. Low activity in the decline phase. If the subdepressive phase is prolonged, thoughts of suicide may arise. Under unfavorable circumstances, accentuation can develop into bipolar disorder.
  1. Paranoid type. It is formed late - by the age of 30. Its main characteristics are persistence and perseverance in achieving goals. People with paranoid accentuation feel bad and are afraid of what others will think of them if they find out about their essence. As a result, they often experience fear and shame. Two personalities coexist in them, one they consider worthless and despise. The second is perceived as ideal and omnipotent. Between these two poles, an internal conflict occurs that exhausts a person. Distinctive features:
  • Projection of one's own character traits onto other people. Attribute their thoughts and intentions to them. This leads to them seeing anger and envy in others. They constantly try to recognize ill will in the behavior of others.
  • Self-obsession. They are selfish, constantly think about themselves, and experience their own internal conflict.
  • Excessive sensitivity to comments criticism, refusals.
  • Grumpiness And constant desire stand up for your rights, even if they have not been infringed.
  • Unreasonable jealousy, suspicions of conspiracies.
  • Inability to refuse. They do not know how to say “no”, but prefer to make promises and not keep them.
  • Tendency towards exclusivity and uniqueness in clothing and hobbies.
  • Positive features: persistent and purposeful. They have unconventional thinking, are smart, and well-read. Able to analyze and foresee the results of their own and others’ actions. They have a sense of style. They can deny themselves excesses for the sake of an idea.
  • Flaws: tendency to hypercontrol over loved ones, suspicion, aversion to people.
  1. Unstable (rampant) type. People with an unstable type are distinguished by a desire to have fun. Distinctive features:
  • Laziness and weakness of will. It's hard to force yourself to do something that doesn't bring you pleasure. Under any pretext, they avoid work or imitate work activity.
  • Emotional instability. Any event causes a short-term surge of emotions. Therefore, they need frequent changes of impressions.
  • Need for strict control. Only the knowledge that the result of their work will be controlled can force them to complete the task. However, strict control makes them want to run away or quit.
  • Tendency to obey an informal leader. They show lack of independence even in the search for entertainment. They follow the lead of others and do what is suggested to them.
  • Positive features. Carefree, curious, optimistic about the future.
  • Flaws. Constant search for thrills increases the risk of developing drug addiction and alcoholism. They love speed, which increases the risk of accidents when driving a car or motorcycle. Prone to gambling.

Labile type

People experience frequent unpredictable mood swings that occur for any unimportant reason (they didn’t like the tone or look of their interlocutor). Distinctive features:
  • Mood swings. Mood changes are sharp and profound. People don't just get upset, they fall into despair, and then half an hour later they can experience genuine joy. Their well-being and performance, their idea of ​​their own future and the structure of the world largely depend on these changes. So, if a person is in high spirits, then he feels great, is friendly even to unfamiliar people, and is optimistic about the future. If your mood has dropped, then everything takes on a negative connotation.
  • High sensitivity to praise and criticism. Praise causes joy and stimulates new achievements, but criticism can cause despondency and abandonment of activities.
  • Sociability. They are drawn to their peers and are in dire need of communication. They become attached to people and suffer greatly from the breakdown of relationships.
  • Positive features: sincere, spontaneous, positive, devoted. This accentuation rarely progresses into the phase of psychopathy.
  • Flaws. They endure losses hard and have extremely low resistance to stress. If they are not ready to deal with difficulties, they may give up on the goal.

Conformal type

People with conformal type accentuation tend to trust their environment and follow it. Distinctive features:
  • Submission to the majority opinion. Tend to agree with the opinion of the majority in the group to which they belong. There is no critical thinking; they do not analyze how the group decision corresponds to the norms of morality and law.
  • Following fashion. Stick to fashion trends in clothing, choice of hobby or profession.
  • The desire to be “like everyone else.” The reluctance to stand out from the group encourages you to be no worse than others in your studies and work. At the same time, they do not have the desire to take the place of a leader, to become better than the majority.
  • Conservatism. They tend to adhere to the established order imposed by the majority.
  • They have a hard time breaking up with the group. Expulsion from the group, conflict with its leaders and loss of authority cause serious psychological trauma.
  • Positive features. They are successful in a positive environment. This accentuation extremely rarely becomes the basis of mental disorders.
  • Flaws. They do not show independence, independence, or initiative. They experience hostility towards people of other nationalities, towards strangers in the group. When they find themselves in bad company, they follow the lead, consume drugs and alcohol, and break the law.

Astheno-neurotic type

People with an astheno-neurotic type of accentuation are characterized by rapid fatigue, irritability and a tendency to hypochondria. Distinctive features:
  • Hard to bear mental and physical exercise (exams, dissertation defense, competitions). Severe fatigue is caused by mental and emotional stress. They also feel tired from noisy companies and active recreation. If possible, try to avoid stress.
  • Irritability, appearing against a background of fatigue. Its manifestations are short-term and not too strong flares anger, which are associated with increased fatigue of the nervous system. Against this background, sleep deteriorates and appetite disappears.
  • Tendency to hypochondria is characteristic of this type of accentuation. They love to be treated, enjoy bed rest, and listen to bodily sensations. They note the connection - the higher the state of health, the better condition nervous system. And against the background of a nervous shock, a real, and not a fictitious, illness can develop.
  • Positive features. Attachment to loved ones, kindness, good intellectual development, conscientiousness.
  • Flaws. The risk of developing neurosis and neurasthenia, they react painfully to jokes addressed to them, high fatigue prevents them from studying well and working productively.

Psychasthenic type

People with psychasthenic accentuation are prone to introspection. Distinctive features:
  • Reflection– attention is directed inward. They tend to analyze their feelings, actions, emotions.
  • Indecisiveness. Avoid situations in which a choice must be made.
  • Striving to live up to expectations, which are placed on them by family, friends, and superiors. A developed sense of responsibility, combined with increased fatigue, causes a constant internal conflict between “should” and “can”, which depletes mental strength.
  • Development of obsessions. Obsessive thoughts, memories, fears, actions, rituals, superstitions that appear regardless of a person’s desire and cause negative emotions.
  • Experiences directed towards the future. They are afraid that something bad might happen to them or their loved ones in the future.
  • Pedantry. They strictly follow the rules. These rules can be generally accepted (traffic rules, fire safety) or invented by them. The goal is to protect yourself from trouble.
  • Positive features: kindness, affection for loved ones, adherence to moral principles, high intelligence, developed imagination.
  • Flaws: indecisiveness, tendency to obsessive-compulsive neurosis.

  1. Hyperthymic type. The main feature people with a hyperthymic type of accentuation are optimistic, and short-term outbursts of anger are very rare. Distinctive features:
  • A good mood often without good reason - a distinctive feature of hyperteams, which makes them the life of the party.
  • Energetic, active, resilient. Everything is done quickly. Sometimes the quality of work may suffer.
  • Talkative. They like to tell stories, exaggerate, and sometimes embellish the truth.
  • Sociable. They love to communicate and make new acquaintances. They strive to command. They love jokes and practical jokes.
  • Positive features: high vitality, optimism, endurance to physical and mental stress, stress resistance.
  • Flaws: indiscriminate choice of acquaintances, risk of regular consumption of alcoholic beverages. They are restless and do not like work that requires accuracy. They are wasteful, they can borrow and not pay back. Among people with hyperthymic accentuation, there is an addiction to petty theft.

Sensitive type

Very sensitive, yet reliable, serious and silent. Mainly depressed mood.
  • Impressionability. Even in adulthood, they remain extremely susceptible to all external stimuli. They tolerate stress and conflicts very hard and endure them for a long time.
  • Difficulty managing oneself in stressful situations. If this situation drags on for a long time, they can become very angry. Which they later regret. In critical situations they are capable of courageous actions.
  • Diffidence. They picture a strict “I-ideal” in their imagination and worry that they don’t live up to it in real life.
  • Pessimism. They see the future in dark colors.
  • Concerns about how others treat them. They worry about what other people will think about them. They are afraid of criticism and ridicule.
  • Positive features: conscientiousness, diligence, loyalty.
  • Flaws: passivity, unpredictability in a stressful situation.

Combinations of types of accentuations

ABOUT mixed accentuations They say when not one, but several traits in a person’s character become stronger. It is these options that are found in the vast majority of cases of accentuation.
The most common mixed accentuations character:
  • Hyperthymic + conformal;
  • Labile + cycloid;
  • Sensitive + schizoid;
  • Sensitive + astheno-neurotic + psychasthenic;
  • Hysteroid + epileptoid.

Classification of accentuations according to Leonard

German psychologist Karl Leonhard divided all character traits into basic and additional. Basics are the core of personality. They are responsible for her mental health. If one of these traits is strengthened (accentuated), then it determines a person’s behavior. When exposed to unfavorable factors, pathology may develop.
Group Type of accentuation Characteristic
temperament how to nature education Emotive Kind, compassionate, humane, values ​​close friends, peace-loving, executive, has a heightened sense of duty. But at the same time he is characterized by timidity, tearfulness and shyness.
Affectively exalted Sociable, amorous, has good taste, attentive to loved ones, altruistic, capable of high feelings. But at the same time, he is prone to panic, gets lost under stress, and is subject to mood swings.
Affectively labile Soft, vulnerable, capable of empathy, has high moral principles. But he is prone to sharp cyclical mood swings, which determine his relationships with people. Does not tolerate loneliness, indifference, or rudeness.
Anxious Friendly, loyal, efficient, self-critical. The mood is often low, timid, does not defend his interests, and needs support.
Dysthymic (hypothymic) Conscientious, serious, taciturn, highly values ​​friends. But at the same time, he is an individualist, closed, prone to pessimism, and passive.
Hyperthymic Sociable, optimistic, active, resilient, hardworking, does not lose control in stressful situations. Frivolous, rarely finishes what he starts. Does not tolerate loneliness and strict control.
Types of accentuations related to character how to social education Excitable Characterized by mood swings and violent outbursts of anger. In a calm state, caring, conscientious, neat. During outbursts of anger, he has poor control over his state and is irritable.
Stuck Responsible, stress-resistant, persistent, resilient, makes high demands on himself and others. But at the same time suspicious, touchy, boring, jealous, somewhat conflicted. He does not tolerate it when someone else claims to take his place.
Pedantic Neat, strictly adheres to the rules, reliable, conscientious, peaceful. But boringness, grumbling, and not working - bureaucracy are often noted.
Demonstrative Artistic, charismatic, sociable, has a developed imagination, strives for leadership. But at the same time he is vain and prone to lies, selfish. He does not tolerate it when he is not given attention, and suffers if his authority is undermined.
Types of accentuations related to personalities generally Extroverted Sociable, friendly, attentive, efficient, always ready to listen, does not pretend to be a leader. But at the same time, he is talkative, frivolous, easily falls under the influence of others, and is prone to rash, impulsive actions.
Introverted Principled, restrained, immersed in his inner world, morally developed, distinguished by a rich imagination. But at the same time he is closed, stubborn, defends his point of view, even if he turns out to be wrong. Does not tolerate interference in his personal life.

Classification of accentuations according to Lichko

Soviet psychiatrist Andrei Lichko viewed accentuations as temporary enhancements of character traits that can appear and disappear in childhood and adolescence. At the same time, he recognized the possibility of maintaining accentuations throughout life and turning them into psychopathy. Since Lichko considered accentuations to be a borderline option between normality and psychopathy, his classification is based on types of psychopathy.
Type of accentuation Characteristic
Hyperthymic Cheerful, active, optimistic, self-confident, strives for leadership, resourceful, enterprising. Disadvantages: frivolous, restless, inattentive, does not take his duties responsibly enough, can be irritable.
Labile Empathy is well developed, he feels the emotions of others and their attitude towards himself. Experiences severe mood swings for minor reasons. Needs support from loved ones.
Cycloid Cyclically changing mood ups and downs. The frequency is several weeks. During periods of recovery, sociable, energetic, joyful, energetic. During the recession – apathetic, irritable, sad.
Astheno-neurotic Disciplined, neat. There is increased mental fatigue, which makes a person irritable and overly concerned about his health.
Psychasthenic (anxious and suspicious) Intellectually developed. He is prone to reflection, introspection, and evaluation of his actions and the actions of others. Inflated self-esteem is combined with indecision. In moments of crisis, he can commit rash acts. Cons: petty, despotic, prone to developing obsessive actions.
Sensitive (sensitive) High sensitivity to joyful and frightening moments. Obedient, diligent, responsible, calm, makes high moral demands on himself and others. Cons: uncommunicative, suspicious, whiny, difficult to adapt to a new team.
Epileptoid (inert-impulsive) Strives for leadership, likes to set rules, enjoys authority among management and among peers. Tolerates conditions of harsh discipline well. Cons: can offend the weak, establishes cruel rules, irritable.
Schizoid (introverted) Closed, prefers loneliness or communication with elders. Cons: indifferent, unable to show sympathy and empathy.
Unstable Sociable, open, courteous, eager to have fun. Cons: laziness, unwillingness to work and study. Prone to consuming alcohol, drugs, and gambling.
Hysterical (demonstrative) Artistic, impulsive, proactive, sociable, loves attention, strives to take a leading position, but is not able to achieve authority. Cons: self-centered, prone to lies. The behavior is unnatural and pretentious.
Conformal Lacks criticality and initiative, tends to obey outside opinions. Strives not to be different from the rest of the group. To please the group, he can commit unseemly acts, while he is inclined to justify himself.
Paranoid Characteristic features develop by age 30. In childhood, he manifests himself as a teenager with epileptoid or schizoid accentuation. Self-esteem is significantly inflated, ideas about one’s exclusivity and genius appear.
Emotionally labile She suffers from frequent and severe mood swings, needs support, and has a good sense of how people treat her. Cons: emotionally unstable.

Character accentuation test according to Shmishek

Personality questionnaire, developed by G. Shmishek, is designed to identify character accentuations. It is based on the classification of accentuations developed by Leonhard. The adult character accentuation test according to Shmishek consists of 88 questions. Each of them must be answered yes (+) or no (-). It is not recommended to think about questions for a long time, but to answer as it seems to you. this moment. The children's version of the test is similar and differs only in the wording of the questions.

Each of the 88 questions characterizes some emphasized feature.

  1. Hyperthymia
  2. Distinctiveness
  3. Cyclothymic
  4. Excitability
  5. Jam
  6. Emotivity
  7. Exaltation
  8. Pedantry
  9. Demonstrativeness
The results obtained are processed using a key. For each trait, the scores are summed up and multiplied by the coefficient corresponding to this trait.
Scale 1 point is awarded for Coefficient
The answer is yes The answer is no
Hyperthymia 1, 11, 23, 33, 45, 55, 67, 77 3
Distinctiveness 9, 21, 43, 74, 87 31, 53, 65 3
Cyclothymic 6, 18, 28, 40, 50, 62, 72, 84 3
Excitability 20, 30, 42, 52, 64, 75, 86 3
Jam 2, 15, 24, 34, 37, 56, 68, 78, 81 12, 46, 59 2
Emotivity 3, 13, 35, 47, 57, 69, 79 25 3
Exaltation 10, 32, 54, 76 6
Anxiety 6, 27, 38, 49, 60, 71, 82 5 3
Pedantry 4, 14, 17, 26, 36, 48, 58, 61, 70, 80, 83 39 2
Demonstrativeness 7, 19, 22, 29, 41, 44, 63, 66, 73, 85, 88 51 2
Each scale is assigned a score, from 0 to 24.
  • 0-6 – the trait is not expressed.
  • 7-12 – the trait is moderately expressed;
  • 13-18 – severity above average;
  • 19-24 – accentuated feature.
Based on the points obtained, a graph is constructed, which is also very important, since it makes it possible to characterize the personality in general terms.

Features of accentuation in adolescents

Personality accentuations are formed in adolescence. In the same period they manifest themselves especially clearly. The reason for this is the impulsiveness of adolescents and the inability to control their emotions and actions. Some personality accentuations are present in 90-95% of adolescents.

The very presence of an enhanced character trait is not dangerous, but it makes the teenager extremely sensitive to external situations and internal conflicts, and affects relationships with parents and peers. The same accentuations under unfavorable conditions can become a cause of crime, and under the right approach and the right choice of profession will help you achieve success in life.

It is important for parents to know about the presence of character accentuation in a teenager in order to help him adapt to life and build a parenting style that will be as effective as possible. The task of parents is to develop qualities and skills in a teenager that will smooth out the accentuated character trait.

Hysterical type

“Class stars”, activists, participate in all events. They are distinguished by their artistry and desire to stand out from others. They don’t like it if the praise goes to someone else. They react exaggeratedly emotionally to all events (they sob bitterly in front of the audience).
Distinctive feature. Playing for the crowd constant need in attention, recognition or sympathy.

Characteristic
As long as they feel loved and all attention is on them, behavior problems will not arise. In everyday life, they attract attention to themselves in every possible way. This is defiant behavior, expressive manner of speaking and bright clothes. They take credit for their achievements. They may boast that they drank a lot and ran away from home. They lie often, mostly their fantasies concern their own person. They cannot stand it when the attention of others is switched to others (a newbie in class, a newborn, a stepfather). They can take actions to get rid of a competitor, “out of spite”, commit actions that their parents obviously will not like. They verbally defend independence, sometimes with scandals, but they need care and do not strive to get rid of it.

Problems
Often behavior problems are an attempt to get the attention of parents. They have suicidal tendencies, but the goal is not to commit suicide, but to avoid punishment or achieve sympathy. Suicide attempts are demonstrative and not dangerous. They are easily suggestible and risk falling into “bad” company. Can drink alcohol, but not large quantities. There are cases of minor offenses (fraud, absenteeism, petty theft). Demonstrative and frivolous behavior, revealing clothing and the desire to show one’s maturity can provoke sexual violence.

Positive sides. If they are held up as an example, they become very diligent. They study well, especially in junior classes. Artistic, successful in dancing, vocals, and speaking.

How to interact

  • Encourage people to say only good things about others.
  • Praise only for real achievements.
  • Giving a task is to help a peer be the center of attention. For example, prepare a number in which someone else will be the soloist.

Epileptoid type

Personality properties are determined by the passivity of processes occurring in the nervous system. Teenagers with such accentuation are touchy and stay stuck on resentment for a long time.

Distinctive feature. Periods of severe irritability and hostility towards others, lasting up to several days.

Characteristic
Teenagers with epileptoid accentuation are distinguished by their stubborn and unyielding character. They are vindictive and do not forget insults. They put personal interests first and do not take into account the opinions of others. The company is trying to become leaders by uniting the younger and weaker around them. Since they are despotic, their power rests on fear. The process of growing up is problematic. Teenagers can demand not only freedom, but also their share of property. Sometimes they get angry and cry for hours. Strong emotions provoke attacks of anger and aggression. During attacks, adolescents look for a “victim” on whom to pour out their emotions. During these attacks they can reach the point of sadism.

Problems.
Suicidal attempts as a reaction to “unfair” punishment. Tend to drink alcohol in large quantities “to the point of memory loss.” They do not remember the actions they perform in this state. But they rarely consume other toxic drugs. During puberty, they experience a strong sexual desire, which can lead to the development of perversions. There is a predilection for lighting firecrackers and making fires.

Positive sides.
Discipline, accuracy. They know how to win over teachers. They feel comfortable in conditions of strict discipline (boarding school, camp). They love and know how to make anything.
How to interact

  • Provide safety and mental comfort to reduce irritability and aggression.
  • Demand strict adherence to the rules established at home (do not give unsolicited advice, do not interrupt). This will allow parents to gain the status of “strong” in the eyes of the teenager.

Schizoid type

This type of accentuation manifests itself even in preschool age: children prefer playing alone to communicating with peers.

Distinctive feature isolation, immersion in a world of fantasy.
Characteristic
They prefer to fantasize and engage in their hobbies, which are usually highly specialized (they sculpt soldiers from plasticine, embroider birds). They do not know how and do not want to establish emotional contact and communicate. They don't express their emotions. They are closed, do not share their experiences, do not reveal their inner world. They consciously choose loneliness and do not suffer from the lack of friends. Difficulties in communication are associated with a lack of understanding of the feelings of others: “I don’t know if this person likes me, how he reacted to my words.” At the same time, they are not interested in the opinions of others. They are not able to rejoice with friends or empathize with the grief of others. They are not tactful, they do not understand when to remain silent and when to insist on their own. The speech is florid, statements are often with subtext, which further complicates communication.
Problems. You may develop a tendency to take narcotic drugs to enhance fantasies and immerse yourself in your imaginary world. Occasionally they can commit illegal actions (theft, damage to property, sexual violence), and they think through their actions to the smallest detail.
Positive sides. Developed imagination, rich inner world, stable interests.
How to interact

  • Encourage activities in theater studio– this will help the teenager learn to express emotions and actively use facial expressions. Encourage dancing and martial arts or other sports that train plasticity. They will teach you how to control your body and make your movements less abrupt and angular.
  • Encourage being in the center. A teenager should periodically feel like he is in the role of an animator, responsible for entertaining others. For example, by entertaining his younger brother and his friends, he will learn to speak loudly and emotionally. Learn to read the reaction to your actions.
  • Instill a sense of style. It is necessary to teach a teenager to take care of his appearance and fashion.
  1. Cycloid. Cheerful, sociable and active children in adolescence experience long (1-2 weeks) periods of low mood, loss of strength, and irritability. These are called the subdepressive phase. During these periods, teenagers are no longer interested in former hobbies and communication with peers. Problems begin in school due to decreased performance.
Distinctive feature– alternating cycles of high mood with apathy and loss of strength.
Characteristic
A lack of perseverance, patience and attention leads to the fact that teenagers with cycloid accentuation poorly perform monotonous, scrupulous work. In the subdepressive phase, they do not tolerate changes in their usual way of life. Become very sensitive to failures and criticism. Their self-esteem drops significantly. They look for and find flaws in themselves and get very upset about it. During periods of recovery, they do not like loneliness - they are open, friendly and need communication. The mood improves and a thirst for activity appears. Against this background, academic performance improves. During periods of recovery, they try to catch up with lost time in their studies and hobbies.
Problems.
Serious problems in a teenager in the subdepressive stage can cause an emotional breakdown or even provoke a suicide attempt. They do not tolerate total control and may escape in protest. Absences from home can be either short or long. During periods of recovery, they become promiscuous in their acquaintances.
Positive sides: during the period of recovery, conscientiousness, accuracy, reliability, high productivity.

How to interact
It is necessary to be as tolerant and tactful as possible, especially when a teenager is going through a subdepressive phase.

  • Protect from emotional overload.
  • Avoid rudeness and insults, as this can provoke a serious nervous breakdown.
  • During periods of recovery, it is necessary to help channel energy into the right direction. Support a teenager in his passion, teach him to plan his time and finish what he starts.
  • Support him in the negative phase, increase his self-esteem, encourage him. Convince that the bad period will end soon.
Paranoid ( paronoid ) or stuck the type of accentuation in adolescents is not distinguished, since its features are formed later by the age of 25-30.
Distinctive feature- high sense of purpose.
Characteristic
Sets a goal and looks for means to achieve it. In adolescence, hostility towards others, as the main feature of this accentuation, does not manifest itself in any way. Future accentuation may be indicated by an exaggerated sense of self-esteem, ambition and perseverance. “Stuck” is also typical, when a teenager cannot move away from a state of affect (strong negative emotions) for a long time.

Unstable or uncontrollable.

Since childhood, such teenagers have been distinguished by disobedience and reluctance to learn. They need strict control. Fear of punishment is the main incentive to study and perform duties.

Distinctive feature - weak will, laziness and desire to have fun.
Characteristic
They love pleasure and need frequent changes of impressions. They avoid any work under various pretexts. This is especially noticeable when there is a need to study or run errands for parents. For them, only communication with friends seems attractive. On this basis, they risk ending up in an antisocial company. Easily susceptible to negative influence.
Problems associated with the desire to have fun. For this reason, people start drinking early and using various intoxicating drugs. The risk of developing drug addiction and alcoholism is quite high. “For fun” they can skip school, steal cars, break into other people’s apartments, commit thefts, etc. They have a tendency to wander.

Positive sides. Striving for positive emotions, cheerfulness.

How to interact

  • Need strict control. This applies to everything from homework to the quality of errands.
  • Management using the “carrot and stick” method. Discuss in advance what fines will be imposed for failure to complete tasks, and what bonuses the teenager will receive for quality work.
  • Encourage active activities sports and other ways to release energy.

Labile

Frequent and rapid mood swings from delight and wild joy to despondency and tears. Often the reasons for a change in mood are the most insignificant (bad weather, tangled headphones).

Distinctive feature– mood variability for unimportant reasons.
Characteristic
During periods of good mood, teenagers are talkative, active, and eager to communicate. But any little thing can ruin their mood and make them angry. At the same time, they may burst into tears, easily go into conflict, become lethargic and withdrawn.
Problems.
They are very dependent on people they value (close friends, parents). The loss of a loved one or his affection, separation from him, causes affect, neurosis or depression. Bad mood can cause a deterioration in health up to the development of real diseases (bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, migraines, nervous tics). They tolerate criticism and reproaches from teachers, parents, and close friends very poorly. They become withdrawn and react with tears.

Positive sides. Often talented. They have a deep inner world. Capable of strong affection and sincere friendship. They value people for their good attitude towards them. During periods of good mood, they are full of energy, desire to communicate, study and engage in hobbies. Empathy is developed - they unmistakably feel the attitude of others towards them.

How to interact

  • Show empathy and openness in communication. Let your teenager know that you share his feelings.
  • Provide the opportunity to care for the weaker, take care of younger family members, and volunteer.
  • Encourage to expand your social circle and meet peers in extracurricular activities.

Conformal

Extremely susceptible to outside influence. They change their opinions and behavior to please others. They are afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Distinctive feature– conformity, the desire to please others.
Characteristic
The basic desire to “be like everyone else” is manifested in clothing, behavior, and interests. If all your friends are into breakdancing, such a teenager will also do it. If the immediate environment (parents, friends) is prosperous, then such teenagers are no different from the rest and the accentuation is practically unnoticeable. If they fall under bad influence, they may break the rules and the law. They have a hard time bearing the loss of friends, but they can betray a friend for someone more authoritative. They are conservative and do not like changes in all areas. They rarely take initiative.

Problems
Having contacted bad company, they can become an alcoholic and become addicted to taking drugs. To avoid being accused of cowardice, they can commit actions that pose a danger to their health or harm other people. A ban on communicating with the company can provoke a scandal with parents or running away from home.

Positive sides. They value their surroundings. Attached to friends. They love stability and order.

How to interact

  • Offer to make your own choice, without relying on someone else’s opinion.
  • Make sure that the teenager is involved in various groups and has the opportunity to communicate with peers at school, in sports sections, and clubs. This reduces the likelihood that he will end up in bad company.
  • Help choose authorities who are truly worthy of emulation.

Astheno-neurotic

Teenagers with such accentuation are characterized by increased fatigue and irritability.
Distinctive feature– fears for your health, increased fatigue.
Characteristic
Mental and emotional stress quickly tires them. The result is irritability as teenagers take out their anger on whoever is at hand. Immediately after this, they feel ashamed of their behavior, they sincerely repent, and ask for forgiveness. Outbursts of anger are short-lived and not strong, which is associated with low activity of the nervous system. They are prone to hypochondria - they listen to bodily sensations, perceiving them as signs of illness. They love to be examined and treated. They attract attention by complaining.

Problems– high fatigue, risk of developing neurosis.

Positive sides. Kindness, empathy, high intelligence. Such teenagers do not experience running away from home, hooliganism or other illegal actions.

How to interact

  • Ignore outbursts of anger that occur against the background of nervous exhaustion.
  • Praising your successes and noticing even minor achievements will become a serious motivation.
  • Encourage them to play sports, do morning exercises, and take a contrast shower to improve the performance of the nervous system.
  • Use periods highest productivity(from 10 to 13) to complete the most difficult tasks.

Psychasthenic

Such teenagers are characterized by: suspiciousness, a tendency to introspection and fear of the future.
Distinctive feature high demands on oneself and fear of not meeting the expectations of others.

Characteristic
This type of accentuation is formed if parents place too much emphasis on the child. big hopes in studies or sports. The discrepancy between their expectations leaves an imprint on the character. Such teenagers have low self-esteem, they are tormented by feelings of guilt and fear of failure, which can further disappoint their parents. Teenagers suffer from increased anxiety. They are afraid that something terrible and irreparable might happen to them or their loved ones. As defense mechanism pedantry develops. Teenagers make up detailed plan actions, believe in omens, develop rituals that should ensure success (not washing your hair before an exam).

Problem. Risk of developing anxiety obsessive thoughts and actions that are prone to complications.

Positive sides. In critical situations they quickly find the right decision, are capable of a courageous act. Obedient, non-conflict people, as a rule, are quite successful in their studies and become good friends.

How to interact

  • Model frightening situations and offer to find a solution on your own. For example: “Suppose you are lost in a strange city. What will you do?"
  • Teach a constructive approach to problem solving. What to do? Who should I turn to for help? What to do to prevent what happened from happening again?

Hyperthymic

They are characterized as cheerful, noisy, restless. They find it difficult to concentrate on their studies and maintain discipline at school. Often become informal leaders among peers. They cannot tolerate strict control from adults and constantly struggle for independence.

Distinctive feature– optimism and high spirits, which often pushes them to play pranks.

Characteristic
They are very sociable and quickly become the center of any company. They don’t finish the job and are not constant in their hobbies. They make and break promises easily. Despite good abilities, they study mediocrely. They easily provoke conflicts, but they can smooth them out themselves. They quickly gain peace of mind after failures and quarrels. Outbursts of anger are short-lived.

Problems– unable to perform routine work that requires perseverance and intense attention. They are indiscriminate in their choice of acquaintances. If such teenagers find themselves in an unfavorable situation, they may develop an addiction to alcohol and soft drugs. They can commit illegal and antisocial acts (vandalism, hooliganism, petty theft). They are characterized by early sexual relationships. Prone to risk, extreme hobbies and gambling. Finding yourself in conditions of control and strict discipline (hospital, summer camp) can escape.

Positive sides. Energetic and tireless. They are cheerful and do not lose optimism in difficult circumstances. They find a way out in any situation.

How to interact
The task of adults is to accustom a teenager with hyperthymic accentuation to discipline and self-organization.

  • Avoid total control.
  • Advise your teenager to keep a diary, in which you need to write down your plans for the day and independently monitor their implementation.
  • Come up with a punishment for yourself for every task not completed.
  • Learn to maintain order on the table, in the closet, in the room. This will stimulate the teenager to systematize and analyze everything that happens.

Sensitive type

Signs of this accentuation can be noticed in childhood. Sensitive type manifests itself in numerous fears that replace each other.

Distinctive feature- hypersensitivity.

Characteristic
Teenagers experience everything that happens deeply and for a long time. Praise and criticism are deeply etched in their memory and have a significant impact on their self-esteem, behavior and actions. They are very shy and for this reason unsociable. They have difficulty getting used to the new team. They quickly get tired of mental work. Tests and exams cause them significant stress. They are also very worried about ridicule from their peers. Dreamy, prone to introspection. They are conscientious and have a developed sense of duty. Be sure to finish what you start. They are very worried about the results of their actions (controls, actions).

Problems. Tendency to self-flagellation and development of phobias. Tearfulness. Excessive demands on oneself can cause neurosis. A chain of failures can provoke a suicide attempt.

Positive sides. They are diligent in their studies and take all tasks responsibly. They strive to become a good friend and value their loved ones.

How to interact

  • Increase self-esteem and self-confidence. To do this, it is important to give feasible tasks that will not be too simple, otherwise their solution will not inspire self-respect.
  • Have long conversations to establish contact with the teenager.
  • Deserved praise and gratitude. Keep criticism to a minimum. Do not criticize qualities, do not attach labels - “lazy”, “sloppy”. Instead, indicate what needs to be done.
  • Encourage auto-training. Repeat formulas to increase self-esteem: “I feel calm and confident,” “I am brave and confident,” “I am an excellent speaker.”
Most teenagers have several accentuated character traits at once. Therefore, to determine accentuation, it is necessary to use the Schmishek test, and not be guided only by the presented description of accentuation.

Factors influencing the formation of personality accentuations


In the vast majority of cases, accentuation develops in childhood or adolescence. Its appearance is significantly influenced by inharmonious relationships with parents and conflicts with peers.
  • Overprotection and control from the parents and teachers. Promotes the emergence and aggravation of psychasthenic, sensitive, asthenic accentuation;
  • Lack of care and parental attention increases the risk of developing hysterical, unstable and conformist personality traits:
  • cruel attitude excessive severity and authoritarian style of communication provoke an increase in epileptoid traits;
  • Excessive demands on the child leads to psychasthenic accentuation of character;
  • Lack of emotional contact may cause an increase in labile, sensitive and asthenic traits;
  • Excessive attention to well-being And chronic diseases that disrupt the normal way of life. Big role play physical disabilities, defects in appearance and diseases of the nervous system. The result may be hysterical or astheno-neurotic accentuation;
  • Serious conflicts with peers in adolescence, when communication is most significant, they can cause the development of conformal or schizoid accentuation.
The development of any type of accentuation can be facilitated by:
  • Inability to satisfy basic needs for love, care, safety, communication;
  • Lack of concepts about moral and cultural norms, interests and hobbies;
  • Misconception about yourself - inferiority complex, inflated self-esteem;
  • Professional factors . Work-related accentuations often occur among actors, teachers, doctors of certain specialties, law enforcement officers and the military;
  • Genetic predisposition. Features of the functioning of the nervous system are passed on from parents to children. This is especially true for hyperthymic, cycloid and schizoid accentuation. Therefore, if parents have an accentuated character trait, then there is a high probability that it will be found in the child. Improper upbringing and parental behavior can significantly enhance innate accentuated traits.

Methods for treating accentuations of various types


Treatment of accentuation is based on smoothing the enhanced features. Correction is necessary if the accentuation of the personality violates it social adaptation. If normally a person changes his behavior depending on the situation and goals of the activity, then people with pronounced accentuation constantly demonstrate an enhanced character trait, which interferes with themselves and those around them. Although it is impossible to change character, a person can learn to restrain its negative manifestations. Self-improvement and psychocorrection can help with this.

Work on yourself

People with accentuation of character rarely seek help from a psychologist, preferring to work independently.
To correct accentuated traits, training is necessary that develops character traits opposite to the accented one. At the same time, the development of new behavior patterns and personality harmonization occurs.
To correct pronounced character accentuations, exercises have been developed that must be performed daily.
  1. Hysterical type
  • "Calm Quiet Speech". Adopt the manner of speaking of a phlegmatic person (quiet speech, minimum facial expressions and gestures). Think about what you want to say. State the facts, not your emotions about what is happening.
  • "Good deeds". Try to do them quietly and not tell anyone about what you did. Observe the person's reaction without expressing yourself.
  • "Invisible". When you are in a company for an hour, try to sit silently, observing those around you. Resist attempts to engage you in conversation.
  • Do auto-training daily. The goal is to love yourself for who you are and increase your self-esteem. When you achieve this, the praise and attention of others will not seem vital.
  1. Epileptoid type.
  • Forgive and let go of grudges. Realize that grievances are harmful to the mental and physical health the one who is offended.
  • Train tolerance and kindness to people. Smile at people you know when you meet, or try to show a readiness to smile on your face.
  • Show generosity take part in charity events.
  • "Active Listening" Listen to the other person kindly, without interrupting or arguing. Encourage speaking in phrases: “I understand you,” “I know this.”
  • Put yourself in others' shoes. This exercise must be done daily. It is important to put yourself in the shoes of the person with whom you want to argue.
  1. Schizoid type.
  • Learn to copy another person's facial expressions and determine his emotion. For this exercise you will need the help of someone close to you.
  • "Calm kindness" will in the best style communication with others. Such an even attitude towards your interlocutor must be practiced daily when communicating with loved ones. Avoid being too friendly or hostile.
  • « Choleric game" Try to speak louder, faster, more impulsively. Express your opinion during the conversation. Do it kindly with a smile on your face.
  1. Cycloid type.

  • Keep a diary. It is necessary for planning and describing your emotions and experiences. During periods of decline, it is useful to reread how the same people and events were perceived during periods of emotional upsurge. This helps to realize that difficulties are temporary.
  • Ask yourself a question, “What can I change in myself so that my negative qualities do not interfere with me and others?”
  1. Paranoid type.
  • Double check your motives Don't trust other people's first impressions.
  • “An hour without comments.” For a while, completely abandon criticism and moralizing.
  • Attend training on communication behavior. Read relevant literature and apply knowledge in life.
  • Learn practices that force you to be “here and now”- meditation, yoga, zen.
  • "Compliment". Develop the habit of saying something good to your loved ones every day.
  1. Unstable type.
  • “I can + I want.” This exercise will help you cope with laziness and force yourself to do the necessary things. If you don’t want to do something, you need to ask yourself the question: “Can I do this? Am I capable of this? The second question: “Do I want to?” And you can want long-term consequences– I want a salary, so I get a job; I want a slim, healthy body, so I go to the gym.
  • Increased motivation. Think about what you really want. Write down the goal. Break the path to it into stages and take action. A strong desire (a car, a vacation) will force you to move forward.
  1. Labile type.
  • Rational approach to problem solving. At any unpleasant situation answer the questions: why did this happen? (what is the reason) what can be done now? (where to start), how to correct the situation? (long-term plans), what can be done to prevent this from happening again?
  • "Mood Diary". Keep a diary in which you indicate when and for what reason your mood change occurred.
  • Separate the rational and the emotional. It is important to accept and love both of these sides of yourself. Treat your “emotional” self with indulgence, but don’t let your emotions control your actions.
  • Autotraining, which will help balance processes in the nervous system. This will make you less sensitive to situations that make you angry and will help you control your emotions.
  1. Conformal type.
  • Develop critical thinking. Consider whether the statement might be a lie. What consequences might there be if you do what they suggest to you?
  • Offer. Try not to immediately agree with what is offered to you. Voice a counteroffer. When they tell you, let's go to the cinema, suggest going to a cafe.
  • Try something new. Try new dishes, buy clothes in a new style for you, visit places you have never been to, communicate with people outside your circle.
  1. Astheno-neurotic type.
  • "Superman". Imagine that you have superpowers. Feel the change internal state. The purpose of the exercise is to look, move, talk, feeling your importance and exclusivity. The goal is to keep the image as long as possible.
  • Meeting new people. Set a goal - to meet a new person and start a short conversation with him.
  • Add some humor. Don't silently swallow ridicule. Learn to answer them with humor; self-irony is also acceptable. To develop a sense of humor, read more humorous literature and watch comedy programs.
  1. Psychasthenic type.
  • Imagine that what you fear has happened. Calmly think through your plan of action in this situation.
  • Move away from the established order. Don’t follow your usual rituals (walk on the left side of the street, don’t step on cracks) to make sure nothing bad happens;
  • "Face exercise." In people with psychasthenic accentuation, the muscles of the forehead and the muscles that lower the corners of the mouth are constantly tense. It is necessary to make grimaces depicting positive emotions (surprise, joy, delight).
  1. Hyperthymic type.
  • Get things in order. Spend 15 minutes every day to tidy up your desk and closet. This helps to organize your thoughts.
  • Follow through. Make a promise to yourself to finish what you started, no matter what happens. Be sure to complete it, and then move on to other activities.
  • Diary. Planning will help you systematize tasks, set priorities, and complete what you started on time. Be sure to indicate exact deadlines for completing each task. Test yourself and reward for success.
  1. Sensitive type.
  • "Winner". Praise yourself for every success. Break big things down into stages and don’t forget to thank yourself for each successfully completed period.
  • "My virtues." You need to make a poster on which you list all the virtues that you value in yourself or that people pay attention to. It is advisable to post it in a visible place.
  • Play the role of the joker. Learn funny stories and jokes to tell in company. Gradually, this will cause less and less psychological discomfort when speaking in front of the public.
The main principle of correction is that you need to do little by little, but every day, what you are not used to, what the accentuated trait resists. Such exercises allow you to smooth out the roughness of your character and make you a harmoniously developed personality.

Help from a psychologist

Psychological correction Personality accentuations usually take from 3 months to several years. It includes working with a psychologist and self-execution tasks. Main directions:
  • Individual conversations– the psychologist points out accentuated character traits and the most vulnerable places of the individual. Shows how to effectively use character strengths. Teaches how to change the way you react and behave in various social situations.
  • Group classes. Select a group of people with similar accentuations or choose a topic that would be useful to everyone. The psychologist teaches productive models of behavior in various situations, rules of communication with others, and the intricacies of relationships with family members. The conversation is illustrated with examples from life, and the lesson includes practical tasks for each type of accentuation.
  • Family therapy – conversation with family members. Aimed at establishing relationships with loved ones and improving psychological atmosphere in family. One of the main methods when working with teenagers.
  • Psychological trainings active training that teaches correct behavior patterns in various situations.
  • Psychodrama method– a group method of psychotherapy based on playing out an exciting situation (imaginary or real events). Helps to develop the correct model of behavior and communication with people in various situations.
It is important to remember that character accentuation is not a pre-disease. This is the strengthening of certain character traits that make a person more vulnerable to certain influences, but these same traits provide increased resilience

Character- this is an individual combination of the most stable, significant personality traits, manifested in a person’s behavior in a certain relationship: to himself, to other people, to the assigned task. IN character reflects strong-willed qualities.

Individual character traits depend on each other, are connected with each other and form whole organization which is called character structure. IN There are two groups of traits. Under character trait understand certain features of a person’s personality that are systematically manifested in various types of his activities and by which one can judge his possible actions in certain conditions. The first group includes traits that express the orientation of the individual (attitudes, needs, ideals, etc.). The second group includes intellectual, volitional and emotional character traits.

Z. Freud, analyzing the typology of individual characters (when within the same culture one personality differs from another), noted that the usual ways of adapting the “I” to the outside world, the “Id” and the “Super-Ego”, as well as typical combinations These ways together form a character.

Character is a fusion of innate properties of higher nervous activity with individual traits acquired during life. People with any type of temperament can be truthful, kind, tactful or, conversely, deceitful, evil, rude. However, with a certain temperament, some traits are acquired more easily, others more difficult. For example, organization and discipline are easier for phlegmatic people to develop than for choleric people; kindness, responsiveness - melancholic. Be a good organizer sociable person easier for sanguine and choleric people. However, it is unacceptable to justify one’s character defects by innate properties or temperament. You can be responsive, kind, tactful, and self-possessed regardless of your temperament.

Among character properties, it is customary to distinguish between general (global) and private (local). Global character properties have an effect on a wide range of behavioral manifestations. It is customary to distinguish five global character traits (A. G. Shmelev, M. V. Bodunov, W. Norman, etc.):

  • 1) self-confidence - uncertainty;
  • 2) agreement, friendliness - hostility;
  • 3) consciousness - impulsiveness;
  • 4) emotional stability - anxiety;
  • 5) intellectual flexibility - rigidity.

Among local, private character traits that influence private, narrow situations, the following can be distinguished: sociability - isolation, dominance (leadership) - subordination, optimism - despondency, conscientiousness - dishonesty, courage - caution, impressionability - thick skin, gullibility - suspicion, daydreaming - practicality , anxious vulnerability - calm serenity, delicacy - rudeness, independence - conformism (dependence on the group), self-control - impulsiveness, passionate enthusiasm - apathetic lethargy, peacefulness - aggressiveness, active activity - passivity, flexibility - rigidity, demonstrativeness - modesty, ambition - unpretentiousness , originality - stereotyping.

Accentuation of character is the exaggerated development of certain character traits to the detriment of others, as a result of which a person’s interaction with other people deteriorates. The severity of accentuation can vary: from mild, noticeable only to the immediate environment, to extreme variants - psychopathy. Unlike psychopathy, character accentuations appear inconsistently; over the years they can significantly smooth out and get closer to normal. German psychiatrist Karl Leonhard identifies 12 types of accentuation. Let's give brief description behavioral characteristics depending on the types of accentuation:

  • 1. Hyperthymic (hyperactive) type: excessively high spirits, talkative, energetic, independent, strives for leadership, risks, adventures, ignores punishments, loses the line of what is permitted, lacks self-criticism.
  • 2. Dysthymic type: constantly low mood, sadness, isolation, taciturnity, pessimism, is burdened by noisy society, does not get along well with colleagues. He rarely enters into conflicts; more often he is a passive party in them.
  • 3. Cycloid type: sociability changes cyclically (high during periods of elevated mood and low during periods of depression). Increased vulnerability during periods of depression, up to suicidal thoughts and attempts.
  • 4. Emotive (emotional) type: excessive sensitivity, vulnerability, overly sensitive to comments, failures, so he is most often in a sad mood.
  • 5. Demonstrative type: a pronounced desire to be in the center of attention and achieve one’s goals at any cost - tears, fainting, scandals, illnesses, boasting, dressing up, lies.
  • 6. Excitable type: increased irritability, incontinence, aggressiveness, gloominess, but flattery and helpfulness are possible.
  • 7. Stuck type:“gets stuck” on his feelings and thoughts, cannot forget grievances, and is prone to protracted conflicts.
  • 8. Pedantic type: pronounced boringness; exhausts his family with his neatness.
  • 9. Anxious (psychasthenic) type: low mood, fears for oneself, loved ones, self-doubt, extreme indecision.
  • 10. Exalted (labile) type: very changeable mood; emotions are clearly expressed; talkativeness, amorousness.
  • 11. Introverted (schizoid) type: closed, communicates when necessary, self-absorbed, doesn’t say anything about himself, doesn’t reveal his experiences, reserved, cold.
  • 12. Extroverted (conformal) type: highly sociable, talkative, dependent, strives to be like everyone else, disorganized.

Character accentuations are often found in adolescents and young men (50-80%). The type of accentuation or its absence can be determined using special psychological tests, for example the G. Shmishek test.

If the accentuation of character intensifies, then a transition occurs to the level of pathology: neuroses or psychopathy (painful deformity of character, when a person’s relationships with others are sharply disrupted and the behavior of a psychopath can be socially dangerous).

They are pointed. One has only to create certain conditions, and conflicts of the same type may arise.

Personality accentuation is the hypertrophied development of some character traits against the background of others, which leads to disruption of relationships with others. If such a symptom is present, a person begins to show excessive sensitivity to certain factors that cause stressful state. This is despite the fact that the rest are relatively stable.

Accentuation may be so pronounced that its symptoms are barely noticeable to close people, but its level of manifestation may be such that doctors may consider making a diagnosis such as psychopathy. But the latter disease is characterized by constant manifestations and regular relapses. Or maybe over time it will smooth out and become close to normal state.

As practice shows, this symptom most often occurs in adolescents and young men (in approximately 70% of cases). Personality accentuation does not always manifest itself clearly, therefore it can be determined using specially designed psychological tests. During them, people may behave in a specific way, and it is important for the doctor to be able to anticipate such a reaction.

There are such personality types in psychology, which depend on the degree of manifestation of accentuation:

  1. The hyperthymic type is characterized by high mood, increased talkativeness, and sociability. People with this form of the disease, as a rule, very often lose the original thread of the conversation, do not respond to comments made and deny all punishments. They are very energetic, mobile, non-self-critical, and love unreasonable risks.
  2. The personality accentuation may be of the dysthymic type, which is the complete opposite of the previous one. A representative of this species is constantly depressed, sad and has a closed personality. He is burdened by noisy society, he does not get along closely with employees, and does not like communication. If he becomes a participant in conflicts (which happens extremely rarely), he acts as a passive party in them.
  3. characterized by frequent mood swings. If it is elevated, the person actively communicates, which makes him similar to a representative of the hyperthymic type. If a person is in a more depressed state, his behavioral reactions resemble people of the dysthymic type.
  4. Emotional Personality accentuation in this case manifests itself oversensitivity character, vulnerability. A person begins to deeply experience even minimal troubles, takes comments and criticism very painfully, is sensitive if he suffers failure, and therefore is often in a sad mood.
  5. The demonstrative type is always in the center of attention and achieves goals at any cost.
  6. A person of an excitable type is often unrestrained, hot-tempered, prone to rudeness and overly conflicted.
  7. Stuck type. Representatives are fixated on their feelings and emotions, act as an active party in conflicts, and are prone to protracted disputes.
  8. The pedantic type is characterized by “boring” in everything, from everyday life to professional activities.
  9. they fear for themselves and for those around them, are unsure of themselves, and take defeat seriously.
  10. The exalted type is characterized by mood swings, vivid emotions and talkativeness.
  11. Schizoid personality accentuation, as a rule, manifests itself in isolation, self-absorption, restraint and coldness in communication.
  12. The last type in this classification - extroverted - is characterized by an increased degree of talkativeness, lack of personal opinion, disorganization, and lack of independence.

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

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

The concept of character accentuation: definition, essence and degree of expression

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

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

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

Self concept of “character accentuation” was introduced by a German psychiatrist Karl Leonhard(or rather, he used the terms “accentuated personality” and “accentuated personality trait”). He also made the first attempt at their classification (it was presented to the scientific community in the second half of the last century). The term was later clarified A.E. Lichko, who by accentuations understood extreme variants of the norm of character, when some of his traits are excessively strengthened. According to the scientist, there is a selective vulnerability that relates to certain psychogenic influences (even in the case of good and high resistance). A.E. Lichko emphasized that, regardless of the fact that any accentuation, although it is an extreme option, is still the norm, and therefore it cannot be presented as a psychiatric diagnosis.

Degree of severity of accentuations

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

Degrees of severity of accentuations

Degree of expression Standard options Peculiarities
explicit extreme Accented features are well expressed and appear throughout a person’s individual life. Accented features are most often well compensated (even if not mental trauma), but maladjustment may occur in adolescence.
hidden ordinary Accentuations manifest themselves most often as a result of mental trauma or under the influence of a traumatic situation. In general, accentuated traits do not lead to disruption of adaptation (short-term maladjustment is occasionally possible).

Dynamics of personality character accentuation

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

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

Typology of character accentuations

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

Character accentuations according to Leonard

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

  • temperament (natural formation) included hyperthymic, dysthymic, affectively-labile, affectively-exalted, anxious and emotive types;
  • The scientist classified demonstrative, pedantic, stuck and excitable types as character (socially determined education);
  • At the personal level there were two types – extra- and introverted.

Character accentuations according to Leonard

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

K. Leonhard developed his typology of character accentuations based on an assessment of people’s interpersonal communication. Its classification is aimed primarily at adults. Based on Leonhard’s concept, a characterological questionnaire was developed, authored by H. Smišek. This questionnaire allows you to determine the dominant type of accentuation in a person.

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

Accentuations of character according to Lichko

Basis of classification A. Lichko were accentuations of character in adolescents, because he directed all his research on studying the characteristics of character manifestation in adolescence and the reasons for the appearance of psychopathy in this period. As Lichko argued, in adolescence, pathological character traits manifest themselves most clearly and find their expression in all areas of a teenager’s life (in family, school, interpersonal contacts, etc.). In a similar way appear and teenage accentuations character, for example, a teenager with a hyperthymic type of accentuation splashes his energy everywhere, with a hysterical type he attracts as much attention as possible, and with a schizoid type, on the contrary, he tries to protect himself from others.

According to Lichko, they are relatively stable during puberty, but when talking about this, it is necessary to remember the following features:

  • most types become more acute during adolescence, and this period is the most critical for the emergence of psychopathy;
  • all types of psychopathy are formed at a certain age (the schizoid type is determined from early years, the traits of a psychosthenic manifest themselves in primary school, the hyperthymic type is most clearly noticeable in adolescents, the cycloid type is mainly in youth (although in girls it can appear at the beginning of puberty), and the sensitive type is mainly formed by the age of 19);
  • the presence of a pattern of transformation of types in adolescence (for example, hyperthymic features can change to cycloid), under the influence of biological and social factors.

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

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

Accentuations of character according to Lichko

Type Characteristic
hyperthymic most often there is a good mood, sometimes short temper and irritability appear; good health, increased activity, energy, high performance
cycloid frequent mood changes (polar) – from depressive and irritable to calm and elated (alternating phases)
labile increased mood variability (and the reason may be the most insignificant), outwardly fragile and infantile, increased affectivity, need for friendship and
asthenoneurotic high fatigue, irritability, moodiness, suspiciousness, low concentration, weakness and increased level claims
sensitive high sensitivity and responsibility, instability of self-esteem, fearfulness, timidity, impressionability
psychasthenic increased suspiciousness (anxious), indecision, prudence, pedantry,
schizoid introversion, isolation, dryness (do not show empathy), low emotionality,
epileptoid a combination of inert traits and impulsive manifestations (painstakingness, accuracy, determination, suspicion, conflict and hostility)
hysterical emotionality, instability of self-esteem, need for increased attention
unstable characterized by weak will, inability to resist negative influences
conformal high comfort (adapts to the standards of behavior established in a particular group), therefore this type is characterized by stereotypes, banality, conservatism

Although A.E. Lichko studied mainly teenage accentuations of character; his typology is widely used to identify accentuations in adults.