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Hans Eysenck's Personality Theory

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Hans Eysenck's personality theory suggests that traits such as extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism, which he terms 'Super Traits', play a role in criminal behavior. These traits are believed to have biological underpinnings, with extraversion linked to the ARAS, neuroticism to the limbic system, and psychoticism potentially to testosterone levels. Eysenck's inventories, the EPI and EPQ, measure these traits to identify a 'criminal personality'.

Exploring Eysenck's Personality Theory and Its Implications for Criminality

Hans Eysenck's personality theory is a significant psychological model that categorizes human behavior into three primary dimensions: extraversion (E), neuroticism (N), and psychoticism (P). These dimensions, also known as 'Super Traits', are central to Eysenck's hypothesis on behavioral differences, including the propensity for criminal behavior. Extraversion is marked by traits such as sociability, liveliness, and a high need for stimulation. Neuroticism encompasses emotional instability and a predisposition to experience negative emotions more intensely. Psychoticism, which Eysenck added later, includes traits like a lack of empathy, aggressiveness, and a tendency towards solitary behavior. Eysenck theorized that individuals with elevated levels of these traits, especially psychoticism, may have an increased likelihood of engaging in criminal activities.
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The Biological Foundations of Eysenck's Personality Dimensions

Eysenck's personality theory integrates biological determinants with psychological constructs, suggesting that personality traits are rooted in biology. He associated extraversion with the activity of the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS), which regulates arousal and wakefulness. Eysenck posited that extraverts have a less reactive ARAS, prompting them to seek additional stimulation, whereas introverts have a more reactive ARAS, leading to a preference for less stimulation. Neuroticism, according to Eysenck, is linked to the limbic system's heightened sensitivity to stress, resulting in more intense emotional responses and unpredictability under stress. Furthermore, Eysenck correlated higher levels of testosterone with increased psychoticism, indicating a potential biological predisposition for this trait.

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00

The dimension of ______ is characterized by sociability and a need for high stimulation, while ______ involves emotional instability.

extraversion

neuroticism

01

Eysenck suggested that high levels of ______, which includes aggressiveness and a lack of empathy, may correlate with a higher risk of criminal behavior.

psychoticism

02

Eysenck's association of extraversion with ARAS activity

Extraverts have a less reactive ARAS, leading them to seek more stimulation.

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