» What is the name of the character trait when. The character of a person is his traits and qualities. Positive and negative character traits

What is the name of the character trait when. The character of a person is his traits and qualities. Positive and negative character traits

Behavior largely depends on what kind of characters a person has. Each has its own characteristics. Character is a set of series psychological properties(there are more than five hundred in total). But there are also certain nuances that appear in different situations and relationships. Character traits are divided into positive and negative, congenital and acquired. Each can tell a lot about a person.

Correct evaluation begins with determining what types of character people have. All traits are divided into five main groups:

Social

It includes features due to the relationship:

☑️ to yourself;

☑️ labor and sell it;

☑️ to society.

emotional

It includes:

☑️ expressiveness;

☑️ impressionability;

☑️ cheerfulness;

☑️ high and low emotionality;

☑️ impulsiveness;

☑️ impressiveness;

☑️ unstable emotionality.

Strong-willed

It includes:

☑️ purposefulness;

☑️ decisiveness;

☑️ persistence;

☑️ insecurity;

☑️ courage;

☑️ discipline;

☑️ independence.

intellectual

It includes:

☑️ prudence;

☑️ depth and flexibility of intellect;

☑️ resourcefulness;

☑️ mindset (practical or theoretical);

☑️ frivolity;

☑️ ingenuity;

☑️ curiosity;

☑️ mindfulness.

Moral

It includes these features:

☑️ rigidity;

☑️ kindness;

☑️ responsiveness;

☑️ honesty and similar qualities.

To draw up a psychological portrait, certain qualities are noted.

What are the personality traits of a person

The positives include:

☑️ adequacy, altruism, activity;

☑️ fearlessness, frugality, prudence, nobility;

☑️ generosity, good breeding, politeness, attentiveness, cheerful disposition, will, high morality;

☑️ humanism, gallantry, harmony;

☑️ friendliness, delicacy, conscientiousness, discipline, foresight, diplomacy, efficiency, kindness, good nature;

☑️ naturalness;

☑️ femininity, cheerfulness;

☑️ care, thrift;

☑️ ingenuity, initiative, diligence, sincerity, intelligence;

☑️ creativity, sociability, correctness, culture, competence, collectivism, eloquence;

☑️ curiosity, affection, ease of communication;

☑️ wisdom, masculinity, peacefulness, daydreaming;

☑️ tenderness, independence, reliability, observation, resourcefulness;

☑️ experience, sociability, charm, education, caution, responsibility, neatness, responsiveness, giftedness, objectivity;

☑️ decency, positivity, practicality, understanding, friendliness;

☑️ decisiveness, romance, cordiality;

☑️ self-criticism, modesty, intelligence, conscientiousness, independence;

☑️ tact, diligence, craving for creativity, patience;

☑️ smiling, perseverance, poise, respectfulness, perseverance, courtesy, perseverance;

☑️ thriftiness, charisma, courage;

☑️ chastity, purposefulness;

☑️ sincerity, honesty, sensitivity;

☑️ generosity, playfulness;

☑️ energy, efficiency, enthusiasm, empathy, erudition.

Negative qualities include all the antipodes of the listed traits.

For example:

☑️ aggressiveness;

☑️ vulgarity;

☑️ impudence;

☑️ envy;

☑️ arrogance;

☑️ deceit;

☑️ commercialism;

☑️ narcissism;

☑️ touchiness;

☑️ selfishness;

☑️ callousness, etc.

Each positive trait has opposite meaning. However, there are some qualities that can be called neutral:

☑️ shyness;

☑️ silence;

☑️ assertiveness;

☑️ modesty;

☑️ daydreaming.

For some people, these are positive qualities, for others they can be negative. For example, assertiveness. In business, it is sometimes necessary, but in personal relationships it sometimes interferes greatly. Shyness is good for a girl, but is negatively perceived when it appears in a young man. When compiling a psychological portrait, all of the above positive qualities, their antipodes and other features are taken into account.

A person's character is not formed instantly, but until old age. Great importance renders social environment. For example, the volitional qualities inherent in a person are manifested in emergency situations when endurance, courage, stubbornness, etc. are required.

Emotionality is a mental manifestation that occurs in certain situations. At the same time, feelings can be negative or positive, dynamic or stable, neutral. If we talk about intelligence, then this includes the individual characteristics and quality of thinking of the individual. For example, criticality, stupidity, breadth of soul, flexibility in any relationship, etc.

The nature of people greatly affects their perception of the environment. Some consider everyone good or bad, others only themselves. Each person has a certain attitude:

☑️ to yourself (self-esteem, self-criticism, self-respect, etc.);

☑️ labor (punctuality, accuracy, negligence, etc.);

☑️ environment (politeness, isolation, sociability, rudeness, etc.).

As a result, a certain temperament is formed. It includes qualities that are constant for a particular person:

1. Sanguine people are very mobile, efficient, but they quickly get tired of hard work. They have bright facial expressions and a strong display of emotions. They are sociable, responsive, balanced. They look at everything from a positive point of view, optimistic. They have a cheerful disposition.

2. Cholerics are characterized by sharp mood swings, hysteria, impetuosity. They have frequent outbursts of anger, irascibility, but quick appeasement.

3. Melancholic pessimists, overly worried for any reason, are often in an anxious state. Such people are very distrustful of others, vulnerable, restrained, they have good self-control.

4. Phlegmatic people have very low activity. However, they are very reasonable, cold-blooded and prudent. Any business is always brought to an end.

Separately, it is worth paying attention that each nationality has its own characteristics of character, although there are many common features. Russians have the biggest variety.

Their character is very different from other nationalities.

Main criteria:

a) Spiritual generosity, which most peoples do not have.

b) Compassion.

in) Craving for justice.

G) Patience, endurance, perseverance.

e) Negative qualities include pessimism, foul language, laziness, hypocrisy. The positive ones are responsiveness, loyalty, compassion, humanity.

A Russian is easily distinguished by a combination of character traits, one of which is a special sense of humor that other nationalities are not always able to understand. The set of qualities is so diverse that most people have an excessive manifestation of emotions. Some traits may change throughout life. At the same time, other qualities remain unchanged. However, negative traits are not always regarded as negative. Sometimes they emphasize dignity.

For example:

1. Selfishness is not only ignoring other people, but also the observance of one's own interests in the first place. Such a person has his own opinion and will not be led by others.

2. Self-confidence can improve productivity and performance. Then a person feels self-satisfied, which ultimately brings positive results for society.

3. Envy sometimes pushes a person to work better, to achieve the best result.

4. Stubbornness helps to achieve any set goals.

The character of any person consists of positive and negative qualities. As a result, a certain type is formed. For example, a person can be lazy, but kind and sympathetic. The other is evil, but very hardworking and striving. At the same time, women are always more emotional, selfless, good-natured, patient. Men are most often restrained, decisive, responsible.

Characters of people and problems

Each of us has positive and negative qualities, the unique combination of which determines the character. The more good traits a person has, the faster he converges with people, the easier it is for him to live.

Naturally, there are no ideal people, but in each nature there is a good and bright beginning. To achieve harmony with yourself and the world around you, it is absolutely necessary to develop positive character traits. Their list includes many items, besides, different people their views on this matter, however, there are universal qualities that are equally valued (in society) and make a person better. Let's try to list and characterize some of them.

How and when is character formed? Dependence on temperament

According to psychologists, individual characteristics of temperament largely influence the personality. Depending on which of the types prevails in a person and how they combine and interact, it is possible to determine the main qualities of character.

For example, choleric people are characterized by irascibility and imbalance, while sanguine people are restless and active. However, if temperament is given to everyone from birth and is unchanged, then character must be developed and educated.

For example, the innate calmness and equanimity of a phlegmatic person can be manifested both by excessive slowness and by useful and, undoubtedly, positive determination, perseverance and accuracy. Moreover, character is formed already in early childhood, so it is necessary to educate it as early as possible.

Inheritance of character and features of education

It is widely believed that positive and negative character traits can be inherited. Many even give examples of how children and grandchildren show the same qualities as the representatives of the older generation. But, according to psychologists, education still plays a much larger role. After all, it is the family that becomes the place where the first values ​​and principles are instilled.

Adults, by their example, show the child from the very first months of his life how you can and cannot behave, lay the foundations of politeness and decency. Those character traits that are valued by parents become important for their children. It can be diligence, responsibility, or, for example, cheerfulness and friendliness.

Relationship between character and nationality

Many scientists are actively studying the dependence of basic personal qualities on a person's belonging to a particular nation. They succeeded in convincingly substantiating that different countries develop their own types of character.

It is known that the mentality has been formed for more than one century, it largely depends on the characteristics of culture, the history of philosophy and other factors. It can even be about the climate. Thus, representatives of the northern peoples tend to accumulate energy. Hence some slowness, thoroughness. Inhabitants of warm southern countries, on the contrary, generously waste energy, they are characterized by ardor and temperament. And, for example, the positive character traits inherent in the representatives of the Slavic peoples are generosity, cordiality, a tendency to self-sacrifice.

What is meant by positive traits?

The list of good qualities includes many items. At the same time, this list will be different for everyone. However, no one will argue that the success of a person in his personal life and career, his relationships with friends and relatives, and, in the end, his attitude and perception of himself, directly depend on the character.

Positive personality traits make life easier and happier. Negative ones, on the contrary, harm primarily the individual himself.

It is quite difficult to classify in any way the good qualities of a person, because they are in close relationship with each other. However, in order to make it easier to list and characterize them, we will try to distribute them into several groups. After all, in order to build strong relationships or succeed at work, different personal qualities. In addition, there are also the main character traits, without which a person, in principle, cannot be considered positive. Perhaps you can start with them.

Universal qualities

The list of primary positive qualities can begin with politeness. After all, an ill-mannered, rude, boorish person will not be able to succeed in any area of ​​life. Politeness, based on the elementary rules of etiquette, familiar to everyone since childhood, and respect for others - this is what makes us human.

Honor is one of the qualities that make us a person. This is the true nobility of the soul, the ability to strictly follow one's moral principles, without changing them even in the most difficult life situations, the desire to behave with dignity and always remain human.

Fairness is a manifestation of character helps to be honest with yourself and others. Such a person strives to do the right thing and always remains true to his ideals, openly speaking out for what he considers right.

Reliability is another of the traits necessary for both harmony in your personal life and success in your career. A person with this quality will fulfill a promise, no matter how difficult it may be, will do his job independently of others. You can rely on it in any situation, which is why reliability is so valued.

Courage and bravery, self-confidence - qualities are undoubtedly positive. After all, a coward will not be able to achieve any height and stay on it. And heroes and daredevils remain in our hearts and memory for many centuries.

Positive qualities for relationships with other people

Indicators of character that have a direct impact on our relationships with other people are undoubtedly important for each of us. After all, a person cannot live in isolation from the collective. One of essential qualities is benevolence. Such a person warmly treats others, is always ready to help friends, does not wish harm to anyone.

Closely adjacent to him are attentiveness, responsiveness and the ability to empathize. These good qualities of a person help him to establish harmonious relationships with loved ones. After all, sincere attention to people and the ability to understand their problems is much more expensive than any gifts.

Sincerity and truthfulness are qualities that have been valued at all times worth their weight in gold. A genuine, honest attitude towards others characterizes a person from the best side.

Friendliness and openness are two more character traits that help to converge with others and find new friends. Such a person quickly establishes relationships and easily maintains them.

Do not forget about such qualities as hospitality and generosity. Such a person shares his time, things and good mood with loved ones. Offers shelter and food without asking for anything in return. Welcomes guests into her home in a way that makes them feel important and significant.

Many more can be added to these qualities. Here are just a few: loyalty, tolerance, generosity, devotion, tact, and many others. The possession of these qualities makes a person attractive in the eyes of others.

Qualities that affect success in life and career

The list of positive traits that have a significant impact on success, including in the business sphere, can be opened by such a quality as determination. A person who possesses it knows how to make plans and translate them into reality. He is not distracted by minor details and confidently goes to the goal.

Activity is also positive quality character, irreplaceable in the business sphere. No wonder they say that water does not flow under a lying stone. An active person will not wait for favors from providence, but builds his own destiny with his own hands, not being afraid of mistakes and failures.

Accuracy and conscientiousness are two more character traits that have a noticeable impact on success in business life and not only. This is the ability to accurately and diligently complete the task, not forgetting the smallest details. Neat people are attentive not only to their appearance, but also to official duties, performing them conscientiously.

A positive person, if we talk about a career, is not only executive, but also proactive. This quality implies the ability to contribute to the common cause and show oneself from the best side, without waiting for instructions from the authorities, to look for new non-standard ways to solve certain problems.

The modern world requires considerable organizational skills from a person. And this is useful not only for people in leadership positions. The ability to captivate with one's idea, organize the workflow, inspire and encourage action is valued in any situation and in every team.

Flexibility also characterizes a person in the best way. We are talking about the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, to respect the decisions of superiors. However, in any situation, you should not compromise with your own conscience.

Character traits that improve the quality of life

Gratitude and contentment are qualities that allow a person to be grateful to life for everything that happens to him. This is the ability to enjoy every gift of fate, regardless of what it brought. Such a person is not afraid to show close people how he appreciates them, he thanks every new day and has every chance to achieve harmony and become happy.

The ability to judge oneself and one's actions is a quality inherent in a truly strong man. Only with the help of an unbiased assessment can you avoid mistakes and achieve success in life.

The ability to forgive is a trait that is not so common today, but is necessary for a fulfilling life. Such people do not hide and do not remember grievances, they just let them go. The ability to sincerely forgive and not hold evil is a quality inherent in a happy person.

Good quality and gender

Positive and negative qualities largely depend on gender. After all, the requirements for men and women are sometimes radically different, as well as their inherent types of character.

Reliability, self-confidence, determination are expected from representatives of the strong half of humanity. A real man is ready to support and help with the solution of any difficulties, you can always rely on him, he is brave and hardy.

But a typical female character, examples of which can be found not only in life, but also in films or books, is usually portrayed as completely different. For girls, such qualities as tenderness, patience, kindness, caring and the like are much more valuable.

A real woman is, first of all, the continuer of the family, the guardian of the family, a loving mother and wife. Moreover, some qualities that are positive for girls become completely unacceptable if they are possessed by a man and vice versa. For example, meekness adorns a woman, but not a man. And excessive perseverance or desperate courage will suit a young man, but they are unlikely to be useful to a girl.

How to develop and nurture good qualities?

As mentioned above, it is necessary to educate your personality from early childhood - at first, parents do this, later - the school. But even in adulthood, you can and even need to develop your good qualities. After all, the true strength of character lies not only in what is laid down from childhood, but to a much greater extent in what is acquired through long-term self-improvement. How can this be achieved?

    First of all, you need to soberly assess yourself and determine which positive and negative character traits prevail. This is necessary in order to find out in which direction to move, what to develop, and what to eradicate.

    After a person chooses those qualities that, in his opinion, need to be educated in character, it is necessary to answer another important question: “What is this for?” Perhaps he lacks the determination and activity to properly prove himself at work, or he is not brave enough, and this interferes with his personal life.

    Positive example plays an important role in character development. Therefore, at the next stage, it would be a good idea to choose a well-known historical or fictional person who has the necessary qualities and imagine yourself in their place, to suggest how this person would behave in a given situation.

    And, of course, practice is paramount. It is impossible to cultivate any trait in yourself, whether it be determination, courage or accuracy, without showing it. In other words, you need to gradually accustom yourself to behave in a new way. And even though this manifests itself at first only in small things, later the acquired habit will become an element of character.

It is important to equally cultivate different traits in yourself, paying attention to all facets of your personality. Only then will development be harmonious and complete. However, educating yourself, you need to remember about moderation. After all, some positive character traits can easily become negative.

One can often observe how, for example, caution borders on cowardice, frugality on stinginess, and excessive gaiety on frivolity. In addition, one can look at almost any life situation from different angles and see how closely good and evil, good and bad, both in man and in the whole world, closely coexist.

Do not forget that there are no completely ideal people, but you still need to try to make the positive character traits prevail over the negative ones. Striving for excellence, constant self-development, the desire to help those in need - this is what makes a person truly positive. And you will see how the people around you who are nearby become kinder.

Features of behavior, communication, attitudes towards people, objects, work, things show the character traits that an individual possesses. According to their totality, an opinion about a person is determined. Such clichés as "the soul of the company", "bore", "pessimist", "cynic" are the result of an assessment of a person's character traits. Understanding how character is structured helps in building relationships. And this applies to both their own qualities and others.

Human character traits: classification.

2. Other people

  • Closeness-sociability. It shows the openness of a person, his looseness, how easy it is for him to make acquaintances, how he feels in a new company, team.
  • truthfulness-falsity. Pathological liars lie even in trifles, hide the truth, easily betray. There are people who embellish reality, most often they do it because reality seems boring or not bright enough to them.
  • Independence-conformity. This quality shows how a person. Whether he relies on his experience, knowledge, opinion, or follows someone's lead and it is easy to suppress him.
  • Rudeness-politeness. Anger, inner feelings make a person rude. Such people are rude in queues, public transport, disrespectful to subordinates. Politeness, although it refers to positive character traits, can have a selfish background. It can also be an attempt to avoid confrontation.

3 things

  • neatness-slovenliness. Creative mess or meticulous cleanliness in the house can show how neat a person is. You can also characterize it by its appearance. Sloppy people often arouse antipathy, and there are not always those who want to see a broad soul behind external absurdity.
  • thrift-negligence. You can evaluate a person by his attitude to the accumulated property, borrowed items. Although this trait of a person ended up in the material group, it can also manifest itself in relation to people.
  • greed-generosity. To be called generous, it is not necessary to be a philanthropist or give the last. At the same time, excessive generosity is sometimes a sign of irresponsibility or an attempt to "buy" someone else's favor. Greed is expressed not only in relation to other people, but also to oneself, when a person, out of fear of being left without money, saves even on trifles.

4. Self

  • exactingness. When this personality trait is clearly expressed, two extremes appear. A person who is demanding of himself is often just as strict with others. He lives by the principle "I could, so others can." He may not be tolerant of other people's weaknesses, not realizing that each is individual. The second extreme is built on uncertainty. A person tortures himself, considering himself insufficiently perfect. A striking example is workaholism.
  • Self-criticism. A person who knows how to criticize himself has a healthy. Understanding, accepting and analyzing your achievements and defeats helps in shaping strong personality. When the balance is disturbed, either self-blame is observed.
  • Modesty. It must be understood that modesty and are different concepts. The first is based on the value system instilled during education. The second is a call to development. In a normal state, modesty is manifested in moderation, calmness, knowledge of the measure in words, expression of emotions, financial spending, etc.
  • Egoism and egocentrism. Similar concepts, but the feature here is egoism, but egocentrism is a way of thinking. think only of themselves, but use others for their own purposes. Egocentrics are often misanthropes and do not need others, believing that no one is worthy of them.
  • Self-esteem. Shows how a person feels internally. Outwardly, it is expressed in highly appreciated their rights and social value.

Assessment of personality and types of characters.

In addition to the main character traits that are formed in the system of relations, psychologists also distinguish other areas:

  • Intellectual. Resourcefulness, curiosity, frivolity, practicality.
  • Emotional. Passion, sentimentality, impressionability, irascibility, cheerfulness.
  • Strong-willed. Courage, perseverance, determination.
  • Moral. Fairness, responsiveness, .

There are motivational traits-goals that drive a personality, determine its guidelines. As well as instrumental traits-methods, they show exactly what methods the desired will be achieved. So, for example, a girl may appear when she persistently and proactively seeks her lover.

Gordon Allport put forward a theory about what character traits are. The psychologist divided them into the following types:

  • dominant. They determine the behavior of the individual as a whole, regardless of the sphere, and at the same time influence other qualities or even overlap them. For example, kindness or greed.
  • Ordinary. They are also expressed in all . These include, for example, humanity.
  • Minor. They do not particularly affect anything, often stemming from other traits. For example, diligence.

There are typical and individual personality traits. Typical ones are easy to group, noticing one of the dominant qualities or a few minor ones, you can “draw” a personal portrait as a whole, determine the type of character. This helps to predict actions, better understand a person. So, for example, if an individual has responsiveness, then most likely he will come to the rescue in a difficult situation, support, listen.

Positive and negative character traits.

Personality is a balance of positive and negative qualities. In this regard, everything is conditional. For example, it is considered a bad property, but some psychologists argue that it can become an incentive to work on yourself or improve your life. The distortion of positive traits, on the contrary, can lead to their transformation into negative qualities. Persistence develops into obsession, initiative into self-centeredness.

It is necessary to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of character, they often have to be remembered when filling out a resume. They terrify many, because it can be difficult to evaluate oneself. Here's a little cheat sheet:

  • Weak. Formality, irritability, shyness, impulsiveness, inability to remain silent or say "no".
  • Strong. Perseverance, sociability, patience, punctuality, organization, determination.
  • Negative., vindictiveness, cruelty, parasitism.
  • Positive. Kindness, sincerity, optimism, openness, peacefulness.

Character traits are formed in childhood, but at the same time they can change, transform depending on life circumstances. It's never too late to change what you don't like about yourself.

Human character traits and their manifestation

03.04.2015

Snezhana Ivanova

Character traits always leave an imprint on a person's behavior, and also affect his actions.

Throughout his life, each person shows his individual characteristics, which are reflected not only in his behavior or the specifics of communication, but also determine the attitude towards activities, himself and other people. All these features, manifested in life, both in scientific use and in everyday life, are called character.

Definition of "character"

In psychology, character is understood as a certain set of human traits that are pronounced and relatively stable. Character traits always leave an imprint on a person's behavior, and also affect his actions.

In psychological dictionaries, you can find a fairly large number of definitions of character, but they all boil down to the fact that character is a set of the most persistent individual psychological characteristics of a person, which always manifest themselves in its activities and social behavior, as well as in the system of relations:

  • to the team;
  • to other people;
  • to work;
  • to the surrounding reality (to the world);
  • to yourself.

The term itself character» ( in lane from Greek character - chasing or printing) was introduced by the ancient Greek philosopher and naturalist, a student of Plato and closest friend of Aristotle Theophrastus. And here it is worth paying special attention to the translation of the word - chasing or printing. Indeed, the character seems to emerge as a kind of pattern on a person's personality, thus creating a unique seal that distinguishes its owner from other individuals. Such a design, as well as a coat of arms or an emblem on the personal seal of the medieval nobility, is drawn on a certain basis with the help of specific signs and letters. Temperament is the basis for engraving an individual personality, and bright and individual character traits are the basis for engraving .

Character traits as a tool for psychological assessment and understanding of a person

In psychology, character traits are understood as individual, rather complex features that are the most indicative for a person and make it possible to predict with a high degree of probability his behavior in a particular situation. That is, knowing that a particular person has certain traits, one can predict his subsequent actions and possible actions in a particular case. For example, if a person has a pronounced feature of responsiveness, then there is a high probability that at a difficult moment in life he will come to the rescue.

A feature is one of the most important and essential parts of a person, its stable quality and a well-established way of interacting with the surrounding reality. The personality trait crystallizes and reflects its integrity. The personality trait of a person is real way solutions to many life situations (both activity and communicative) and therefore they need to be considered from the point of view of the future. So, character traits are a prediction of the actions and actions of a person, since they are persistent and make a person's behavior predictable and more obvious. Due to the fact that each person is unique, there is a huge variety of unique character traits.

Each person acquires special features of his character throughout his life in society, and it is impossible to consider all individual signs (features) as characterological. Such will be only those who, regardless of the life situation and circumstances, will always manifest themselves in an identical way of behavior and the same attitude in the surrounding reality.

Thus, in order to assess personality psychologists (to characterize it) as an individual, it is necessary to determine not the entire sum of the individual qualities of a person, but to highlight those traits and qualities of character that are distinctive from other people. Despite the fact that these features are individual and different, they must constitute a structural integrity.

Character traits of a person are a priority in the study of his personality, as well as for understanding and predicting his actions, actions and behavior. Indeed, we perceive and understand any kind of human activity as a manifestation of certain traits of his character. But, characterizing a personality as a social being, it is not so much the manifestation of traits in activity that becomes important, but what exactly this activity is aimed at (and also what the human will serves). In this case, one should pay attention to the content side of the character, and more specifically, to those character traits of the personality that make up the general structure as its mental warehouse. They are expressed in: integrity-contradiction, unity-disintegration, static-dynamic, breadth-narrowness, strength-weakness.

List of human traits

human character- this is not only a certain combination of some features (or a random set of them), but the most complex mental formation, which is a certain system. This system consists of many of the most stable personality traits, as well as its properties that manifest themselves in various systems. human relations(to work, to one's work, to the world around, to things, to oneself and to other people). In these relations, the structural nature of the character, its content and individuality of originality finds its expression. The table below describes the main character traits (their groups) that find their manifestation in various systems of human relations.

Persistent traits (symptom complexes) of character, manifested in personality relationships

In addition to the traits that manifest themselves in the system of relations, psychologists have identified traits of a person's character that can be attributed to the cognitive and emotional-volitional spheres. So character traits are divided into:

  • cognitive (or intellectual) - curiosity, theoreticality, criticality, resourcefulness, analyticity, thoughtfulness, practicality, flexibility, frivolity;
  • emotional (sensibility, passion, emotionality, cheerfulness, sentimentality, etc.);
  • volitional traits (perseverance, determination, independence, etc.);
  • moral traits (kindness, honesty, justice, humanity, cruelty, responsiveness, patriotism, etc.).
Some psychologists suggest distinguishing between motivational (or productive) and instrumental character traits. Motivational traits are understood as those that drive a person, that is, they encourage him to certain actions and deeds. (they can also be called trait-targets). Instrumental features give a person's activity a peculiar style and individuality. They refer to the very manner and way of performing an activity (they can also be called trait-ways).

Representative of the humanistic trend in psychology Gordon Allport personality traits are grouped into three main categories:

  • dominant (those that most of all determine all forms of human behavior, his actions and deeds, such as selfishness or kindness);
  • ordinary (which manifest themselves equally in all spheres of life, for example, parity and humanity);
  • secondary (they do not have the same influences as dominant or ordinary, for example, it can be diligence or a love of music).

So, the main character traits are manifested in various spheres of mental activity and the system of personality relations. All these relationships are anchored in different ways actions and forms of human behavior that are most familiar to him. Between existing features, certain regular relationships are always established that allow you to create a structural character. She, in turn, helps to predict, according to the character trait of a person already known to us, others who are hidden from us, which makes it possible to predict his subsequent actions and actions.

Any structure, including character, has its own hierarchy. Thus, character traits also have a certain hierarchy, so there are main (leading) and secondary traits that are subordinate to the leading ones. It is possible to predict the actions of a person and his behavior, relying not only on the main features, but also on secondary ones (despite the fact that they are less significant and do not manifest themselves so clearly).

Typical and individual in character

The bearer of character is always a person, and his traits are manifested in activities, relationships, actions, behavior, ways of acting in the family, in a team, at work, among friends, etc. This manifestation always reflects the typical and individual in character, because they exist in an organic unity (thus, the typical is always the basis for the individual manifestation of character).

What is meant by typical character? A character is called typical if there is a set of essential features that are common to a certain group of people. This set of features reflects the general conditions of life of a particular group. In addition, these traits should be manifested (to a greater or lesser extent) in each representative of this group. The totality of distinctive typical features is a condition for the emergence of a certain.

Typical and individual in character is most clearly expressed in a person's relationship to other people, because interpersonal contacts are always conditioned by certain social conditions of life, the corresponding level of cultural and historical development of society and from the formed spiritual world the person himself. Attitude towards other people is always evaluative and manifests itself in different ways (approval-condemnation, support-misunderstanding) depending on the existing circumstances. This manifestation is expressed depending on the person's assessment of the actions and behavior of others, or rather their positive and negative character traits.

Typical traits of a person's character in terms of their intensity are manifested in each individually. So, for example, individual traits can reveal themselves so strongly and vividly that they become unique in their own way. It is in this case that the typical in character passes into the individual.

Positive character traits and their manifestation

Both typical and individual in character, finds its manifestation in the systems of personality relations. This is due to the presence in the character of a person of certain traits (both positive and negative). So, for example, in relation to work or one's own business, such positive character traits as diligence, discipline and organization are manifested.

As for interpersonal communications and attitudes towards other people, the following are good character traits: honesty, openness, justice, adherence to principles, humanity, etc. All these features allow you to build constructive communication and quickly establish contacts with people around you.

It should be noted that there are a lot of individual character traits. But among them it is necessary to single out, first of all, those that have the greatest influence on the formation of a person’s spirituality and him (it is in this context that the best trait of a person’s character, humanity, finds its manifestation). These features also have greater value in the process of upbringing and development of the younger generation, because the same traits are formed differently depending on situations, the presence of other character traits and the orientation of the personality itself.

Highlighting the good qualities of character, one should not forget about their possible curvature, or the presence of obvious negative traits that a person needs to fight. Only in this case will the harmonious and holistic development of the personality be observed.

Negative character traits and their manifestation

In relation to the behavior, actions and activities of other people, a person always forms traits of a certain character - positive and negative. This happens according to the principle of analogy (that is, identification with what is acceptable) and opposition (with what is included in the list of unacceptable and wrong). Attitude towards oneself can be positive or negative, which primarily depends on the level of development and the ability to adequately evaluate oneself ( that is, from the formed level). A high level of self-consciousness is evidenced by the presence of the following positive features: high demands on oneself, and self-esteem, as well as responsibility. And, on the contrary, such negative character traits as self-confidence, selfishness, immodesty, etc., speak of an insufficient level of development of self-consciousness.

Negative character traits (in principle, as well as positive ones are manifested) in the four main systems of human relations. For example, in the "attitude to work" system, among the negative features are irresponsibility, carelessness and formality. And among the negative features that manifest themselves in interpersonal communication, it is worth highlighting isolation, stinginess, boastfulness and disrespect.

It should be noted that negative character traits, which are manifested in the system of human relations with other people, almost always contribute to the emergence of conflicts, misunderstanding and aggression, which subsequently leads to the emergence of destructive forms of communication. That is why every person who wants to live in harmony with others and with himself should think about cultivating positive traits in his character and getting rid of destructive, negative traits.

Character is a unique set of qualities that determine the uniqueness and uniqueness of each individual person, his personality and behavior. Understanding character facilitates the process of communication between people, helps to avoid controversial or conflict situations. The very concept of "character" is of Greek origin and denotes the features of the psycho-emotional manifestation and expression of the individual.

Character traits

Each of us, without much thought, can easily and quickly name various character traits. This list can be very long. But in order to determine characteristic type of a particular individual, one should know not only its main features, but also be able to designate which of them are defining, and which are only complementary. AT modern psychology distinguish:

  • leading features, which in fact are the determinants of character in general;
  • secondary features that complement and individualize a particular personality.

Knowledge of the leading features allows you to determine the essence of all morality, its "backbone".

The presence of two identical traits in two people does not indicate the identity of their disposition. So, both have truthfulness and timidity at the same time. If the former has fearfulness leading feature, then, most likely, he will not outwardly express his disapproval of the actions or behavior of others that contradict his inner convictions. He would rather remain silent, in his soul arguing about the wrongness of those around him. And vice versa, if another has a leading quality of truthfulness, and a secondary timidity, then he will not fail to point out to those around him that they are wrong, fearing only in the depths of his soul the consequences of his statements.

Character traits subdivided into the following major groups in relation to various household aspects:

  • attitude towards people around (tact, friendliness, rudeness, sociability, isolation, sincerity, truthfulness, deceit, etc.);
  • attitude to work, activity (responsibility, diligence, dishonesty, laziness, irresponsibility, etc.);
  • attitude towards oneself (self-criticism, narcissism, modesty, arrogance, self-confidence, pride, vanity, etc.);
  • attitude to property and property (generosity, thrift, accuracy, carelessness, carelessness, etc.).

The dominant group is the first (i.e. attitude towards others), since man is a social being, the main features of his behavior are formed and manifested in society. Evaluation of behavior by others affects the formation and understanding of character as a whole.

character structure

In the structure, features of both individual properties and those common to a certain group of people are distinguished: national, age or professional. The way and way of life, the peculiarities of everyday life, even the language and national structure have their influence on the formation of common features for groups and even for entire nations. So, people of one nationality differ from another in their way of life, habits, type of thinking, etc. At the ordinary level, typical common features create certain stereotypes. Most of us have our own idea about the inhabitants of a particular country, about their habits and customs: about Italians, French, Japanese, etc.

All this is true to some extent: character is not an innate or hereditary trait, it formed in the process of personality development as a member of a group or community. This is a product of society, which can explain similar or different features in the mores of people of different groups.

accentuation- this is an increased development of certain traits characteristic of the individual. So, there are extroverts (open and sociable people) and introverts (closed and uncommunicative).

There is the following classification of character according to accentuation, according to which the following types of character are distinguished:

  1. Hyperthymic. The defining properties of this type are: talkativeness, sociability, such people have well-developed facial expressions. Along with this, such people are often irritable and frivolous, however, they are very energetic and proactive.
  2. distymny. The features that define this species are isolation and pessimism. Such people avoid noisy companies, but highly value friendship, they have a heightened sense of injustice. When making important decisions, they are often slow and clumsy.
  3. Cycloid. For this type of accentuation, the defining feature is a frequent change of mood, depending on which they are either closed in on themselves, or, on the contrary, sociable beyond measure.
  4. Excitable. A distinctive feature of this type of accentuation is conflict. Such people are difficult to communicate, often authoritarian in the family, and quarrelsome in the team. They are neat and attentive when they are calm, but in a bad mood they are often irritable and quick-tempered.
  5. stuck. These are very intractable individuals who love to teach everyone. Often they are the cause of various conflicts. The demands they make on others (as well as on themselves) are very high.
  6. Pedantic. The defining feature of this species is an increased (sometimes excessive) attention to detail. Such people do not strive for leadership, they are conscientious, but they like to grumble for any reason.
  7. alarming. Individuals with this type are insecure. They tend to avoid conflict situations, and in such cases they seek support from others. Friendliness and self-criticism are also defining features of their character, but the lack of proper willpower often makes them the subject of jokes or ridicule.
  8. Demonstrative. Representatives of this type of character easily make contact, can adapt to any situation, and are prone to intrigues. One of their defining properties is self-confidence, which often causes disputes and conflicts. People with this character are artistic and courteous, they have non-standard thinking. They can often be boastful, hypocritical and selfish.

In modern psychology, there are many classifications.

Types of temperament

Temperament has a huge influence on the formation of one or another type of character, which has been noted since ancient world. So, even Hippocrates divided all temperaments into four main types:

  1. - a cheerful, cheerful, balanced person, soberly assessing the situation and acting deliberately.
  2. Choleric- a person who quickly reacts to external events, often he can be unreasonably harsh and inclined to commit rash acts. As a rule, choleric people are quick-tempered and unbalanced.
  3. - a person who is distinguished by emotional stability and endurance. It is almost impossible to bring him out of a state of peace of mind and peace.
  4. Melancholic- an individual with increased nervous sensitivity, nervous stress and shock are categorically contraindicated for people of this type.

It should be noted, however, that in the so-called pure form, these types of temperaments are extremely rare. As a rule, temperament is mixed (one type may have some features of both phlegmatic and sanguine, both choleric and melancholic).

The relationship between temperament and character of a person

Often the words "character" and "temperament" are compared with each other, often they replace each other.

In psychology, there are four fundamental views on the relationship between them:

  1. the unity of temperament and character, their identification (according to the teachings of E. Kretschmer and A. Ruzhitsky);
  2. opposition of temperament and character, their antagonism (the teachings of P. Viktorov, V. Virenius);
  3. recognition of a person's temperament as the core or element of his character (according to S. Rubinshtein, S. Gorodetsky);
  4. recognition of temperament as the natural basis of the whole character (according to L. Vygotsky, B. Ananiev).

Both the types of temperament and the types of human character depend on the characteristics of his physiology and on the type nervous system. The character of a person is formed when his temperament is quite developed. Temperament is the basis of character, but does not predetermine it. People with the same type of temperament may have different character traits. The type of temperament can influence the assistance or obstruction for the formation of certain character traits. For example, it is much more difficult for a phlegmatic person to cultivate sociability in himself than a sanguine person, and a choleric person needs much more effort to become balanced than a phlegmatic person, etc.

The character and temperament of a person are closely interconnected with each other, together they make up the individuality of a person, the basis and description of his behavior.