In the realm of psychology, personality models like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the Five-Factor Model, or the Enneagram have long been used to categorize and understand human behavior. However, a recent study by Scholz et al. (2021) suggests that these models may not fully capture the complexity of human personality, particularly its darker, more antagonistic aspects.
The study, published in the Journal of Personality, argues for a dimensional approach to personality disorders, which are often the extreme, maladaptive variants of traits that can be found to some degree in all individuals. Traditional models tend to overlook the nuanced spectrum of personality, especially when it comes to traits that are socially aversive or detrimental to interpersonal relationships.
Scholz and colleagues identify seven key traits that are indicative of what they term “antagonistic psychopathology”: dishonesty, grandiosity, callousness, risk-taking, impulsivity, hostility, and low agreeableness. These traits, they argue, cannot be neatly categorized into the existing personality models, which tend to focus on more socially desirable or neutral traits.
The implications of this research
The study’s dimensional approach to personality disorders implies that equating antagonism solely with low agreeableness is an oversimplification. It fails to capture the behavioral and cognitive aspects of antagonism adequately. The Dark Factor of Personality (D) emerges as a more balanced and comprehensive representation of antagonistic traits, suggesting that a blend of multiple basic personality dimensions is necessary to fully understand these traits.
By acknowledging and empirically testing these additional dimensions of personality, psychologists can develop a more comprehensive understanding of individuals who may struggle with these traits. This, in turn, can lead to more effective treatment options, tailored to address the complex interplay of traits that contribute to a person’s overall personality profile.
Moreover, this study challenges the psychological community to rethink the way we classify and interpret personality. It underscores the importance of considering the full spectrum of personality traits, including those that are often stigmatized or misunderstood. In doing so, it opens the door to a more inclusive and accurate understanding of human nature.
As we continue to explore the depths of the human psyche, studies like that of Scholz et al. remind us that the dark side of personality is not just a footnote in psychological assessment but a significant chapter that deserves our attention and understanding.
Its Implication in relation to the proposed PPPI (Planet Phase Personality Inventory) proposed by Roland Kim (2022).
The study by Scholz et al. is a call to action for the psychological community to expand its horizons and embrace a more dimensional approach to personality. This approach not only enhances our understanding of personality disorders but also paves the way for more effective and targeted treatment strategies through such instruments as PPPI that captures both bright and dark personality within each stage of the five personality dimensions. By doing so, we can hope to not only better understand the darker aspects of human nature but also to provide more nuanced support to those whose personalities traverse these shadowed paths.
reference:
Scholz, D. D., Hilbig, B. E., Moshagen, M., & Thielmann, I. (2021). Antagonistic psychopathology: A dimensional approach to personality disorders. Journal of Personality, 89(3), 449-464. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12601
