Character accentuations are borderline variations of the norm in which some character traits are developed too much, while others are oppressed. That is, mental health is formally in order, but the character is not harmonious, with some "pointed corners."
The author of the concept of character accentuation is Karl Leonhard, a German psychiatrist. He belongs to the term "accentuated personality", and the Soviet psychologist A.E. Lichko clarified that the personality is too broad a concept, therefore the concept of accentuations is better related to the character of a person.
The severity of manifestations of accentuations is of two types: explicit and hidden.
The hidden option is the usual norm, but in stressful situations and difficult living conditions accentuated features begin to appear.
But the obvious and systematic manifestations of character accentuation make us think about possible disorders of the human psyche. In their extreme manifestations, accentuations are similar to psychopathy, but still they are different concepts.
Psychopathies are painful, socially dangerous changes in behavior that do not affect the intellectual sphere, but significantly complicate communication with other people. If the manifestations of psychopathy become only stronger over the years, then character accentuations - on the contrary, often smooth out and cease to be too noticeable.
Accentuations of character according to Leonhard are divided into 10 main types.
Demonstration type
The main task in communication for such a person is to attract attention. He seeks to impress people around him in every possible way. His stories are most often about himself, his feelings, events from his life. The demonstrative type is very vain, likes to brag and be in the spotlight. To do this, uses all methods, both with a plus sign and with a minus sign.
Excitable type
Its main feature is the impulsiveness of behavior. Logic and rational thinking have no meaning for him. Such a person is guided by attraction, impulse, uncontrolled motivation. Excitable people have absolutely no tolerance for others and the ability to wait.
Hyperthymic type
He is characterized by high spirits and an optimistic outlook on life. Even if there are no external reasons, hyperthym still smiles and sincerely believes that everything will be fine. He is always active, sociable and obsessed with a thirst for action. At the same time, he really overcomes difficulties easily because of his positive attitude and active character.
Dysthymic type
This is the opposite of the hyperthymic type. Distimas tend to see life in gloomy tones; they expect bad events and bad relationships with other people. These are extremely serious individuals who are not characterized by liveliness and activity.
Exalted type
Such people very violently express their emotions. Any event causes them an explosion of delight or tears of despair. Extreme inner sensibility finds its most striking outward expression.
Pedantic type
People of this type are distinguished by indecision, caution and increased accuracy in everything. They are very difficult to decide on any changes in life, they carefully think and weigh everything. In everyday life, they are very conscientious, they require cleanliness and order from others.
Alarm type
Anxiety and increased anxiety due to hypothetical failures and losses are inherent in such people. In this case, the objective reasons for the experiences will be insignificant or even invented. People of an alarming type are characterized by timidity, humility and self-doubt.
Cyclotymic type
In the cyclotime, hyperthymic and dysthymic features appear in turn. His behavior is a change in the phases of rise and fall. Joyful events make him thirst for activity, talkativeness, optimism. And sad ones can lead to delayed reactions, thinking, and suppress the manifestation of emotions.
Stuck type
People of a stuck type hold for a very long time an emotional response to negative events. Those around them characterize them as vindictive and vengeful people. Trapping people can fantasize about revenge on their offender for a long time, and conduct mental dialogues with him. The painful touchiness of this type of personality is immediately evident.
Emotive type
These are kind-hearted, kind, sincere people. Their ability to sympathize and empathize is extremely developed. Other people's pain and suffering make them cry very often. They literally pass subtle emotions through their heart - this is very noticeable when communicating with emotive people.
Accentuations of character are found in every second teenager, therefore, at the age of 13-14 years, it is necessary to conduct a test for accentuation of character. This will help teens understand themselves, and it will become easier for adults to explain and predict children's behavior.