Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
09:55
Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
Affective lability: separable from neuroticism and the other big four?
Charles Kamen1, Lauren R Pryor, Eric T Gaughan
1Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-3013, United States.
Psychiatry Research
|March 2, 2010
Summary
This study found that neuroticism and affective lability are related but distinct personality traits. General personality factors, especially neuroticism facets, significantly explain affective lability variations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Affective lability and neuroticism are key personality constructs.
- Understanding their relationship and nomological network is crucial for clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the nomological network of affective lability and neuroticism.
- To determine how general personality traits explain affective lability.
- To differentiate the clinical correlates of each construct.
Main Methods:
- Assessed personality disorder symptoms, general personality, and functioning in psychiatric outpatients (n=48).
- Utilized specific measures for affective lability and neuroticism.
- Employed correlation and regression analyses.
Main Results:
- Neuroticism and affective lability showed a small positive correlation.
- Neuroticism correlated with Borderline, Avoidant, and Dependent PDs; affective lability with Cluster B PDs.
- Neuroticism linked to broader functional impairments, while affective lability specifically correlated with self-harm.
Conclusions:
- Neuroticism and affective lability are related yet distinct constructs.
- General personality domains, particularly neuroticism facets from the Five-Factor Model, significantly predict affective lability.
- These findings highlight the complex interplay between basic personality traits and clinical presentations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Personality Theory by Eysenck and Eysenck
Hans and Sybil Eysenck developed a widely recognized theory of personality, which emphasizes the role of temperament and genetically based differences in shaping individual traits. Their theory posits that biological factors primarily determine personality and can be understood through two main dimensions: extroversion/introversion and neuroticism/stability.
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
01:26Personality Disorders: Narcissistic and Avoidant
Narcissistic and avoidant personality traits represent two contrasting patterns of behavior that significantly influence social interactions and self-perception. While individuals with narcissistic disorder seek admiration and validation, individuals with avoidant personality disorder withdraw due to fear of judgment.
Characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic individuals exhibit an inflated sense of self-importance and an excessive need for admiration. They are often...
Characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic individuals exhibit an inflated sense of self-importance and an excessive need for admiration. They are often...
01:20Personality Disorders: Schizotypal and Histrionic
Schizotypal personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder are two distinct psychological conditions classified under personality disorders, each characterized by unique behavioral patterns and social difficulties. Both disorders significantly affect interpersonal relationships and emotional well-being, leading to social isolation and frustration.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Eccentric Behavior and Social Withdrawal
Schizotypal personality disorder is marked by odd or eccentric...
Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Eccentric Behavior and Social Withdrawal
Schizotypal personality disorder is marked by odd or eccentric...
01:29The Influence of Cognition on Affect
Cognition plays a pivotal role in shaping emotional experiences, as demonstrated by Schachter and Singer’s two-factor theory of emotion. According to this model, emotion arises from a combination of physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. The body’s physiological response to stimuli is ambiguous and only gains emotional significance through cognitive labeling. For instance, an increased heart rate and adrenaline surge while standing near an attractive person may be interpreted as...
01:29Five-Factor Theory of Personality
The five-factor model, often called the Big Five personality traits, is widely accepted in psychology as a comprehensive framework for understanding personality. These five traits — Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism — are often remembered using the acronym OCEAN.
Openness reflects creativity, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. Individuals scoring high in openness are imaginative, have a wide range of interests, and are independent thinkers. Low...
Openness reflects creativity, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. Individuals scoring high in openness are imaginative, have a wide range of interests, and are independent thinkers. Low...
01:17Traits and States
Personality traits represent consistent patterns in behavior, thoughts, and emotions, reflecting an individual's tendencies across various situations. For example, extraversion, a well-known trait, manifests in individuals as talkative, energetic, and enthusiastic behaviors. These traits are stable over time, offering a reliable framework for predicting how people might act in different contexts. However, they do not define every moment of an individual's life. In contrast to traits, states are...