Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
07:30
Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
7.9K
Temperament and character traits in major depressive disorder: a case control study
Barbara Schwair Nogueira1, Renerio Fraguas2, Isabela Martins Benseñor3
1MD, MSc, PhD. Psychologist, Hospital Universitário, Universidade de São Paulo (HU/USP), Center for Clinical and Epidemiological Research & Interdisciplinary Center for Applied Neuromodulation (Centro Interdisciplinar de Neuromodulação Aplicada, CINA), São Paulo (SP), Brazil.
Sao Paulo Medical Journal = Revista Paulista De Medicina
|October 5, 2017
Summary
Major depressive disorder (MDD) patients show distinct personality traits. Anxiety, not affect, fully explains the link between depression and harm avoidance personality traits.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with distinct personality traits.
- The influence of anxiety and affect on these personality differences is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate personality trait differences between patients with MDD and controls.
- To determine the mediating role of anxiety and affect in the relationship between MDD and personality traits.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 103 depressed patients and 103 controls.
- Utilized self-reported scales: Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI).
- Employed multivariate/bivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA/ANOVA) and mediation analyses.
Main Results:
- Depressed patients exhibited higher harm avoidance and lower self-directedness.
- Harm avoidance differences disappeared after adjusting for anxiety trait.
- Anxiety trait, not state-anxiety or affect, fully mediated the group's influence on harm avoidance.
Conclusions:
- Confirms distinct personality traits in MDD patients compared to controls.
- Suggests MDD is not directly linked to harm avoidance; this association is mediated by anxiety trait.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Personality Theory by Eysenck and Eysenck
1.3K
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,...
1.3K
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
766
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
766
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
873
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
873
01:30Socioemotional Development during Infancy
705
Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
Primary Temperament Types
705
01:17Traits and States
593
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,...
593
01:24Personality Disorders: Dependent and Obsessive-Compulsive
491
Dependent personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder are two separate psychological conditions that influence behavior, relationships, and overall life functioning. Though both involve maladaptive behaviors, their core characteristics and motivations differ significantly.
Dependent Personality Disorder
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive reliance on others to manage various aspects of life. Individuals with this disorder often struggle...
Dependent Personality Disorder
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive reliance on others to manage various aspects of life. Individuals with this disorder often struggle...
491