Temperament, Character and Intrapsychic Behaviors Defining Personality in Adult Women With a History of Childhood...

this study aims to examine temperament, character, and personality traits (at both the intrapsychic and interpersonal levels) in women with a history of CSA, in order to identify patterns that could enhance therapeutic interventions.

a sample of 88 women with a history of CSA was compared to a group of 130 non-CSA women. All participants completed the Revised Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-140) and the Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) Form-A [8 Clusters (Cl)].

women with CSA exhibited significantly higher levels of Novelty-Seeking (NS) (p = .011) and lower levels of Self-Directedness (SD) (p = .001) compared to the non-CSA group. They also scored lower on SASB-Cl-1 (p = .001), SASB-Cl-2 (p = .001), and SASB-Cl-3 (p = .025), indicating lower autonomy-assertivity, self-acceptance and self-appreciation. In contrast, they had higher scores on SASB-Cl-6 (p = .001), SASB-Cl-7 (p = .001), and SASB-Cl-8 (p = .001), reflecting self-criticism, self-rejection, and emotional disconnection. Significant correlations were observed between the TCI-140 dimensions and SASB-Cl.

the study highlights distinct personality and behavioral profiles in women with CSA, which may contribute to self-injurious tendencies and interpersonal challenges. These findings underscore the necessity of personalized psychotherapeutic approaches that target these maladaptive intrapsychic and temperamental patterns to improve psychological outcomes in this vulnerable population.s.