The relationship between the biogenetic temperament and character and psychopathology in adolescents

Ju Kim Seog, Jin Lee Soo, Kyeong Yune Sook, Hoon Sung Young, Soojeong C. Bae, Ain Chung, Jihyun Kim, Kyoon Lyoo In

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between patterns of temperament and character and self-reported psychopathology in adolescents from the community. Sampling and Methods: The Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI) and Youth Self-Report (YSR) instruments were administered to 623 Korean middle school students (boys/girls = 331/292; age = 13.3 ± 0.9 years old). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between temperament and character based on Cloninger's biogenetic theory of personality and youth psychopathology of internalizing and externalizing problems. Results: Internalizing problems of the YSR (withdrawn, somatic complaint and anxious/depressed scales) were significantly related to high Harm Avoidance and low Reward Dependence (JTCI temperament) and low Self-Directedness and high Self-Transcendence (JTCI character). Externalizing problems of the YSR (delinquency and aggression) were significantly associated with high Novelty Seeking and high Harm Avoidance (JTCI temperament) and low Self-Directedness, low Cooperativeness and high Self-Transcendence (JTCI character). Conclusions: Findings of the current study suggest that specific patterns of temperament and character potentially influence adolescents' psychopathology in the community.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)80-86
Number of pages7
JournalPsychopathology
Volume39
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2006

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • Junior Temperament and Character Inventory
  • Psychopathology
  • Youth Self Report

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