 | Eysenck links personality dimensions to arousal regulation — extraversion seeks stimulation; neuroticism reflects limbic reactivity — biology sets bias, learning shapes expression. Hans J. Eysenck (1967) · Charles C. Thomas · ISBN 9780398020640 |
|---|
Key principles
- Extraversion–arousal theory — Cortical arousal baseline — extraverts under-stimulated, introverts saturated at lower input.
- Neuroticism reactivity — Limbic sensitivity to threat — emotional volatility is partly constitutional.
- Psychoticism dimension — Later Eysenck addition — aggression and tough-mindedness axis (contested successor models).
- Conditioning asymmetry — Neurotics condition fear faster — learning history interacts with biology.
- Hierarchical trait model — Types collapse to dimensions — measurement beats folklore typology.
- Behaviour therapy implication — Change via exposure and habit — biology limits ease, not possibility.
Core science
The Biological Basis of Personality (1967) is a foundational biologically oriented trait text — precursor to modern Big Five psychobiology on Temperament, attitude and personality. Some claims aged; use as historical spine paired with Kagan and Allport volumes.
Application
Reach for this volume when trait talk needs biological framing without pop neuroscience — or when arousal language explains social energy mismatches. Open Temperament, attitude and personality on the Atlas shelf for the mechanism map.