How many and what mechanisms are needed to explain self‐regulatory functions in personality dynamics: Toward a model based on the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits

Abstract

We propose a model of basic self‐regulatory mechanisms that integrates descriptive‐structural and dynamic‐explanatory approaches to personality. Using a structural way of thinking and based on a structural model of personality (the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits), we deduced two orthogonal (distinct) but interactive mechanisms: (a) Impulse Control responsible for controlling automatically activated impulses, urges, and affective reactions and (b) Self‐Motivation responsible for regulating intentions in goal‐oriented behaviors. Their operation depends on both situational and dispositional factors and optimal functioning of both mechanisms is needed for effective regulation of behavior. People can also be characterized by relatively stable levels of Impulse Control and Self‐Motivation as dispositions, which depend on temperamental predispositions but can develop incoherently with them due to the impact of environmental factors. Combinations of Impulse Control and Self‐Motivation as dispositions result in personality types, which differ in their adaptiveness. Importantly, Impulse Control and Self‐Motivation mechanisms reveal substantial similarities to other self‐regulatory constructs described in the literature, particularly those included in Block and Block's as well as Kuhl's theories. The contribution of our paper may serve as an example of how to apply the descriptive‐structural approach to develop a dynamic‐explanatory model of personality.

“Self” and “other”: A conceptual bridge linking normal with pathological personality

“…The division between PDs subsumed under the "Acting Out" vs. "Anxious-Inhibited" dichotomy is supported by an analysis of PDs carried out within the framework of the circumplex model of personality metatraits [CPM: (7)], a circumplex constituted by two orthogonal dimensions: Alpha/Stability and Beta/Plasticity (see Figure 1). CPM integrates the Big Five of the Five Factor Model of personality and the HEXACO model, allowing the integration of models of temperament, emotion, motivation, values, wellbeing, and mental health problems, including personality disorders, into a single framework.…”

Personality dynamics: Regulatory mechanisms and processes

“…A theoretical article by Skimina et al (2023) offers a combination of automatic and volitional levels of regulation in explaining personality dynamics. Specifically, concerning a structural model of personality (the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits, or CPM; see Strus & Cieciuch, 2021; Strus et al, 2014), the authors analyze the meaning of particular metatraits to identify those showing the most robust correspondence to the self‐regulatory mechanisms contributing to personality dynamics.…”

“…This special issue of the Journal of Personality was designed to advance the field of personality dynamics in this respect. Eleven articles have been brought together: eight theoretical (Dunlop et al, 2023; Fajkowska, 2023; Nowak et al, 2023; Quirin et al, 2023; Read & Miller, 2023; Rogers et al, 2023; Skimina et al, 2023; Wilt & Revelle, 2023) and three empirical (Di Sarno et al, 2023; Hudson, 2023; Kersten et al, 2023). We here outline four topics and elaborate on how these articles contribute to them: Personality dynamics and levels of regulation Personality dynamics and the motivational dimension of regulation Dynamics and regulatory potentials of structural personality components Personality dynamics and timescales …”

Edukacja

“…Warstwa kompetencji osobowościowych w modelu Objawy-Kompetencje-Cechy została już częściowo opisana w literaturze naukowej na forum międzynarodowym (Cieciuch i Skimina, Strus, Cieciuch i Topolewska-Siedzik, 2022). Najogólniej rzecz biorąc, istotą ludzkiej aktywności, do której przygotowuje edukacja, jest umiejętność skutecznego działania, które jest celowe (domena zadaniowa) i dokonuje się w świecie, który jest w znacznej mierze światem społecznym (domena społeczna).…”