Personality dynamics in the brain: Individual differences in updating of representations and their phylogenetic roots

Mattie Tops, Hans Ijzerman, Markus Quirin

Research output: Chapter in Book / Report / Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

To cope with changing and unfamiliar situations, individuals process novel information and integrate this information into internal models that were formed through previous experiences. We propose that the continuum of the degree to which people update these internal models when encountering novel information is central to personality dynamics. Personality traits therefore arise at both ends of this continuum. Personality dimensions and behavioral manifestations (such as those reflected in liberal and conservative political thought) are classified at different points along this continuum, as well as according to the availability and flexible situational accessibility of internal models. Our model is rooted in neurobiological evidence (interactions of large-scale brain networks in particular) and shows strong parallels with models of basic animal personality traits. The model thus permits to explain both personality traits and personality dynamics, including phasic and stable adaptations to environmental conditions. Moreover, the model sheds light on the development of personality and its origins through phylogenetic and ontogenetic time.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Handbook of Personality Dynamics and Processes
EditorsJohn F. Rauthmann
PublisherElsevier
Chapter6
Pages125-154
Number of pages30
ISBN (Electronic)9780128139950
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Absorption
  • Conscientiousness
  • Conservatism
  • Drive for reward
  • Liberalism
  • Openness to experience
  • PARCS theory
  • Personality
  • Self-directedness
  • Sensation seeking

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