When Do Personality Traits Become Pathological?

doi:10.1017/9781009445955.010

9 - When Do Personality Traits Become Pathological?

An Epistemological and Evolutionary View

from Part II - Contemporary Approaches to Traditional Conceptual Perspectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 June 2025

Simone Cheli and

Martin Brüne

Edited by

Konrad Banicki and

Peter Zachar

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Konrad Banicki: Affiliation:
Jagiellonian University, Krakow
Peter Zachar: Affiliation:
Auburn University, Montgomery

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Summary

“Personality” is considered as a set of individual characteristics and behavioral dispositions based on both temperamental (partially genetic-driven) and developmental (partially culture-driven) components that are relatively stable across time and context. We suggest that these two intertwined components progressively shape autopoietic processes operating at an individual and a social level in accordance with the theory of evolution and its application to human behavior. We discuss existing evidence linking personality traits to the manifestations of personality disorders and diverse forms of psychopathology. Particular attention is dedicated to the evolutionary concept referred to as Life History Theory, considering its utility in predicting the development of personality traits. We also emphasize the need to explore sources of critique and further research, suggesting that a multifaceted approach to the understanding of personality dimensions is crucial.

Keywords

evolutionary psychopathology life history theory personality psychopathology theory of evolution

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Type: Chapter
Information: Conceptualizing Personality Disorder
Perspectives from Philosophy, Psychological Science, and Psychiatry
, pp. 160 - 178

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009445955.010 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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