THE TEMPERAMENT AND CHARACTER INVENTORY - TCI

INTRODUCTION
Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) is a battery of tests designed to assess differences
between people in seven basic dimensions of temperament and character. Temperament refers to
automatic emotional responses to experience that are moderately heritable and stable throughout life;
the four measured temperament dimensions are Novelty Seeking, Harm Avoidance, Reward
Dependence and Persistence. In contrast, character refers to self-concepts and individual differences in
goals and values, which influence voluntary choices, intentions, and the meaning of what is
experienced in life. Differences in character are moderately influenced by socio-cultural learning and
mature in progressive steps throughout life. The three measured character dimensions are Self
Directedness, Cooperativeness and Self Transcendence. Each of these aspects of personality interacts
with one another to motivate adaption to life experiences and influence susceptibility to emotional and
behavioural disorders.
The unique feature of this tool is that it is suitable for measuring both normal and abnormal behaviour
patterns.
THEORETICAL BASIS
The TCI is based on the biosocial theory of personality. Biosocial Theory is a theory in behavioral
and social science that suggests the attribution of disorders of personality and conditions of mind to
the reaction of biologically determined personality traits to environmental stimuli. In an effort to
integrate information from diverse sources Cloninger (1986) sought to provide a model of personality
that was both complete and anchored in specific neuropharmacological mechanisms. He wished to
develop a general model to explain the differences between patients with somatisation disorder
(Briquets syndrome) and generalized anxiety disorder. Earlier, Eysenck in his Eysenck Personality
Questionnaire (EPQ), had described hysterics and others with somatic anxiety as neurotic extraverts
and neurotics with cognitive anxiety as neurotic introverts. Cloninger wanted to develop a general
model that applied to both normal and abnormal personality like Eysencks, but felt that his model was
unacceptable. Eysencks model was based on the phenotypic (observed) structure of personality.
Phenotypic variation is the product of the interaction of both genetic and environmental factors, and
Eysenck assumed that the phenotypic and genotypic structures are the same. This is the same as saying
that genetic and environmental factors influence behaviour in the same way. Cloninger opposed this
view and asserted that genetic and environmental influences do not influence behaviour in the same
way. He also felt that 2 dimensions are too few to provide a comprehensive model of personality.
Hence, he developed a neurobiologically based operant learning model to guide the rational
development of descriptors of temperament (Cloninger, 1987-1991).
He hypothesized that the temperament systems in the brain were functionally organized as
independently varying systems for the activation, maintenance and inhibition of behaviour in response
to specific classes of stimuli. Behavioural activation involved the activation of behaviour in response
to novelty and signals of reward or relief of punishment or non-reward, so individual differences in
inhabitability were called Harm Avoidance. Behaviour that was previously rewarded was later
maintained for a while without continued reinforcement, and individual differences in such
maintenance were called Reward dependence. The TPQ was developed to test these hypotheses and
to evaluate their adequacy as a general model of personality.

Cloningers four factor model can be seen as a modern interpretation of the ancient 4 temperaments:
melancholic (harm avoidance), choleric (novelty seeking), sanguine (reward dependence) and
phlegmatic (persistence). However, now the 4 temperaments are understood to be genetically
independent dimensions that occur in all factorial combinations rather than mutually exclusive
categories. The 4 temperaments can also be seen to correspond to the 4 basic emotions of fear (harm
avoidance), anger (novelty seeking), love (reward dependence) and tenacity (persistence).
The 4 character dimensions were added to the TCI. The characterologic aspects of personality involve
individual differences in self-concepts about goals and values, in contrast to the temperaments that
involve differences in autonomic emotional reactions and habits. Such self-concepts modify the
significance or meaning of what is experienced, thereby also changing emotional reactions.
Accordingly, the 3 character dimensions involve both an intellectual perspective about self/non-self
boundaries and an emotional perspective. Self-directedness is based on the concept of the self as an
autonomous individual; from this self-concept are derived feelings of personal integrity, honour, selfesteem, effectiveness, leadership and hope. Likewise, cooperativeness is based on the concept of the
self as an integral part of humanity or society; from this self-concept are derived feelings of
community, compassion, conscience and charity. Self-transcendence is based on the concept of self as
an integral part of the universe and its source; from this self concept are derived feelings of mystical
participation, religious faith, and unconditional equanimity and patience. According to Cloningers
psychobiological theory, character development involves changes in the propositional memory system,
whereas temperament involves differences in procedural memory.
ALTERNATE VERSIONS:
TCI is a family of tests designed for varying types of informants- self report, informant ratings and
interviewers. It can be used on varying age group- 7 to 14 years and above 15 years of age. The
version of the TCI appropriate content and reading level for children aged 7-14 was developed in
collaboration with child psychiatrists Joan Luby and Kimberli McCallam. The child and adolescent
version is now being studied in normative and clinical samples.
The test measuring the temperament dimensions only was originally called the Tri-dimensional
Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). In TPQ, novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence and
persistence were all measured, but persistence was originally scored as a component of reward
dependence. The name of test was changed when the character scales were added and Persistence was
recognized as a fourth, separately inherited temperament dimension.
TCI has broad applications and is used to account for individual differences in both normal and
abnormal behaviour patterns. It is useful in practical clinical work notable in diagnosis, differential
diagnosis and treatment planning of psychiatric disorders. The character scales are designed to
distinguish whether the person has any personality disorder and the temperament scales allow the
differential diagnosis of categorical subtypes of personality disorders as well as types of normal
temperament. TCI also helps in assessment of comorbid psychopathology. Differential responses to
psychoactive drugs including antidepressants and antianxiety agents, has been strongly related to the
TCI temperament variables. In contrast, the character scales are designed as targets for
psychotherapeutic development. The correlations between the original scale scores and the TCI
temperament scales are very high. The TCI 125 is a shorter, 125 item version of the TCI which was
derived to provide a convenient screener for personality disorders. However, validity indicators have
been developed only for the full TCI.

The TPQ and TCI have been translated into several languages like Czech, Serbian, Swedish, German,
Japanese and Norwegian. However, normative data for all are not available yet. There is also a revised
version TCI-R. Whereas the original TCI had statements that the subject should indicate whether true
or false the TCI-R has a five point rating for each statement.
ADMINISTRATION AND SCORING
Using TCI is easy and self-explanatory. The self-report questionnaires are paper and pencil tests where
the subject answers true or false to a series of questions about their likes and dislikes, emotional
reactions, interests, attitudes, goals and values. The S is asked to answer all the questions fairly
rapidly. Scoring is simply done by adding one point for each item answered appropriately. The replies
to items on individual scales are expected to usually be balanced for true and false responses; that is,
the items are phrased so that both true and false responses can increment the scales. Such balance
helps reduce response set problems. The profiles can be scored either by the hand scoring method or
by the available computerised program.
CONFIGURAL ANALYSIS OF THE TCI
The classification and description of multidimensional profiles is called configural analysis. It
provides a clinically important bridge between dimensional and categorical approaches to describing
differences between people. The subtypes of personality disorders can be understood largely in terms
of the interaction of 3 temperament dimensions harm avoidance, novelty seeking and reward
dependence. Persistence facilitates mature character development, and the character dimensions
primarily determine whether an individual has a personality disorder. Thus, the style of behaviour,
whether it is mature or immature, can be described primarily in terms of the interaction of the 3
temperaments.

Fig. 1
Interaction of 2 personality dimensions, novelty seeking and harm avoidance
High novelty seeking
Impulsive
Exploratory
Fickle

Excitable
quick tempered
extravagant

Danger seeking
Aggressive
Competitive
Overactive
Impatient
Talkative
Extraverted

Hypothymic
easily distressed
conflicted/wavering
uncertain/indecisive

Cofident, carefree
Low harm avoidance
Uninhibited, energetic

Cautious, apprehensive
High Harm avoidance
Fatiguable, inhibited

Hyperthymic
Cheerful
Unwavering/stubborn
Boastful/overconfident
Reflective
Rigid
Loyal

serenity seeking
passive
inactive
patient
quiet
introverted
stoic
Slow tempered
frugal

Low novelty seeking

In the above figure, the interaction between the two temperaments, harm avoidance and novelty
seeking and the expected behaviour patterns from their various combinations are shown.

Fig. 2
Interaction of 2 personality dimensions, reward dependence and harm avoidance
High reward dependence
ambitious
industrious
persistent

sympathetic/warm
quick sentimental
moody

heroic
persuasive/pushy
perseverant
gullible

passive avoidance
submissive/deferential
indirectly manipulative
dependently demanding

Cofident, carefree
Low harm avoidance
Uninhibited, energetic

Cautious, apprehensive
High Harm avoidance
Fatiguable, inhibited

Oppositional/defiant
Directly confronting
Detached indifference
imperturbable

cunning/devious
ineffectual/reserved
underachieving
alienated/cynical
unambitious
self-willed
practical

tough minded
detached
emotionally cool

reward dependence
In the above figure, the interaction between the two temperaments, harm avoidance and reward
dependence and the expected behaviour patterns from their various combinations are shown.

Fig. 3
Interaction of 2 personality dimensions, high novelty seeking and reward dependence
High novelty seeking
impulsive
exploratory
fickle

excitable
quick tempered
extravagant

libertarian
skilfully charming
coolly poised
unconventional

attention-seeking
self-indulgent
passionate
insecurely vain/narcissistic

detached
Low reward dependence
Tough minded

Ambitious
High reward dependence
sentimental

Privacy seeking
Self-effacing
dispassionate
modest
unimaginative

authoritarian
scrupulous
unaffected/candid
warm/direct
traditional
reflective
rigid
loyal

stoic
slow tempered
loyal

Low novelty seeking

In the above figure, the interaction between the two temperaments, reward dependence and novelty
seeking and the expected behaviour patterns from their various combinations are shown.

In general, extreme combinations (high or low) of pairs of the 3 temperament dimensions of NS, HA
and RD produce certain second order traits summarized in the following table
TABLE NO. 1
Clusters of personality traits associated with various combinations of basic stimulus-response
characteristics
Basic stimulus-response characteristics
Personality cluster
Novelty seeking
Harm avoidance
Reward dependence
Impulsive vs.
high
low
---Rigid
low
high
---Hyperthymic vs.
low
low
---Hypothymic
high
high
---Scrupulous vs.
low
---high
Opportunistic
high
---low
Narcissictic vs.
high
--high
Self-effacing
low
---low
Passive-avoidant vs.
---high
high
Oppositional
---low
low
Gullible vs.
---low
high
Alienated
---high
low
Furthermore, extreme combinations of all these 3 dimensions produce 8 possible configurations are
summarized in the table below. These configurations are called profile types and correspond to the 8
traditional categories of personality disorder as shown in the table.
TABLE NO.2
Personality disorder
Antisocial
Histrionic
Passive-aggressive
Explosive
Obsessional
Schizoid
Cyclothymic
Passive-dependent

TRADITIONAL PERSONALITY CATEGORIES

Novelty seeking
Harm avoidance
Reward dependence
High
Low
Low
High
Low
Low
High
High
High
High
High
Low
Low
Low
High
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
High
Low
High
High

Combining the descriptions in the previous 2 tables, descriptions of the 8 third order profile types in
terms of their second order characteristics are shown below
TABLE NO.3

Personality
disorder
Antisocial
Histrionic
Passive-aggressive
Explosive
Obsessional
Schizoid
Cyclothymic
Passive-dependent
Rigid

impulsive
vs.
Rigid
impulsive
impulsive

Personality clusters associated with traditional categories

Second order personality clusters
hyperthymic scrupulous
narcissistic
passivegullible
vs.
vs.
vs.
avoidant
vs.
hypothymic opportunistic self-effacing oppositional
alienated
Opportunistic
Oppositional
narcissistic
Gullible
Passivehypothymic
Narcissistic
avoidant

hypothymic

Opportunistic

Rigid
hyperthymic
hyperthymic scrupulous
scrupulous

Self-effacing
Self-effacing

alienated
alienated
Oppositional
Gullible
Passiveavoidant

This clustering or categorization is not simply an arbitrary process; rather it recognizes the typical
interaction patterns arising from particular multidimensional configurations over the course of
development and the degree of stability of the multidimensional profiles observed empirically.
For interpretation & categorization purposes, the breakdown of individuals is extended into 3 groups
of equal size in terms of their percentile scores on each dimension: low (lowest 1/3rd, 0-34%), average
(middle 1/3rd, 34-66%), high (highest 1/3rd,67-100%). The categorical labels primarily help to remind
the clinician about expected interaction patterns, not to replace the full quantitative information about
each dimension.
Adequate data is currently available to classify individuals into temperament types based on novelty
seeking, harm avoidance and reward dependence, in accord with the above table. Specifically, an
individual who is extreme (high or low) on the three temperaments in the designated direction should
be classified as a case of that temperament. For e.g. an individual who is high in novelty seeking, low
in harm avoidance and low in reward dependence is a severe case of the antisocial temperament type.
Likewise, individuals who are average (34-66%) on all 3 temperaments are classified as average or
flexible in type. All others are classified as mild cases on the basis of their pattern of deviation
above or below the median on all the 3 temperaments. The utility and biological significance of
median splits has been empirically supported in the prediction of antidepressant drug responses in
depressives.

DESCRIPTION OF TEMPERAMENT & CHARACTER TYPES

Table No.4 describes the different temperament and character types
SCALES

TEMPERAMENT HARM AVOIDANCE

HIGH SCORERS

LOW SCORERS

Relaxed & optimistic;

Worrying & pessimistic; fearful bold & confident;
& doubtful; shy; fatigable.
outgoing; vigorous.

Anticipatory worry and

pessimism VS
Uninhibited optimism
(HA1).

Pessimistic worriers, anticipate

harm and failure. Difficulty in
getting over humiliating and
embarrassing situations

Positive thinking,
optimists. Get over
quickly when humiliated
and embarrassed.

Fear of uncertainty
(HV2)

Cannot tolerate uncertainty,

difficulty in adapting to
changes in routine. quite and
inactive

Confident, calm and

secure. Prefer to take
risks. Adapt to changes.

Shyness with strangers

(HA3)

Unassertive and shy. Lack

confidence

bold, forward and

outgoing

Fatigability VS vigor

asthenic, less energy recover

slowly from minor illnesses
and stress

Highly energetic and

dynamic recover quickly
from minor illnesses and
stress.

NOVELTY SEEKING

Exploratory & curious;

impulsive; extravagant &
enthusiastic; disorderly.

Indifferent; reflective;
frugal & detached;
orderly & regimented.

Exploratory excitable
VS Stoic rigidity

Enjoy exploring, sensation

seeking. Seek thrills ,
excitement and adventures
intolerant to routine &
introduce change

no need for novel

stimulation resistance or
slow to engage in change
conventional, rarely bored
from routine

Excitable, dramatic,
impressionistic, make decisions
quickly poor impulse control.
Attention span is <

Reflective, analytical and

require detailed
information when making
decisions. Rarely break
rules. Not easily
distracted.

Extravagant with their money,

energy. And feelings. Gallant,
flamboyant and unrestrained.

Reserved, controlled or
restrained. Dont waste
their money, energy and

Impulsiveness VS
reflection (NS2)
Extravagance VS
reserve (NS3)

CHARACTER

Prefer to spend money than to

save it.

feelings. Frugal and

stingy

Disorderliness VS
regimentation (NS4)

Quick tempered and disorderly.

Express anger outwardly. Dont
like fixed rules and regulations
and routines.

Organized, orderly,
methodical and
systematic. Prefer strict
rules. Slow to lose their
temper.

REWARD
DEPENDENCE

Sentimental & warm; dedicated

& attached; dependent.

Practical & cold;

withdrawn & detached;
independent.

Sentimentality (RD1)

Sentimental, sympathetic,
understanding individuals.
Show their emotions easily.
Experience vicarious emotions
easily.

Tough minded, practical,

coolly detached rarely
moved by sentimental
appeals.

Attachment VS
detachment (RD3)

Prefer intimacy over privacy.

Discuss their experiences and
feelings openly. They form
warm and lasting social
relationships sensitive to
rejection and slights.

Disinterest in social
relationships. Prefer
privacy. Self contained.
Alienated, detached, and
distant

Dependence VS
independence (RD4)

Dependent on emotional
support. Reluctant to make
decisions. Seek support please
others. Easily hurt by criticism.

Neither depends on nor

actively seeks emotional
support from others.
Independent, self
sufficient. Unresponsive
to social pressure

PERSISTANCE

Industrious & diligent; hard

working; ambitious &
overachiever; perseverant &
perfectionist

inactive & indolent; gives

up easily; modest &
underachiever; quitting
& pragmatist

SELFDIRECTEDNESS

Mature & strong; responsible

& reliable; purposeful;
resourceful & effective; self
accepted; habits congruent with
long term goals.

Immature & fragile;

blaming & unreliable;
purposeless; inert &
ineffective; self striving;
habits incongruent with
long term goals.

Recognize their attitudes,

behaviors & problems reflect
their own choices. Accept
responsibility for their attitudes

Blame other people and

external circumstances.
Not to accept
responsibility for their

Responsibility VS
Blaming(SD1)

and behavior. Reliable and

trustworthy.

actions. Unreliable and

irresponsible.

Purposefulness VS lack
of goal direction (SD2)

Goal oriented or purposeful.

Sense of meaning and direction
in their lives. Activities guided
by long term goals.

Struggle to find direction,

purpose, and meaning in
their lives. Uncertain
about long term goals.
Unable to delay
gratification.

Resourcefulness VS
inertia (SD3).

Resourceful and effective.

Productive, proactive,
competent and innovative
individuals. Rarely lack ideas.

Helpless, hopeless and

ineffective. Incompetent
when faced with
obstacles.

Self acceptance VS self

striving (SD4)

Self confident. Accept their

strengths and limitations. Very
comfortable with their actual
mental and physical features.

Self striving. Low self

esteem, neither accept not
enjoy their actual mental
and physical features.

Congruent second
nature VS Bad habits
(SD5)

Goal congruent, good habits.

Act in accord with their long
term goals. Self discipline.
Feel Safe and self trusting in
many tempting situations.

Self defeating and weak

willed.

Socially tolerant, empathetic,

helpful, compassionate &
constructive, ethical &
COOPERATIVENESS principled.

Socially intolerant,
critical, unhelpful,
revengeful & destructive;
opportunistic.

Social acceptance VS
Social intolerance (C1)

Tolerant and friendly. Accept

other people.

Intolerant and unfriendly,

impatient with critical of
other people.

Empathy VS Social
disinterest (C2)

Imagine in other people's

shoes; highly attuned to and
considerate of other people's
feelings.

Insensitive; don't seem

very concerned about
other's feelings; unwilling
to respect the goals and
values of others.

Helpfulness Vs
Unhelpfulness (C3)

helpful; supportive;
encouraging or reassuring;
work as part of a team

Self centered; egotistic or

selfish. Prefer to work
alone

Compassionate, forgiving,
charitable and benevolent; they
don't enjoy revenge.

Revengeful; either overt

or disguised. Hurting
others physically,
emotionally and

Compassion VS
revengefulness (C4)

financially.
Honest, genuinely scrupulous
and sincere persons;
incorporated stable ethical
principles.

Opportunistic; unfairly,
biased, self serving,
manipulative or deceitful.

SELF
TRANSCENDENCE

Wise & patient; creative & self

forgetful; united with universe;

impatient; unimaginative
& self conscious; pride &
lack of humility

Creative self
forgetfulness VS self
consciousness (STI)

transcend their self boundaries;

absent minded; seem in another
world i.e., are absorbed;
creative and original;

tendency to be aware of
their surroundings; rarely
deeply moved by art or
beauty; unimaginative;

Transpersonal
identification (ST2)

Extraordinary strong
connection to nature. Trying to
prevent war, poverty or
injustice; they are fuzzythinking idealists.

View nature as an
external object to be
manipulated
instrumentally, rather than
something of which they
are an integral part.

Believe in miracles, magical

thinking, extrasensory
perception, and other spiritual
phenomena.

Accept only materialism

and objective empiricism.
Unwilling to accept
unscientifically explained
things.

Integrated conscience
VS Self serving
advantage (C5)

Spiritual acceptance VS
rational materialism
(ST3)

VALIDITY INDICATORS: DESCRIPTION OF VALIDITY SCALES.

In TCI, there are several scales which can be used to judge the validity of the set of responses.
Normative data has been obtained on these validity indicators in order to allow objective statements
about the probability that a particular response pattern has occurred by chance. Extreme scores on any
of the validity scales should raise caution in the process of interpretation of the self report description
of the respondent (that is, has T score of 70 or more or 30 or less which correspond to the extreme 5 th
percentile). TCI validity scales provide a profile of the performance style of the test taker. There are
predictable relationships between the performances styles of test taking that correspond to the reported
personality of the respondent. For example, individuals who are described as submissive on the TCI
content dimensions are predictably more likely to be acquiescent (i.e. to answer true when in doubt ) in
test taking where are those who are oppositional are more likely to answer false when in doubt. If
incongruence is between the profile of the validity scales and the self description of personality on the
content scales suggests invalidity.
The validity indicators of TCI are Rarity scale, the Runs scale, the number true, the scale of like items,
the scale of unlike items. And a single item inquiring directly about honesty.
1. Rarity scale: - it includes the least frequently endorsed item response from each of the 25
subscales. Endorsement of many such infrequent items across the entire range of personality

dimensions is expected to indicate a deliberate effort to depict oneself in a highly unlikely way
or careless disregard for the content of item being endorsed.
2. Runs: - The runs scale counts the number of sequences of consecutive true or false answers.
The high no. of runs out of possible 240 may indicate deliberate alternation responses without
regard to content. Very low no. of runs may indicate a uniform response pattern. Again
responding without regard to content. Average no. of runs = 120
3. Number of true endorsements (Numtrue):- The no. of items endorsed true is useful to
indicate an overall tendency to answer yes more or less frequently than usual.
4. Scales of like items and scales of unlike items:- These two scales provide a measure of the
extent to which the respondent is consistent in his responses. The scale of like items consists of
29 pairs of questions which are usually answered in the same way (that is, both true of both
false). Thus low score indicates inconsistency in answering. A very high score might indicate
that the respondent is consciously trying to portray himself in a certain manner and is being
overly careful to answer all questions in the same direction In order to manipulate the test
outcome.
The scale of unlike items has 21 pairs of items usually answered in opposition, one true and
one false. It is best to consider the scores on both of these scales. Clearly, it is easier to decide
that a test is invalid due to random or very inconsistent responses than to overly consistent
answering.
5. In addition to above 5 scales, respondent is given the opportunity to acknowledge or deny
honesty in responding to the items. Item 230 in the TCI is I have lied a lot on this test. If the
answer is yes, the test is considered to be invalid.
USE IN CLINICAL ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT PLANNING
Interpretation of the TCI scores for both clinical subjects and normal individuals is based on the scores
obtained in a community sample of 300 normal adult individuals (Cloninger et al, 1993). Each score
sheet for the TCI higher and lower order temperament and character traits provides raw scores, T
scores and percentile scores. These scores are provided for each of the higher order temperament and
character dimensions, as well as for each of the lower order temperament and character traits.
For interpretation, individuals can be divided into 6 equal groups using the following cut off points for
the percentile scores:
Percentile scores:
0-16.7% - VERY LOW
17-33% - LOW
34-66.7% - AVERAGE
67-83.3% - HIGH
84-100% - VERY HIGH

The distinction between low and very low, or high and very high has been found to be reliable and
useful for precision in clinical description. Individuals who are very low or very high are much more
consistent and intense in their emotional responses and characterological attitudes than those with
moderate deviations. For instance, people who are very low in self-directedness nearly always (>90%)
have a personality disorder, whereas about 40-50% of those who are only low have a personality
disorder.
For the assessment of the TCI, it is useful to have a rough orientation of the current level of the
subjects mood and anxiety states. It provides a rough estimate of the possible effect of current mood
and anxiety on temperament and character traits. In interpreting profiles, clinicians should consider the
variation in scores to be expected between occasions. In the general population, there is little or no
tendency for change in personality as measure on a re-test. In contrast, psychiatric patients, most of
whom were mildly depressed when tested initially, were found to have harm avoidance scores that
average 2 points higher when followed up 6 months later. In addition, they have scores on selfdirectedness and cooperativeness that are about 2 points lower on average at follow up. This average
pattern is influenced in opposite ways by the onset of new episodes of depression and by the
improvement from treatment. Thus, the overall evaluation, description and classification of
temperament and character scores should be highly individualized. Optimally, the raters should be well
informed about the respondents history, long term behaviour and present medical disorders.
Format example of formulation for Global description of personality on the TCI
The most distinctive features in this profile are very low HA and very high NS in the context of
chronic depression. The observed combination of low HA and high NS suggests that a spectrum of
second order traits dominates this patients behaviour. The observed high reward dependence score
suggests that this patient tends to be sentimental and warm, dedicated and attached. However, the
observed scores on the Persistence scale were very low, suggesting he tends to give up easily when
faced with frustration or fatigue. The observed combination of temperament traits (low HA, high NA,
high RD) corresponds to the histrionic type of temperament, which is associated with low risk for
immaturity and personality disorders. The observed scores on the self-directedness character
dimension were low, suggesting that this patient probably has a personality disorder. However, the low
average Cooperativeness scores suggest that he has developed some ability to accept and respect other
people, to be empathetic, and compassionate.
Format example of Clinical/diagnostic interpretation of the TCI profile
The observed low scores (27 points, or 30 th percentile) on the self-directedness scale suggest that this
patient has some probability of having a PD. The combined score on Self-directedness and
cooperativeness is 59, which places this patient just above the lower third of the general population on
this measure of maturity (58 is the 33rd percentile). The observed temperament profile, notable very
high Novelty Seeking, suggests that this patient manifests a cluster B personality disorder, i.e., Several
indicators suggest that histrionic personality disorder is the most likely diagnosis in this case. The
observed temperament type in this case is typical histrionic (ie. Low HA, high NS and high RD). Next,
high RD (primarily high sentimentality and attachment) are rarely observed in narcissistic, antisocial,
or borderline personality disorder. Next, most of the observed scores on the cooperativeness subscales
(e.g. social acceptance , empathy, compassion, integrated conscience) were average, suggesting a
reasonably well developed social sensibility. These features are more frequently observed with
histrionic than with antisocial or borderline individuals. In addition, the observed low persistence
scores also match traditional clinical concepts of histrionic personality.

APPLICABILITY OF THE TCI

1. All available studies confirm that individuals with all types of anxiety disorders are high in
harm avoidance. The converse is not necessarily true: that is individuals who are high in harm
avoidance do not necessarily have an anxiety disorder.
2. Harm avoidance is predicted to increase susceptibility to depression in addition to anxiety.
Being high in both harm avoidance and novelty seeking produces internal approach avoidance
conflicts that make it difficult to be happy and hopeful. Dysthemic individuals are expected to
be low in self directedness which is characterized by the feeling of emptiness. Individuals high
in reward dependence are predicted to be sensitive to social loss, which produces reactive
dysphoria with hypercortisolemia. Studies have shown that individuals with personality
disorder or low self directedness are expected to have frequent comorbid dysthymia and
depression.
3. The presence of any personality disorder was strongly determined by low scores in self
directedness and cooperativeness. In addition, low reward dependence, high novelty seeking or
high harm avoidance predicted personality disorder (if present) from cluster A,B and C resp.
thus it may help us in differential diagnosis of the clusters.
4. TCI has been used for investigating the neurobiological foundation of personality together
with other research modalities like molecular neuroimaging, structural neuroimging and
genetics. Cloninger suggested that the 3 original temperaments from TPQ, NS, HA and RD
were correlated with low basal dopaminergic activity, high serotonergic activity and low basal
noradrenergic activity, respectively.

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