Temperament characteristics according to Strelau

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The temperament characteristics according to Strelau are based on the temperament theory of the Warsaw psychologist Jan Strelau (1931-2020). This theory is based on the foundations of the properties of nerve processes described by Ivan Pawlow in the behavioristic tradition. According to Strelau, the temperament is mainly determined by physical mechanisms and therefore relatively constant; it changes to an extreme extent (from sanguine to melancholic ) only under long-lasting and consistent environmental influence. It is expressed in the energetic level of the behavior as well as in the temporal reaction parameters (i.e. in the manner and motivation). According to Strelau, temperament is seen as predominantly genetically determined, but a clear distinction must be made between (slightly changeable) temperament and the behavior in which the temperament is expressed, because the behavior can be changed. There is no scientific evidence for Strelau's theories and their statements.

Energetic level of behavior

A distinction is made between two basic temperament dimensions for inter-individual differences in energetic aspects of behavior:

Reactivity

Reactivity describes the intensity or amount of behavior with which an individual reacts to a stimulus or situation. Accordingly, the size of a stimulus determines the strength of the reaction (stimulus proportional to the reaction), but this reaction strength is individually dependent. This difference in the intensity of the reaction corresponds to the temperament characteristic of reactivity. Accordingly, a strong reactivity means a high sensitivity or low load capacity. The stimulus does not need to be particularly high for a reaction. Strelau suggested that the stimulus is amplified by certain physiological mechanisms ( endocrine system , autonomic nervous system , brain stem , subcortical and cortical centers ). Because the reactivity defines the strength / size of the reaction through certain excitation, the excitation is based on this physiological mechanism for increasing or suppressing stimulations. Conversely, weak reactivity is used when a reaction requires a particularly strong stimulus (here the stimulation is reduced by physiological mechanisms).

The peak of the reactivity level is reached when an increase in the stimulus strength no longer leads to an increase in the reaction intensity. This point is known as the resilience threshold. If the stimulation continues to increase in intensity, the intensity of the reaction will decrease again. For example, someone who is constantly being wrongly accused will eventually stop being upset about it.

The degree of sensitivity of the reactivity means the weakest stimulus that just elicits a barely perceptible reaction. This is measured by the RVK (stimulus processing coefficient) in the ratio of reaction strength to stimulus intensity.

The reactivity is particularly evident in situations in which a reaction is caused directly by a stimulus. The opposite of this are active behaviors that, as a targeted action, cannot be directly traced back to a current stimulus.

activity

The activity determines or regulates the stimulative value of a behavior or a situation and manifests itself in the form of the behavior which is directed towards a certain goal (which often does not have to be directly connected to the stimulus situation). A distinction is made in terms of:

  • Duration ... (How long does someone jog ?)
  • Intensity ... (how fast does someone jog?)
  • Frequency ... (How often does someone jog?)

performing activities of any kind.

The excitation optimum is reached when the organism is supplied with the correct dose of stimuli / stimuli and the individual always strives to maintain this excitation optimum or to achieve it again. With excessive arousal, a person will try to reduce stimulation. There is then a need, for example, to withdraw and relax. A distinction is made in the optimal level of arousal:

  • Physiological: a level of arousal that is associated with the lowest physical “cost” in carrying out activities
(the organism is relaxed and physical parameters are "normal")
  • Psychologically: a level of arousal where action is at its highest.
(the person feels comfortable and can concentrate on their tasks in peace)

The source of the stimulation can be any change inside or outside the organism, especially tasks or situations with emotional value, for example a football game is more exciting for a fan of a club than for a neutral observer.

A distinction is made between direct and indirect stimulation:

  • Direct activity is used to directly stimulate the nervous system . The activity is stimulation (such as playing sports).
  • Indirect activity means seeking out situations that offer stimulation. The activity leads to stimulation (e.g. going to a party).

Relationship between activity and reactivity

The reactivity and activity of behavior are in some way independent of each other. The reactivity does not determine the activity, but both have the same cause - the physiological mechanism. This mechanism directly determines the reactivity, because this system influences how a stimulus is received by the organism and when a person feels over-stimulated. In the case of activity, however, this mechanism is only the starting point for the development of certain behaviors or activities. Because if someone needs stimulation, then it is up to his personality how he gets it. The mechanism here only determines how much and how much stimulation is needed. Therefore, by measuring the activity of the behavior, conclusions can be drawn indirectly about reactivity and vice versa.

highly reactive not very reactive
Response to
immediate stimuli 		high low
Action activity low high

Strongly reactive individuals react strongly to immediate stimuli, but with reduced activity in action (physical mechanism intensifies stimulation). Less reactive people show a high level of activity and a weaker reaction to immediate stimuli (physiological mechanism suppresses stimulation).

Temperament traits

speed

Describes the time from the effect of the stimulus to the reaction.

agility

Describes the ability to switch from one reaction to a second. The opposite would be immobility. This property is measured by the time interval between two stimuli. The question is: "How quickly can two different stimuli follow one another so that an adequate reaction can still take place to each or the two stimuli are still perceived as different?" With lazy people, this critical time interval is reached early and consequently, with moving people, the The intervals between the stimuli must be short. This property is important for quick adaptation.

durability

The duration of the reaction is defined by the duration of this after irritation. (How long is someone angry after being offended)

tempo

Number of reactions that occur in a unit of time (it is particularly about similar reactions, for example the number of words in a minute in a stressful situation).

rhythm

This is understood to mean the regularity of the time intervals between similar reactions. The greater the rhythm, the more regular the intervals between the reactions. (How big must the time interval between two identical stimuli be for someone to show the same reaction to both?)

Strelau Temperament Inventory STI

On the basis of this temperament theory, Strelau and colleagues created a temperament index that can be examined with the help of questionnaires. The STI is the original variant, which has since been revised and supplemented several times, and the test is also available in a compact version. Three main features are examined.

Strength of Excitation (SE)

This is the willingness to be active in highly stimulating situations. The larger the SE, the lower the sensitivity to stimulation; consequently, a high SE is associated with low reactivity.

Typical questions that these constructs examine:

  • "I enjoy activities that are very time-consuming and require all my strength."
  • "Even difficult and strenuous activities don't tire me"

Strength of Inhibition (SI)

Covers the ability to interrupt actions and exercise restraint on motor, verbal and emotional behavioral levels. A high SI is associated with low reactivity

In the questionnaire, this could include questions such as:

  • "I can continue to discuss, even if I'm upset."
  • "When I have commissioned a work, I find it difficult to wait for it to be finished."

Mobility of nervous processes (M)

Flexibility in relation to changing environmental conditions fall under this item, it also includes flexibility in adapting to changed situations.

Examples of questions are:

  • "It is easy for me to establish conversations with fellow travelers."
  • "It is easy for me to tear myself away from a captivating matter when it is necessary."

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