PSYCHOTICISM Meaning and
Definition
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Psychoticism is a psychological trait that refers to a state of being prone to psychosis or having characteristics similar to those seen in people with psychosis. It is a concept originally introduced by British psychologist Hans Eysenck as part of his personality theory. Psychoticism is considered one of the three primary personality dimensions, alongside extraversion and neuroticism.
Individuals with high levels of psychoticism tend to exhibit traits such as aggressiveness, impulsiveness, and a lack of empathy or concern for others. They may also display unconventional or eccentric behaviors, have difficulty conforming to societal norms, and may be drawn to dark or antisocial activities. These individuals often demonstrate a disregard for rules and moral standards, and may engage in manipulative or deceptive behaviors.
However, it is important to note that psychoticism as a personality dimension does not imply that an individual is psychotic or suffering from a mental illness. Rather, it reflects a continuum of personality traits, with some individuals having higher or lower degrees of psychoticism than others.
Psychoticism is often measured through personality inventories or questionnaires, such as the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). Understanding psychoticism can be useful in assessing and predicting individual behavior, providing insight into personality disorders, criminal tendencies, and even certain mental health conditions.
Etymology of PSYCHOTICISM
The word "psychoticism" is derived from the noun "psychosis", which comes from the Greek word "psȳ́chē" meaning "mind" or "soul". The suffix "-osis" in "psychosis" is derived from Greek and signifies "a condition or process". The term "psychoticism" uses the suffix "-ism" to create a noun form and refers to the state or quality of being psychotic.
