Tridimensional theory of personality: applications to substance abuse disorders

Abstract

Introduction: We have assessed the weight that Cloninger’ dimensions play in the substance abuse disorder. Also, we have analysed the hypothetical self-independence of these dimensions and if there is some correlation between those and some demographic variables.

Methodology: 20 drug abstinents and 20 controls, all males, fulfilled the «Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire.

Results: All the values on the Novelty Seeking (NS) subclass and the overall NS scale were higher in the abstinent group. The most meaningful differences were found on the «excitable» and «extravagant» subclass and the total NS scale. There was also a significant though smaller difference on the «disorderly» subclass. Only the Harm Avoidance (HA) subclass «fatigability» was significantly higher in the abstinent group. The value of «persistence» substantially low in the abstinent subjects was the most significant difference between groups when the Reward Dependence (RD) scale was considered. The correlation analysis demonstrated that the three dimensions were mutually independent in the controls. However, in the abstinent group NS correlated positively with HA and negatively with «persistence». Any correlation was found between the dimensions and the demographic variables in both groups.

Conclusion: A high sensation seeking behaviour and a low persistence seems to be the most prominent characteristic of our abstinent subjects. Both tendencies could explain in part their high substance seeking tendency and possibly the high rate of relapse found in similar populations. Finally, the Cloninger’s hypothesis about the mutually independence of the dimensions seems to be fulfilled only in the control group.