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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

By
Simone Cheli  and
Martin Brüne
Edited by
Konrad Banicki  and
Peter Zachar
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 psychopathologylife history theorypersonalitypsychopathologytheory of evolution
Type
Chapter
Information
Conceptualizing Personality Disorder
Perspectives from Philosophy, Psychological Science, and Psychiatry
 , pp. 160 - 178
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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