Interrelation of Predictors of Irrational Behavior, Individual-Typological and Personal Characteristics

Abstract

A number of studies in cognitive psychology indicate that human behavior is largely governed by irrational factors (heuristics, cognitive biases, attitudes). These factors influence vital decisions, which can subsequently affect a person’s life and behavior in a broad temporal perspective. There is a lack of research on identifying the individual-typological and personal characteristics that make the irrational behavior more likely to occur. Our research is aimed at revealing the interrelation of predictors of irrational behavior (superstitiousness, “prelogical” defense, unconstructive, categorical, personally superstitious and esoteric thinking, naive optimism), individual-typological and personality characteristics of respondents. We used I. R. Abitov’s questionnaire, J. Tobacyk’s Paranormal Belief Scale adapted by D. S. Grigoriev, I. Y. Stoyanova’s Beliefs and Superstitions Questionnaire, and S. Epstein’s Constructive Thinking Inventory (adapted by S. N. Enikolopov and S. V. Lebedev) to reveal the expression of irrational behavior predictors. The individual-typological characteristics were identified using the Temperament Accentuation Test and the Individual-Typological Questionnaire, while the personal characteristics were identified using the G. V. Zalewski Psychological Rigidity Questionnaire and the C. Scheyer and M. Carver Test for Optimism. It was found that a decrease in the constructive thinking is associated with the expression of such characteristics as shyness, aggression, neuroticism (anxiety), sensitivity to external influences, various manifestations of rigidity, emotional instability and pessimism. It was also found that the expression of these characteristics, as well as pessimism and aversion to changes in self-esteem and personal position, is associated with a tendency to show categorical (“black and white”) thinking. Naive optimism is more often shown by respondents with such characteristics as hyperthymia and increased social activity. The relationship of personality-superstitious thinking with pessimism, fear of new situations, shyness, neuroticism (anxiety), and a tendency to exaggerate one’s difficulties were found. The novelty of our study lies in the discovery of complexes of characteristics that can increase the likelihood of irrational behavior. Reviewing the literature on the topic of the research, we did not find any works made in the mainstream of such an approach. The complexes of individual-typological and personal characteristics revealed in the given research can be considered as “targets” of psychological correction and prevention to decrease the risk of socially dangerous behavior.