Using the Research Domain Criteria Framework to Conceptualize and Assess Personality

Abstract

Abstract The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) provides a promising framework for conceptualizing and assessing personality that can be used to develop an integrated theory of personality and a methodological approach to personality assessment that addresses key issues in psychotherapy and psychophysiology. The RDoC consists of six domains (negative valence systems, positive valence systems, cognition, social systems, arousal, and sensory systems) that develop across the lifespan as people are exposed to and interact with various environmental conditions, threats, and challenges. The RDoC framework significantly overlaps with major personality perspectives, and suggests novel approaches to personality measurement. For example, moderate responding is often ideal (e.g., too little or too much fear can be pathological), indicating an ideal point approach to assessment. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the RDoC as a framework for a personality theory to use in psychotherapy/psychophysiology integration, and to examine using an ideal point approach to personality assessment, with moderate responding as the ideal.