Positive and negative psychological characteristics

George Alvarez 18-10-2023
George Alvarez

Understanding more effectively the aspects of the human mind allows us to have more clarity about ourselves. Our potential and motivation gain more focus and we can work on our faults and virtues as well. Therefore, let's understand better about our psychological characteristics and how we can polish them.

Function of psychological characteristics

Psychological characteristics are pillars that help determine and shape our personality In other words, it is our characteristics that contribute to the construction of our individuality.

Even with the passage of time this remains stable, although it may present variations in nuances. This happens thanks to the social and cultural environment in which we are inserted and which influences us. As an example of these characteristics, in this case, we cite adaptability to the environment and attention to its elements.

The human personality is made of characteristics

It is through the psychological characteristics gathered that we can give birth to each person's personality. Their thinking, feeling, and acting are determined by the elements that help structure their essence. This reflects in their individuality, so that no one is the same as anyone else on any level.

It is even a complex process, since the various combinations can give rise to diverse personalities. This includes multiple personalities in one person, influenced by psychic and behavioral pathologies.

The biggest example of this plurality is social interaction, where we meet our peers, known or not. Although some may feel uncomfortable, living with these differences is good for our development, within safe boundaries, of course.

Psychological characteristics in children

Children have their own psychological characteristics of this phase, both in content and intensity. Because of this, they experience the external world in a more vivid and intense way. Instinctively are able to perceive their own limitless grasp of reality and how this reflects on them .

The way the little ones learn also influences this, since observation becomes a channel for growth. So, once again, they are influenced by their environment and the people who live in and around them. Who has never looked at the child of an acquaintance and noticed the same characteristics in the parents or close relatives?

See_also: Mother and Child Relationship according to Winnicott

Because of this, parents should encourage children to discover themselves and guide them when necessary. This can come through honest answers to the questions they ask or toys and experiences. This kind of contact will help them find and develop their personal characteristics in a natural and safe way.

Negative psychological characteristics

Almost no one likes to admit that they have negative psychological characteristics because it displays their flaws. However, it is necessary to have knowledge about them in order to improve The most common are:

1. selfishness

The individual spends more energy thinking only about himself than about the collective. As long as the selfish subject is not fully satiated, which hardly ever happens, others will have no place.

2. arrogance

Among many aspects, arrogance leads an individual to think that he is better than everyone else.

3. pessimism

Even if it is not reality, a person always carries a feeling that everything is going to go wrong. Many times he/she even gives up trying because of the fear of being confirmed. To live a fairy tale is also to run away from reality. But pessimism is also an escape, because it prevents us from facing the problems as they are.

See_also: Aphobia: the strange fear of not being afraid

4. excessive shyness

People who hide themselves away for anything end up letting unique opportunities come their way. Excessive shyness includes attachments to people, projects, or even relationships.

5. perfectionism

Wanting everything to come out without any flaws is an absurdly impossible fantasy. But not everyone thinks like that and ends up causing discomfort by its excess of methodology and even conflicts due to disagreements.

Read Also: Can a psychoanalyst treat psychological illnesses?

Use your defects to your advantage

Negative psychological traits may be bad, but a lot of them indicate that they are untapped points. In other words, when we target and refine these flaws, we can take advantage of them. Keep in mind that our flaws are also integral parts of what makes us unique people .

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

Experts recommend not to create labels about people, making the subject too simplistic and categorical. This blocks their individuality, since a confident person can be confused with someone who is narcissistic. However, it is necessary to keep in mind that a negative psychological characteristic is normal if it does not cause any problems.

Not to mention that we can give some value to these flaws and count on the benefits they bring. For example, a distrustful person is less likely to fall into traps created by others. In this case, one must not exaggerate, since good opportunities can be avoided when one does not give some credit for them.

Positive psychological characteristics

We all possess some virtue, and the psychological characteristics below prove it. It is possible that we have only one of them or several, resulting in an incredible and quite remarkable human delivery. As an example, we quote:

1. wisdom

Not only the act of demonstrating knowledge, but also the ability to store it and learn it from various sources.

2. courage

Challenges are not a big problem because there is enough strength and certainty that you can handle them. Courage enables people to take a step forward, reaching a place few people reach .

3. empathy

Through empathy people become more sensitive, avoiding judgments, prejudices, and only accepting those who need help.

4. justice

Whatever it is, righteous people never bow to cowardice or any act that harms anyone's morals. They are usually the ones who mobilize against direct harm to the common good.

5. loyalty

Being faithful to friends, loves, and family is an inspiring attitude, showing respect, gratitude, and companionship.

The balance between positive and negative characteristics

Yes, we know that nobody is perfect, but it is possible to achieve a balance regarding psychological characteristics. As opened lines above, we are all likely to demonstrate positive or not positive aspects of them. The real trick is to know how to deal with each one, carrying an awareness of their limits and needs .

Be aware of when each characteristic can help or hurt you. Being a perfectionist may seem like a great thing to say in an interview, but it can denote someone who won't admit their mistakes. Know yourself and the moments where you put yourself and get a head start on achieving your desires and goals.

After all, what are psychological characteristics?

Psychological characteristics help define our posture throughout our lives in everyday life They are like fingerprints, giving each person their own identity and marking their movement within the crowd. On the one hand, they can be good, but also bad.

Because of this you need to make an effort to understand how you behave in various situations. Believe me, everything that makes you up can be combined into something greater if you know exactly how to do it.

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

That is why we recommend our totally online training course in Clinical Psychoanalysis, the broadest, deepest and most extensive psychoanalysis course in the Portuguese language. Through it, you will be fully aware of your capabilities, polishing your own essence with newly developed self-knowledge. Contact us to bring your psychological characteristics closer to your full potential .

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.