Psychobiology of Personality

Personality is now understood to be a function of both biological and environmental influences. This revised and updated edition of Psychobiology of Personality describes what is currently known about the biological basis of the primary personality traits, including genetic, neurological, biochemical, physiological, and behavioral influences. Emphasis is placed on understanding the connections between phenomena at these levels. The research discussed makes use of animal models, based on experimental brain research, as well as human clinical and normal personality research. Chapters are devoted to temperament and personality trait structure, psychobiological methods, and each of four major personality traits: extraversion, impulsive, sensation seeking, and aggression. Recent advances in psychobiological methods, such as molecular genetics and brain imaging have enabled us to begin to unravel the genetic and neurological sources of behavior and personality. These advances are discussed in this new edition, making it essential reading for advanced students of psychology and psychiatry.

• Covers all levels of psychobiology from genetic influences to personality traits and includes the broadest possible range of research studies • Accessible, with descriptions of methods included in simple terms and separated out from other material for clarity • Thoroughly updated with more than half of the references cited from articles or books published since the first edition

Preface; 1. Temperament and personality: trait structure and persistence; 2. Psychobiological methods; 3. Extraversion/sociability; 4. Neuroticism; 5. Psychoticism (psychopathy), impulsivity, sensation and/or novelty seeking, conscientiousness; 6. Aggression-hostility/agreeableness; 7. Consilience; References.

‘Zuckerman\'s book presents a wealth of data supporting the idea of consistency of traits over the lifetime of an individual. This is an important book for the student of human behavior … Its strength lies in its thoroughness.’ George Kucan, Human Ethology Bulletin

‘… effectively brings the integration of psychology and biology closer to a reality … a valuable addition to undergraduate libraries if only to show other approaches to the study of personality.’ Choice

‘… a useful book. It presents an up-to-date review of thinking and research dealing with personality, primarily from a psychobiological point of view … Reading through the book provides the reader with a broad grasp of the field as well as an understanding of some of the important conceptual and methodological problems inherent in much of the research described.’ Samuel B. Guze, American Journal of Psychiatry

‘… by far the best introduction to the field, and will undoubtedly be the textbook chosen by the adventurous souls who decide to lecture on the psychobiology of personality.’ H. J. Eysenck, Personality & Individual Differences

\'The second edition of Zuckerman\'s 1991 text is an extremely well researched review of what is a fast moving inextricably linked area of biology/psychology/ethology. … a thorough review … well referenced … It is academically rigorous and would be an excellent starting point for undergraduate psychologists and ethologists alike in their pursuit of understanding what is one of the most challenging of current psychobiological research areas.\' Journal of Biological Education