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Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI)
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About Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI)
Scale Name
Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI)
Author Details
C. Robert Cloninger, M.D
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) is a comprehensive self-report questionnaire developed by psychiatrist C. Robert Cloninger to assess seven dimensions of human personality. Grounded in a psychobiological model, the TCI distinguishes between temperament and character traits:
- Temperament Traits: These are heritable, biologically-based traits that manifest early in life and influence automatic emotional responses. The four temperament dimensions are:
- Novelty Seeking (NS): A tendency toward excitement in response to new stimuli, leading to exploratory activity.
- Harm Avoidance (HA): A tendency to be cautious or apprehensive in response to potential threats, leading to avoidance behaviors.
- Reward Dependence (RD): A tendency to respond intensely to signals of reward, particularly social approval, leading to dependence on others’ approval.
- Persistence (PS): A tendency to persevere despite frustration and fatigue.
- Character Traits: These traits develop through life experiences and personal growth, influencing personal and social effectiveness. The three character dimensions are:
- Self-Directedness (SD): The ability to regulate and adapt behavior to achieve personal goals and values.
- Cooperativeness (CO): The tendency to be agreeable and identify with others.
- Self-Transcendence (ST): The tendency to experience spiritual ideas and consider oneself an integral part of the universe.
The TCI consists of 240 items, each requiring a true or false response, and provides a detailed profile of an individual’s personality by evaluating these seven dimensions. It is widely used in both clinical and research settings to understand personality structure and its implications for mental health.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a Copy: Acquire the authorized TCI questionnaire and manual from the appropriate psychological assessment publisher.
- Explain the Purpose: Inform participants that the TCI assesses various aspects of personality to provide insights into their temperament and character traits.
- Provide Instructions: Instruct participants to respond to each of the 240 true/false items based on how accurately each statement reflects their typical feelings and behaviors.
- Approximate Time: The assessment typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
- Administer the Scale: Ensure the participant completes the questionnaire in a quiet, comfortable environment, free from distractions, to facilitate honest and thoughtful responses.
Reliability and Validity
The TCI has demonstrated robust psychometric properties. Studies have reported high internal consistency for the temperament scales, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.79 to 0.89, and for the character scales, coefficients ranging from 0.82 to 0.87. Test-retest reliability over intervals of several months has also been found to be satisfactory.
Regarding validity, the TCI’s dimensions have been shown to correlate meaningfully with related constructs in other personality models, such as the Five-Factor Model, supporting its construct validity. Additionally, the TCI has been effective in distinguishing between different clinical populations, further attesting to its criterion validity.
Available Versions
240-Items
Reference
Cloninger, C. R., Svrakic, D. M., & Przybeck, T. R. (1993). A psychobiological model of temperament and character. Archives of general psychiatry, 50(12), 975-990.
Cloninger, C. R. (1994). A guide to its development and use. (No Title).
Cloninger, R. C. (1994). The temperament and character inventory (TCI): A guide to its development and use. St. (No Title).
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI)?
The TCI is designed to assess seven dimensions of personality, providing a comprehensive profile of an individual’s temperament and character traits.
Who developed the TCI?
The TCI was developed by psychiatrist C. Robert Cloninger, M.D., as part of his psychobiological model of personality.
How is the TCI administered?
The TCI is a self-report questionnaire consisting of 240 true/false items, typically completed in 45 to 60 minutes.
In what settings is the TCI used?
The TCI is utilized in both clinical and research settings to assess personality structure and its implications for mental health.
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