Author(s)
Stephen Read, Brian M. Monroe, Aaron L. Brownstein, Yu Yang, Gurveen Chopra, Lynn C. Miller

We present a neural network model that aims to bridge the historical gap between dynamic and structural approaches to personality. The model integrates work on the structure of the trait lexicon, the neurobiology of personality, temperament, goal-based models of personality, and an evolutionary analysis of motives. It is organized in terms of two overarching motivational systems, an approach and an avoidance system, as well as a general disinhibition and constraint system. Each overarching motivational system influences more specific motives. Traits are modeled in terms of differences in the sensitivities of the motivational systems, the baseline activation of specific motives, and inhibitory strength. The result is a motive-based neural network model of personality based on research about the structure and neurobiology of human personality. The model provides an account of personality dynamics and person–situation interactions and suggests how dynamic processing approaches and dispositional, structural approaches can be integrated in a common framework.

Publication Type
Article
Journal
Psychological Review
Volume
117
Issue Number
1
Pages
61-92
Keywords
personality
neural network models
motivation
goals
traits