characterological

Characterological is an adjective used in psychology and psychoanalysis to describe or relate to the character of an individual. It refers to the enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that constitute a person's unique personality. The term emphasizes the deep-seated and fundamental aspects of a person's makeup, often in contrast to more transient emotional states or situational responses. Characterological traits are typically considered to be stable over time and influence how an individual interacts with the world and makes decisions.

In psychoanalytic theory, the concept of characterological development is central to understanding personality formation. It suggests that early life experiences shape an individual's fundamental character structure, which in turn influences their psychological functioning throughout life. Deviations or difficulties in characterological development can be associated with various psychological disorders. When used to describe a problem or trait, "characterological" often implies that the issue is deeply ingrained and part of the person's fundamental way of being, rather than a superficial or easily changeable aspect. This understanding informs therapeutic approaches, as interventions may aim to address these core characterological patterns.