psykoticisme

Psykoticisme is a personality trait found in certain trait theories of personality, most notably Hans Eysenck’s model. It denotes a dimension characterized by impulsivity, aggressiveness, impersonal attitudes, nonconformity, and a tendency toward solitary, tough‑minded behavior. In Eysenck’s framework, psykoticisme is one of three core dimensions, alongside Extraversion and Neuroticism, and it is thought to reflect a disposition toward nonconforming and sometimes antisocial behavior under stress. In many texts, psykoticisme is described as the English counterpart of the broader concept psychoticism.

High scores on psykoticisme are not the same as having a psychotic disorder. Rather, the trait refers to tendencies such as impulsivity, insensitivity to others, and a lack of empathy, sometimes labeled as cold or unsentimental in personality descriptions. Psychometric assessment of psykoticisme typically uses the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) or its revisions, which include a psychoticism scale with facets such as aggression, impersonality, and tough-mindedness.

Psykoticisme has been the subject of substantial debate. Critics point to issues with reliability and validity, potential cultural and gender biases, and inconsistent associations with psychiatric conditions. With the rise of the Five-Factor Model, the explicit psychoticism dimension has become less central in mainstream trait research, though researchers sometimes map it onto low Agreeableness and low Conscientiousness in modern frameworks.

In summary, psykoticisme describes a personality dimension focused on aggressiveness and nonconformity rather than clinical psychosis. It remains a term in historical and cross-cultural discussions of Eysenck’s theory and in some research contexts, though its practical prominence outside those settings has diminished.