The importance of activity-specific differentiation between orientation-related temperament traits

Consistent individual preferences for specific reinforcers and adherence to specific regulators could be observed in behaviour from a very early age. The neurochemical framework Functional Ensemble of Temperament (FET) identified neurochemical biomarkers for these consistent patterns in behavioural orientation as specific temperament traits. The FET uses the activity-specific approach: this approach differentiates between the traits related to physical, social and mental (probabilistic) aspects of behaviour. This study investigated the validity of such activity-specific differentiation, the discriminant and concurrent validity of the orientation-related scales (Sensation Seeking, Empathy, Probabilistic Processing, Neuroticism, dispositional Satisfaction) of the Structure of Temperament Questionnaire (STQ-77) that uses the FET structure. Using a healthy adult sample (N = 296, M/F = 152/144) the study examined the association of the twelve STQ-77 scales with 34 other scales representing the Sensation Seeking Scales, Questionnaire of Cognitive & Affective Empathy, Locus of Control, Big Five Inventory, Polymathic Orientation Scale, Interest in Games, Grit scale, and Schutte's Emotional Intelligence Scale. The results showed that the pattern of correlations supports the activity-specific approach and the divergent and concurrent validity of the STQ-77 scales.