Review

The Relationship of Temperament and Character with Substance Use

Number: 30 August 31, 2026
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The Relationship of Temperament and Character with Substance Use

Abstract

This review aims to synthesize the studies focusing on the relationship between the temperament and character dimensions of Cloninger’s Temperament and Character Inventory and substance abuse. A literature search including research articles, meta-analysis, and longitudinal studies was conducted. The findings from the included studies suggest the temperament trait of Novelty Seeking emerging as a consistent risk factor for initiation and sustaining of use of multiple types of substances. Latest research also points to gender and substance type – specific differences in personality profiles of women with opioid addiction compared to women with alcohol addiction. The combination of high Novelty Seeking and low Harm Avoidance, predicts earlier onset substance abuse with relatively worse prognosis. Amongst character dimensions, low Self-Directedness emerges as an important factor to understand transition from substance use to addiction. Neurobiological evidence suggests overlapping neural circuits that modulate both personality traits and drug reward in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. In conclusion, TCI offers a strong framework to understand individual proneness, to identify at-risk populations, to individualize treatment approaches, and to predict treatment outcomes. The incorporation of personality assessment into clinical practice may have significant value for prevention and treatment of substance use disorders.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Clinical Psychology

Journal Section

Review

Early Pub Date

August 31, 2026

Publication Date

August 31, 2026

Submission Date

March 5, 2026

Acceptance Date

August 12, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 30

APA
Elli, Ü. E. (2026). The Relationship of Temperament and Character with Substance Use. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences, 30, 881-892. https://doi.org/10.38079/igusabder.1903782
AMA
1.Elli ÜE. The Relationship of Temperament and Character with Substance Use. IGUSABDER. 2026;(30):881-892. doi:10.38079/igusabder.1903782
Chicago
Elli, Ünal Erdem. 2026. “The Relationship of Temperament and Character With Substance Use”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences, nos. 30: 881-92. https://doi.org/10.38079/igusabder.1903782.
EndNote
Elli ÜE (August 1, 2026) The Relationship of Temperament and Character with Substance Use. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences 30 881–892.
IEEE
[1]Ü. E. Elli, “The Relationship of Temperament and Character with Substance Use”, IGUSABDER, no. 30, pp. 881–892, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.38079/igusabder.1903782.
ISNAD
Elli, Ünal Erdem. “The Relationship of Temperament and Character With Substance Use”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences. 30 (August 1, 2026): 881-892. https://doi.org/10.38079/igusabder.1903782.
JAMA
1.Elli ÜE. The Relationship of Temperament and Character with Substance Use. IGUSABDER. 2026;:881–892.
MLA
Elli, Ünal Erdem. “The Relationship of Temperament and Character With Substance Use”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences, no. 30, Aug. 2026, pp. 881-92, doi:10.38079/igusabder.1903782.
Vancouver
1.Ünal Erdem Elli. The Relationship of Temperament and Character with Substance Use. IGUSABDER. 2026 Aug. 1;(30):881-92. doi:10.38079/igusabder.1903782

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