Questioning the “General Arousal” Models

ABSTRACT

The paper argues that the concept of “general arousal”, or Extraversion, which is used to present energetic aspects of behaviour is an oversimplification of the energetic components of temperament. Two reported studies were conducted on Russian and Canadian samples using the Structure of Temperament Questionnaire - Compact (STQ-77), which has 12 activity-specific temperament scales assessing various aspects of arousal separately in physical, verbalsocial and intellectual activities. A selective pattern of correlations was found between STQ-77 scales and Locus of Control, Achieving Tendency, and time of performance in a prolonged concepts-classification experiment. This pattern suggests the benefits of considering at least three different types and aspects of arousal.