The therapy of self-knowledge

An explanation of how knowing ourselves can improve our ability to manage emotions.

Although we don't always realize it every day we are faced with a multitude of real or imaginary demands that can alter our health and personal well-being.

Individual coping with these demands, i.e., the way we solve problems, is of great importance in maintaining personal balance.

The consequences of coping styles

Diverse investigations have analyzed the effects of the styles of coping we use in adverse situations.They conclude that we face challenges more or less successfully depending on the traits that make up our personality.

For example, an emotion-focused coping style that includes distancing, self-control, seeking social support, avoidance, acceptance of responsibility, and positive reappraisal will be more beneficial than coping that includes isolation, guilt, fear, and negative reappraisal. How we manage our emotions in these difficult situations will manifest itself in either emotional stability or instability.

The importance of self-knowledge in the face of daily challenges

Knowing ourselves has been one of the great challenges we have faced since ancient times.To this end, modern science has designed sophisticated personality tests perfected with precise mathematical algorithms and, of course, always subject to the interpretation of a professional expert.

Currently, the instruments that can help us most in the process of improving therapy are personality tests and anxiety scales.

To measure personality structure, the most commonly used model is the "five-factor" model, using the NE0 PI-R personality inventory (Costa and McCrae, 2008). using the NE0 PI-R personality inventory (Costa and McCrae, 2008). This test is one of the most prestigious instruments for the assessment of non-pathological personality and has become one of the most widely used tools in various fields. It consists of 240 questions that are answered on a scale of five response options and allows the evaluation of the five main personality factors: Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Responsibility.

The pillars of personality

The five-factor model of personality traits was an important novelty in personality research, and the results obtained from tests based on it gave rise to new avenues of knowledge in personality theories.The results obtained from tests based on this model gave rise to new avenues of knowledge in personality theories.

These theories gave primary importance to the traits that make up a given personality typology and also deal with the influence of the social and cultural environment on the evolution of the structure of the traits that define us as unique individuals.

On the other hand, to measure the degree of anxiety, the most widely used instrument is the STAI questionnaire (Spielberger, Gorsuchberger, Gorsuchberger). (Spielberger, Gorsuch & Lushene, 2011).

This test evaluates two independent concepts of anxiety and consists of two sections 20 questions each. The first one analyzes anxiety as a state (A/E) and the second one anxiety as a trait (A/R). It is completed with a scale with four response options for each question. The results give us information on two independent concepts of anxiety.

The first is defined as a transitory state of emotional anxiety (A/E) that depends on the circumstances of the moment in which the test is taken. The second gives us data on a stable trait (A/R) and characterizes individuals with a tendency to perceive situations as threatening to a greater or lesser extent.

The influence of personality on coping styles.

The first trait assessed by the NEO-PIR is Neuroticism, and defines this concept as. the innate tendency to exhibit emotional stability or instability.. Numerous investigations have studied the relationship between personality traits and the levels of anxiety experienced. The correlations found between the Neuroticism factor and trait and state anxiety indicate that high levels of Neuroticism and its corresponding facets correspond to high scores on trait and state anxiety.

Individuals with high trait Neuroticism will use emotion-focused coping to resolve stressful situations, which in the long run can lead to burnout as a consequence of continuous emotional exhaustion and appear manifested in both physical problems (infections, fatigue, pain...) and psychological problems (dejection, apathy, fear, doubts...).

Other personality traits that we are interested in knowing before therapy are Agreeableness and Extroversion.. These personality characteristics evaluate the traits of interpersonal tendencies. High scores on these factors define a caring, energetic, and positive personality for interpersonal relationships.

Responsibility and Openness to experience, the other two characteristics that complete "the big five", define the tendency to focus on achieving one's goals and open-mindedness respectively.

In short, the famous motto "know thyself" may be the key to regaining lost balance.