The arousal-activation theory of extraversion and neuroticism: A systematic analysis and principal conclusions

Abstract

Since psychological theories are mostly only vaguely formulated, theoretically revealing emperical studies are often difficult. Tests of central theoretical postulates usually require systematization and possibly reconstruction of the theoretical framework. The present article provides such a systematization and possibly reconstruction of the theoretical framework. The present article provides such a systematization for the influential Activation Theory of Personality, developed by H. J. Eysenck during the last four decades. The article (1) gives an overview of the historical development of the theory, (2) presents a systematization and partial reconstruction of the latest version of the theoretical framework in the form of 23 postulates, (3) analyzes the conceptual structure of the theory, and (4) briefly reviews the relevant empirical evidence in various fields of application. Based on this analysis, the current logico-systematical and empirical status of the theory, as well as its potential for further development is evaluated.