Irritable personality style

People with features of an irritable personality style are usually quick-tempered and volatile. They may be like this all the time, or pleasant when life is calm and only irritable when stressed. They make their displeasure known to all around by flaring up but settling down once they have expressed themselves. Life with someone with irritable traits can be an emotional rollercoaster of brief and intense periods of anger followed by more peaceful episodes of calm. People with irritable traits usually suffer from high levels of ambient autonomic arousal and can be quite grumpy, especially when under stress. In their day-to-day dealings with others, such as colleagues at work, friends and family members, they may be highly respected and well liked. They may also tend to feel remorseful, and regret the ‘collateral’ damage they cause to the psychological well-being of those around them.

Characteristics of the Irritable Personality Style (derived from our Temperament and Personality Questionnaire):

• Hot-tempered and loses control when stressed.

• Snaps at others when irritated.

• Gets cranky with themselves and with others.

• Impatient.

• Stresses easily.

• Easily rattled.

High levels of autonomic arousal together with low frustration tolerance drives the explosive fractiousness and anger which characterise this personality style. Secondary problems arising from such behaviours such as social isolation, loneliness, and interpersonal problems with colleagues at work or family members are common.