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Peaceful Personality: Psychological Dynamics and Core Factors

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Personal Peacefulness

Part of the book series: Peace Psychology Book Series ((PPBS,volume 20))

Abstract

The chapter begins by offering explanations for observed relationships between peacefulness across contextual domains. Why does inner peace relate to individuals’ attitudes and behaviors toward other people? Why does the interpersonal peacefulness of individuals relate to their attitudes about whether their nation should pursue cooperative or militaristic policies with other nations? Evidence is presented that shows reciprocal causal influences between intrapersonal and interpersonal peacefulness. Reasons for believing that interpersonal peacefulness influences attitudes about international relations are also discussed. This analysis of the dynamics of peaceful personality suggests a central role for interpersonal peacefulness as an important aspect of peaceful personality.

The second part of the chapter reports the results of a broad search of relevant literature conducted in order to identify core personality factors that correlate with attitudes and behaviors in at least two of the domains of personal peacefulness. Four core motivational factors are identified: concern for the well-being of others, identification with humanity, universalism vs. power values, and rejection of vengeance norms. Seven core enabling factors are also identified: problem-solving and conflict-resolution competencies, perspective taking, self-regulation tendencies, open-mindedness, mindfulness, optimism and hope, and trust in others. For some of these core factors, evidence suggested that interventions for changing them successfully enhanced personal peacefulness.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. California Polytechnic State University, 93405, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

    Linden L. Nelson PhD

  2. 290 Ramona Drive, 93405, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

    Linden L. Nelson PhD

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  1. Linden L. Nelson PhD
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  1. San Luis Obispo, California, USA

    Gregory K. Sims

  2. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA

    Linden L. Nelson

  3. California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, California, USA

    Mindy R. Puopolo

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Nelson, L. (2014). Peaceful Personality: Psychological Dynamics and Core Factors. In: Sims, G., Nelson, L., Puopolo, M. (eds) Personal Peacefulness. Peace Psychology Book Series, vol 20. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9366-2_4

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