Determining if You Fall into the T-Type Personality Category?

Type of Personality: T?

In a world where many seek balance and stability, there are those who crave excitement and adventure. This group, known as Type Ts, shares a common trait: the pursuit of vertigo, a term coined by psychologist Kenyon to describe the thrill of change and speed while maintaining control.

A counselor, who lives with OCD and understands the allure of the unknown, advocates for finding satisfying options for safe, challenging pursuits. This counselor does not advocate for changing the core features of a person's personality, but rather encourages individuals to channel their need for thrill in healthy ways.

Deep sea diving, for instance, is a popular activity for Type Ts, especially in the Caribbean. However, it's important to remember that being a Type T does not necessarily mean living a dangerous life. Thrill-seeking behaviors can become addictive, causing a person to escalate their activities in search of greater challenges and experiences. But, pursuing safe, challenging activities can be a healthy way to channel the need for thrill.

Less hazardous activities, like skating, hiking, and mountain caving, can be satisfying alternatives. Connor, a therapist friend, exhibits Type T personality traits, engaging in activities such as racing cars, mountain climbing, canoeing river channels, sailing catamarans, and currently undertakes submarine tours in the Caribbean Sea. His diverse adventurous background serves as a testament to the fact that one can find safe, challenging pursuits that are compatible with other life areas.

Research suggests that Type T personality refers to an individual who seeks excitement, thrill, and arousal, and to a lesser or greater degree, takes risks (Sharkey & Gaskill, 2013). However, more research is needed to understand the relationship between Type T personality and hormonal responses.

The counselor emphasizes the importance of finding ways to channel the need for thrill in a healthy manner. Pursuing the desire to be thrilled to an untimely end is not necessary. Instead, it's about finding that balance between safety and excitement, control and change, and maintaining a life that is both fulfilling and exhilarating.