The four temperament dimensions of the TCI are harm avoidance (HA), novelty seeking (NS), reward dependence (RD) and persistence (P). HA is a tendency to respond intensively to signals of aversive stimuli, thereby inhibiting behavior. NS is a tendency to respond with intense excitement to novel stimuli, or cues for potential rewards or potential relief of punishment and thereby activating behavior. RD is a tendency to respond intensely to signals of reward, especially social rewards, thereby maintaining and continuing particular behaviors. P is a tendency to persevere in behaviors that have been associated with reward or relief from punishment.
