The Individual Differences research group is dedicated to studying the dispositional and environmental determinants of human behavior and their interaction.

One of the key research lines of this group focuses on gathering systematic evidence of the existence of Disintegration, a basic personality trait that is not covered by dominant models such as the Big Five or HEXACO. This trait represents a broad, hierarchically organized, cross-culturally stable, and multidimensional dispositional structure linked to the tendency toward psychotic experiences and behaviors in the general population. Beyond Disintegration, our personality psychology research also systematically explores the fundamental trait of Amorality.

In the domain of cognitive and perceptual processes and functions, we explore a wide range of topics, including intelligence, cognitive biases, executive functions, apophenia, cognitive reflection, and thinking styles.

Furthermore, we are also interested in clinically relevant constructs such as personality disorders, psychosis, depression, narcissism, cortisol hyper-suppression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic war experiences. Our research also encompasses constructs such as socio-political attitudes, values, and irrational beliefs.

Our approach involves diverse research methods, ranging from laboratory experiments and experience sampling to large cross-sectional studies on representative samples. In data collection, we use self-report instruments, assessments by close others, psychological tests and batteries, implicit association tests, as well as devices for measuring physiological responses. For data analysis, we apply a wide range of advanced statistical methods.

We foster interdisciplinary collaboration, both within psychology, particularly with social and clinical psychologists, and with experts from other scientific fields, including psychiatrists, medical doctors, molecular biologists, geneticists, engineers, and researchers in artificial intelligence.

Keywords: personality structure, Disintegration, intelligence, executive functions, cognitive biases, apophenia, dispositions/thinking styles, militant-extremist mindset

Research Line Lead: Goran Knežević