The detection of individual psychological differences of native Spanish and immigrants from Morocco, based on testing of proprioceptive control in fine motor performance

Abstract Background Russian physiologists and psychologists posed the questions of the levels of psychic regulation of the temperament, character and personality ( Anan’ev, 1980 , Nebylitsin, 1966 , Pavlov, 1951 , Teplov, 1963 ). The aim of our study was to observe the differences due to both – cultural nature and individual changes in personality – relevant to adjustment mechanisms in Arabic migrants in Spain. Method Proprioceptive Diagnostics of Temperament and Character (DP-TC, Tous Ral et al., 2012 ) was used to obtain observations in fine motor performance in two groups: immigrants from Morocco to Spain and Spaniards. The DP-TC of individual and personality differences is based on fine motor precision tasks and allows comparing performances of participants from different cultures with no bias of linguistic interpretation. Results The significant differences in fine motor performance (proprioceptive condition) were found in average group's results. The consequent interpretation of their personality and individual behavioural differences was realised as per the DP-TC test dimensions. The results are discussed in terms of the interplay between possible cultural and individual differences concerning changes, related to the adjustment in migration processes. Conclusion The assertiveness’-related temperament-features in migrants were found low together with cultural differences in variability of behaviour and attention style.