2016 Presidential Candidates

Psychological Profiles of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidates

April 24, 2015

Students Present Research at Scholarship Day

Atarah Pinder presents her poster “The Political Personality of 2016 Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz”

Atarah Pinder presents her poster “The Political Personality of 2016 Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz” at Scholarship and Creativity Day, College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University, April 23, 2015. (Click photo for full-size image)

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. (Apr. 23, 2015) — Psychological profiles of declared and prospective Republican presidential candidates in the 2016 U.S. presidential election were presented today, April 23, 2015, at “Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day,” an annual event to recognize students, faculty, and staff who have undertaken significant research, scholarship, or creative works during the past academic year at St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict.

Undergraduate students in a Personality Psychology course at the colleges conducted the research under the auspices of the Unit for the Study of Personality in Politics, directed by Aubrey Immelman, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.

Biographical and life history data concerning the candidates was collected from media reports and synthesized into personality profiles using the third edition of the Millon Inventory of Diagnostic Criteria (MIDC), which yields 34 normal and maladaptive personality classifications congruent with DSM–5.

The following research projects were presented:

The Political Personality of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie

Chris Christie poster 2015-04
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By McKenzie Neu, Joe Trenzeluk, Alexandra Latanision, Jack Schweich, and Emily Lueck

Abstract: Chris Christie’s primary personality pattern was found to be Dominant/controlling, complemented by secondary Outgoing/gregarious and Ambitious/self-serving features, and a Dauntless/adventurous tendency. In summary, Christie’s personality composite can be characterized as “dominant, self-confident, extraverted.”

The Personality Profile of 2016 Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz

Ted Cruz poster 2015-04
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By Atarah Pinder, Yilian Li, Anna Wagner, Theresa Hickman, Yee Her, and Sarah Blaida

Abstract: Ted Cruz’s primary personality pattern was found to be Dominant/controlling, complemented by secondary Ambitious/confident and Dauntless/adventurous features, and a possible Contentious/resolute tendency. In summary, Cruz’s personality composite can be characterized as “risk-taking, confident, controlling.”

The Personality Profile of Prospective 2016 Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee

Poster detailing the Personality Profile of Prospective 2016 Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee
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By Joseph Wonderlich, Demetre Koukouves, Emily Berthiaume, and Matt Plessel

Abstract: Mike Huckabee’s primary personality pattern was found to be Dominant/controlling, complemented by secondary Ambitious/confident and Outgoing/congenial features, and a Dauntless/adventurous tendency. In summary, Huckabee’s personality composite can be characterized as “dominant, ambitious, extraverted.”

The Personality Profile of 2016 Presidential Candidate Rand Paul

Rand Paul poster 2015-04
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By Katherine Stelzner, Anh Doan, Natalie Gannon, and Katie Miller

Abstract: Rand Paul’s primary personality pattern was found to be Ambitious/confident, complemented by secondary Dominant/asserting and Conscientious/respectful features, and a possible Contentious/resolute tendency. In summary, Paul’s personality composite can be characterized as “confident, resolute, individualistic.”

The Personality Profile of Prospective 2016 Presidential Candidate Rick Perry

Rick Perry poster 2015-04
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By Demetre Koukouves, April Donovan, Natalie Lambert, and Shuhan Yi

Abstract: Rick Perry’s primary personality pattern was found to be Dominant/asserting, complemented by secondary Dauntless/adventurous, Ambitious/confident, and Outgoing/congenial features. In summary, Perry’s personality composite can be characterized as “dominant, risk-taking, extraverted.”

The Personality Profile of 2016 Presidential Candidate Marco Rubio

Marco Rubio poster 2015-04
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By Zachary Bigaouette, Tyree Kidd, and Sarah Catcher

Abstract: Marco Rubio’s primary personality pattern was found to be Dominant/asserting, complemented by secondary Ambitious/confident and Conscientious/respectful features, and a possible Outgoing/congenial tendency. In summary, Rubio’s personality composite can be characterized as “assertive, confident, organized, extraverted.” Due to the relatively small amount of data collected – as reflected by the low profile elevations – the assessment should at best be considered a pilot study.

The Personality Profile of Prospective 2016 Presidential Candidate Scott Walker

Scott Walker poster 2015-04
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By Victoria Beach, Paul Kress, Colin Fisher, Megan Lutz, and Angel Aguilera

Abstract: Scott Walker’s primary personality pattern was found to be Accommodating/cooperative, complemented by secondary Ambitious/confident features. In summary, Walker’s personality composite can be characterized as “confident, accommodating.” However, given Walker’s confrontational track record as governor, the assessment lacks face validity – most likely due to the relatively small amount of data collected, as reflected by the low profile elevations. Thus, the assessment should at best be considered a pilot study.

Note: Studies of Gov. Jeb Bush, Dr. Ben Carson, and Carly Fiorina are in progress.


Updated Profiles

The Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate
Scott Walker
(July 26, 2015)

Poster detailing the Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Scott Walker
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By Joe Trenzeluk

Abstract: Scott Walker’s predominant personality patterns were found to be Conscientious/dutiful and Dominant/controlling, with secondary Ambitious/confident features. In summary, Walker’s personality composite can be characterized as a “conscientious enforcer.”

The Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Jeb Bush (Aug. 2, 2015)

Poster detailing the Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Jeb Bush
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By Atarah Pinder

Abstract: Jeb Bush’s predominant personality patterns were found to be Conscientious/dutiful and Retiring/aloof, with secondary Dominant/asserting features. In summary, Bush’s personality composite can be characterized as a “conscientious, forceful introvert.”

The Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump (Aug. 9, 2015)

Poster detailing the Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump
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By Hannah Hoppe

Abstract: Donald Trump’s predominant personality patterns were found to be Ambitious/self-serving, Dominant/controlling, and Outgoing/gregarious. In summary, Trump’s personality composite can be characterized as a “high-dominance charismatic.”

The Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Chris Christie (Aug. 16, 2015)

Poster detailing the Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Chris Christie
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By Joe Trenzeluk

Abstract: Chris Christie’s primary personality pattern was found to be Dominant/forceful, with secondary Ambitious/confident and Dauntless/Adventurous features, along with Outgoing/congenial and Contentious/resolute tendencies. In summary, Christie’s personality composite can be characterized as a “dominant, self-confident, risk-taking extravert.”

The Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Ben Carson (Aug. 30, 2015)

Poster detailing the Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Ben Carson
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By Hannah Hoppe

Abstract: Ben Carson’s most prominent personality patterns were found to be Dominant/assertive, Ambitious/confident, and Conscientious/respectful. In summary, Carson’s personality composite can be characterized as a “confident, deliberative organizer.”

The Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz (Sept. 6, 2015)

Poster detailing the Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz
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By Atarah Pinder

Abstract: Ted Cruz’s primary personality pattern was found to be Dominant/forceful, with secondary Ambitious/confident and Dauntless/Adventurous features and less prominent Outgoing/congenial and Contentious/resolute tendencies. In summary, Cruz’s personality composite can be characterized as a “risk-taking, confident controller.”

The Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Marco Rubio (Feb. 14, 2016)

Poster detailing the Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Marco Rubio
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By Joe Trenzeluk

Abstract: Marco Rubio’s primary personality patterns were found to be Ambitious/confident and Outgoing/congenial, with secondary Conscientious/respectful and Accommodating/cooperative features. In summary, Rubio’s personality composite can be characterized as an “ambitious and charming, cautious pleaser.”

The Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate John Kasich (April 18, 2016)

Poster detailing the Personality Profile of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate John Kasich
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By Timothy Immelman, Katherine Jennissen, Brianna Kupser, Jeremy Reller, Samantha Womeldorf, and Joe Trenzeluk

Abstract: John Kasich’s primary personality patterns were found to be Dominant/asserting and Accommodating/cooperative, with secondary Ambitious/confident and Outgoing/congenial features. In summary, Kasich’s personality composite can be characterized as a “forceful mediator.”


Related report

Fox News primary debate candidates

FOX News Debate Preview: Comparative Psychological Profiles of the Republican Field (Aubrey Immelman, St. Cloud Times, Aug. 6, 2015) — Whether a candidate makes a positive or negative impression is largely a function of personality, meaning a person’s typical patterns of thinking, acting, feeling and relating to others. Here’s a brief psychological rundown of participants in the first Republican primary debate, held August 6, 2015, in Cleveland. … Full report


Related reports on this site

Poster detailing the Personality Profile of 2012 Presidential Contender Rick Santorum
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Rick Santorum Personality Profile (April 26, 2012)

Tim Pawlenty Personality Profile (June 16, 2011)

Michele Bachmann Personality Profile (June 13, 2011)

Mitt Romney Personality Profile (June 2, 2011)

Joe Biden Personality Profile (April 17, 2009)

Barack Obama Personality Profile (Feb. 21, 2009)

John McCain Personality Profile (Nov. 2, 2008)


(Clockwise from right front) Feiran Chen, Beth Peichel, Wade Kohls, Rachel Heying, Sara Duxbury, and Amanda Nusbaum presented their poster “The Personality Profile of 2012 Presidential Contender Rick Santorum” in the run-up to the 2012 U.S. presidential election at Scholarship and Creativity Day, College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University, April 25, 2012. (Photo: Aubrey Immelman; click photo for larger image)


Related colloquium

Personality Profiles of 2016 Republican Presidential Candidates. Forum Lecture, St. John’s University/College of St. Benedict, November 5, 2015. Abstract and link for full-text (PDF) download at Digital Commons: http://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/forum_lectures/136/


Alternate link to “Projecting the Winner of the 2016 Presidential Election: The Personal Electability Index” at » http://www.immelman.us/news/projecting-the-winner-of-the-2016-presidential-election-the-personal-electability-index/