Introduction to the 7 Radicals Method by V.V. Ponomarenko

The 7 Radicals Method, or 7 Personality Types, developed by V.V. Ponomarenko, is a fascinating approach to understanding human character. While similar in some ways to Jung’s archetypes, this method focuses on practical self-knowledge and the ability to read others. Mastering this skill is often more effective in communication and life than learning manipulation techniques. Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses makes you less susceptible to manipulation and better equipped to influence others. Most people, however, are not well-acquainted with themselves, which makes this method especially valuable.

This method identifies seven personality types (radicals) that can help you better understand yourself and others, making it easier to achieve your goals.

Origin of the Method

The 7 Radicals Method was created by V.V. Ponomarenko based on psychological theories about character traits. The names of the radicals are derived from psychiatric terms for certain personality disorders, but in this context, they simply refer to personality features where certain traits are strongly pronounced. These features influence a person’s typical reactions, behavior patterns, and even their style of dress and choice of accessories.

The core idea is that you can identify a person’s character by their outward signs—appearance, behavior, and communication style—without the need for formal tests. This allows you to quickly assess psychological and communicative traits in real time.

The following information is based on V.V. Ponomarenko’s book, 7 Radicals.

The 7 Personality Radicals

1. Paranoid (Goal-Oriented)
2. Histrionic (Demonstrative)
3. Epileptoid (Two Types: Stuck and Excitable)
4. Schizoid (Eccentric)
5. Hyperthymic (Cheerful)
6. Emotive (Sensitive)
7. Anxious (Fearful)

Paranoid (Goal-Oriented) Type

These individuals have a strong inner core and live for their ideas, fighting and suffering for them. They are not receptive to outside opinions and only trust their own judgment. Paranoid types are strategists with grand, global goals. They are persistent in pursuing what others might see as unattainable. Their lives are built on principles, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their objectives, often justifying any means by the end result. They are demanding of themselves and others, and tend to be insensitive to stress. This is a strong personality type.

• Clothing: Neat, classic style at work; military-inspired in leisure. Accessories are always appropriate and minimal.
• Facial Expressions: Authoritative, confident.
• Gestures: Broad, chopping, and directive. They often invade personal space to unsettle others.
• Speech: Confident, sometimes lecturing. They prefer to talk about topics that interest them, use structured arguments, and often employ harsh language and judgments.
• Positive Communication Model: Show your own strength or status. Refer to laws or authoritative opinions. Use clear, structured arguments. Paranoid types respond best to authority and are motivated by appeals to their global ideas.

Histrionic (Demonstrative) Type

Histrionic types crave attention and want to be liked. They see life as a stage and themselves as actors, with everyone else as the audience. Their behavior is dramatic and attention-seeking, often accompanied by exaggerated mannerisms and talkativeness. They tend to believe their own embellished stories. This is a weaker personality type.

• Clothing: Flashy, bright, or with extravagant details. Lots of jewelry and accessories; women may wear heavy makeup, men may have noticeable adornments.
• Facial Expressions: Exaggerated emotions—big smiles, open laughter, tears, or dramatic sorrow.
• Gestures: Wide, theatrical gestures and striking poses.
• Speech: Emotional, expressive, with dramatic pauses.
• Positive Communication Model: Be a good listener and appear to believe their stories. Compliment them to win them over. To catch them in a lie, simply ask them to repeat their story.

Epileptoid (Stuck) Type

Stuck epileptoids are rigid and have difficulty switching from one thing to another. They are systematic, punctual, slow, and pragmatic. Preparation is important to them, and they dislike when others disrupt their order. They are selective in choosing friends but are loyal and self-sacrificing once a friendship is established. Their main focus is family, and they rarely change jobs. They may appear gloomy or even hostile to outsiders. This is a strong personality type.

• Facial Expressions: Direct, confident gaze, sometimes perceived as heavy. Rare and minor emotional outbursts.
• Gestures: Precise and measured.
• Speech: Slow and deliberate.
• Positive Communication Model: Use logical, well-structured arguments. Avoid rushing or spontaneity. Show them what’s in it for them to secure their cooperation.

Epileptoid (Excitable) Type

Excitable epileptoids are tough and sometimes harsh. They may be involved in sports or competitive activities. Like the stuck type, they are neat and value hygiene, preferring short hair and nails, and a sporty style. They love order and hierarchy, and can be cynical. They follow instructions blindly and justify their actions by saying, “I was just following orders.” They are unpredictable, impulsive, and focused solely on their own goals. This is a strong personality type, but they may be prone to antisocial behavior or substance abuse.

• Clothing: Sporty style.
• Facial Expressions: Direct, aggressive gaze; facial expressions are often small and tense.
• Gestures: Heavy, muscular, and forceful—demonstrating strength.
• Speech: Slow, harsh, and deliberate.
• Positive Communication Model: Maintain distance and a firm stance. Show your authority and avoid provoking impulsive actions. They respond well to alliances against a common “enemy.”

Schizoid (Eccentric) Type

Schizoid types have their own unique view of reality and situations. They are creative, unpredictable, and strong introverts. Their appearance is often awkward or mismatched, and they may seem fragile or ungainly. This is a weaker personality type.

• Clothing: Often mismatched, untidy, with unexpected details. No clear “look.”
• Facial Expressions: Distant gaze, sometimes looking past the person they’re talking to. Facial expressions and gestures may not match (e.g., smiling while clenching fists).
• Gestures: Awkward and uncoordinated.
• Speech: Highly intellectual, full of terminology and references to various sources.
• Positive Communication Model: Prefer indirect communication. Avoid harsh criticism or direct confrontation, as they are sensitive. Focus on results rather than processes.

Hyperthymic (Cheerful) Type

Hyperthymic types are energetic, optimistic, and always find the positive side of any situation. They are sociable, witty, and enjoy taking on multiple tasks at once. They are flexible and quick to switch between activities, and often prefer extreme leisure activities. This is a strong personality type.

• Clothing: Versatile, comfortable, and non-restrictive.
• Facial Expressions: Lively, cheerful, and energetic.
• Gestures: Quick and lively; they may fidget, drop things, or bump into people.
• Speech: Enthusiastic, sometimes losing track of the conversation but quickly returning to the topic.
• Positive Communication Model: Open, free communication. They are always willing to engage and tend to be overly trusting.

Emotive (Sensitive) Type

Emotive types are characterized by kindness and empathy. They are attentive listeners and show understanding in conversations. They prefer to observe others’ emotions rather than experience their own. They enjoy emotionally charged movies and books, and tend to avoid conflict. Under stress, they may experience psychosomatic symptoms. This is a weaker personality type.

• Clothing: Soft, pleasant to the touch, comfortable, and movement-friendly.
• Facial Expressions: Weak, uncertain; often have “moist eyes.”
• Gestures: Smooth and gentle; may stroke themselves during conversation.
• Speech: Quiet; they prefer listening and rarely object or lie.
• Positive Communication Model: Be congruent and treat them as equals. Show trust and look for common ground.

Anxious (Fearful) Type

Anxious types are characterized by heightened anxiety and constant double-checking to avoid mistakes. They struggle to make decisions and tend to avoid social interaction, becoming very nervous when they do. They have calming rituals and are punctual, following instructions to avoid penalties. Their motto is “Measure seven times, cut once.” This is a weaker personality type.

• Clothing: Dull, closed, usually dark or gray with small geometric patterns.
• Facial Expressions: Weak, uncertain.
• Gestures: Self-soothing; often touch themselves or wring their hands. Their posture is tense, as if ready to run at any moment.
• Speech: Quiet, uncertain, afraid of saying the wrong thing.
• Positive Communication Model: Offer encouragement, show trust, and praise any positive statements. Avoid unnecessary criticism, and if criticism is needed, present it gently. Give detailed, precise instructions when working with anxious subordinates.

Final Thoughts and Practical Exercise

If a person has only one dominant personality type, it is considered an abnormality and is usually seen in clinical settings. Most people have three, but rarely more. One leading type is usually most apparent and is communicated as a “meta-message.”

To practice:

• Take a piece of paper
• Go to your social network (e.g., VK)
• Choose 10–20 acquaintances
• Type them according to the radicals, briefly noting your reasoning

Study yourself and others. See you next time!