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A Theory of Personality

In: Philosophy and Psychology

Submitted By jmj08
Words 2959
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Abstract

Research in the field of psychology has led to the development of a number of different theories about how personality develops. Different schools of thought in psychology influence many of these theories. Psychologists seek to describe personality characteristics and to explain how personality develops. As psychologists seek to define personality, a theory of personality is developed. This research paper examines six major tenants that are fundamental to the development of a personality theory. First, research is provided to explore the tenants of nature versus nurture, the unconscious, and view of self. These tenants build the basis under a broad area of foundations of personality. Second, research is provided to examine the tenants of development, motivation, and maturation. As these tenants are studied, a view on the progression of personality is developed. A third aspect of this research is an investigation into Biblical principles of developing a personality theory. To explore the six major tenants of a personality theory, this research paper analyzes scholarly journal articles and scholarly books published from 2007 to 2014. The findings of this research are valuable in developing a theory of personality that includes important Biblical integration.

A Theory of Personality

How is a theory of personality developed? Psychologists have long studied the development of human personality. The debate of “What influences the things people do and do not do?" has been ongoing since the psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud. Personality theorists seek to describe personality characteristics and to explain how personality develops. Through personality research, a number of theories have developed to explain how and why certain personality traits develop. Over time, some theorists have developed an eclectic approach to

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