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Introduction to Personality

In: Philosophy and Psychology

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Introduction to Personality
Sarah Lopez
PSY 405
May 21, 2012
Karen Lundstrom

Introduction to Personality
Personality seems like such a straight forward concept. Any one asked could most likely tell you what they perceive personality to be. Simply stated, personality is what makes a person individual. It is the behaviors and attitudes put forth that one can define a person by in regards to what kind of person they are. What is it exactly that defines personality and how is that definition determined? Many different viewpoints and theories exist but all concede that personality is unique to each individual and no two are ever the same.
Defining personality
The term personality is thought to have derived from the Latin word persona which was a theatrical mask worn by Roman actors during Greek dramas (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 3). This simple definition of the word does not hold much weight in comparison to the detail of definition personality has in the field of psychology. Personality is an intricate pattern of traits and characteristics that make up one’s overall behavior (Feist & Feist, 2009). Traits are more inherent, consistent and stable qualities as opposed to characteristics which can grow or change with time and influence such as one’s intelligence and temperament (Feist & Feist, 2009). Personality is the unique and individual way one thinks, feels, acts and deals with life.
Theoretical approaches to study personality
There are various approaches and theories when it comes to studying personality. So many individuals have attempted to define and explain personality and behavior, the field of psychology has benefited in that there are multiple ideas on where personality comes from. A few of the main theories that aim to explain personality are the psychoanalytical theory, the humanistic theory, the behaviorist theory

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