...Personality Theories Personality Theories Diversity makes life interesting and manageable; it provides an essential ingredient which could be interpreted as the essence of personality. There is a varied foundation of elements that structures what we call personality; constant blueprint of emotions, motives, and unique behavior are some factors that assist us in distinguishing us from others. In addition, there are numerous theories that are employed to conceptualize and explain the concept of personality; these theories emerge from several angles and dispositions of human nature and behavior. Trait Theories and The Sociocultural Perspective are two of the most recognizable theories that help to distinguish dimensions of personality and at the same time they shed some light on some very important factors interrelating in the behavior patterns that emanate from who we are. There are identifiable aspects which are parallel and dissimilar within these theories; they offer contrast and comparable factors that makes them unique and beneficial when evaluating dimensions of personality. Trait Theories; according to the Axia College Week One reading Psychology and the Challenges of Life,”Trait: A relatively stable aspect of personality that is inferred from behavior and assumed to give rise to consistent behavior”. Traits could be described as the part of our image that would be portrayed by us to others; intelligent, shy, pessimist, and others. The Sociocultural...
Words: 807 - Pages: 4
...Theories of Personality University of Phoenix Theories of Personality Over the centuries, humans have been trying to figure out what makes each individual different. From the physical signs like hair color, to the more subtle personality differences that each human has, what really makes each individual unique? There have been many theories over the decades that can give some insight into this very question. Two of these theories are known as the psychodynamic theory and the humanistic and existential theory. Both of these theories have different takes on what individuality and personality are. There have been many theorists’ ties to these ideas. Some of these theorists include Freud, Adler, and Klein. These and many other theorists have tried to come up with a complete explanation of what individuality is and how it differs from person to person. Psychodynamic Theory The father of most modern psychology is widely considered to be none other than Sigmund Freud. According to Feist and Feist (2009), Freud was also the theorist behind the psychodynamic theory with his theories collectively called psychoanalysis. But there are other theorists within the psychodynamic theory as well. These theorists are Alfred Adler, Carl Jung, Melanie Klein, Karen Horney, and Harry Stack Sullivan. But, each of these based their ideas on those of Freud. The psychodynamic theory has two main parts that help to define it. According to Psychodynamic (2008), the first part of the psychodynamic...
Words: 1658 - Pages: 7
...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...
Words: 2959 - Pages: 12
...Personality Theories Personality theory is a fundamental component to the study of psychology. The various theories attempt to explain personality by exploring human mental and behavioral processes. The different schools of thought influence the building blocks of such theories. Each theory has its own unique explanation for the differences in individual personality. Such theories assess personal characteristics and overall individual differences from birth to adulthood. Psychologists also utilize personality theories to find the causes and treatment for personality disorders. Many different factors have been found to influence personality development. (jrank.org, nd) Definition of Personality Personality can be defined as the unique pattern of thoughts, feelings, or behavioral characteristics by which each person can be distinguished from other people (Cherry, K. 2012, p3). Personality stems from within an individual and normally remains consistent throughout the person’s lifetime. Some fundamental characteristics of personality can be identified. The first characteristic is consistency. Consistency is the recognizable order and regularity of behaviors of an individual. In other words, that the individual exhibits the same behaviors in any situation. Another characteristic of personality is psychological and physiological; which means that personality stems from psychological processes, but is...
Words: 1190 - Pages: 5
...and Psychoanalysis. Structural psychologists believed the purpose of psychology is to describe, analyze, and explain conscious sensations and feelings. Behaviorists believed conditioning could change human behavior. Gestalt psychologists theorized humans and some animals perceive the world around them in an organized pattern. Psychoanalysts believed that powerful inner forces from the unconscious mind develop and influence human behavior. This paper will discuss the personality theories proposed by Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. This discussion will include a description of each theory. In addition, this paper will analyze the strengths and limitations of these theories. Finally this paper will compare and contrast each theory based on basic and underlying assumptions, deterministic versus free will, and awareness of self. Sigmund Freud Sigmund Freud, a psychologist from Vienna, was the first person to propose the Psychoanalytical Theory of Personality. Though his work, he suggested the personality is comprised of three separate elements, the id, the ego, and the super ego (Burger 2008). The id, present at birth, is entirely unconscious, and includes primitive and instinctive behaviors. The id is driven toward immediate gratification, known as the pleasure principle (Burger 2008). The id is important in early life, ensuring that the demands of an infant are met. If these needs are not satisfied, then the individual will experience anxiety. This is the reason that...
Words: 1188 - Pages: 5
...According to personality-development.org (n.d. ), “Sigmund Freud developed some of the most influential theories in modern psychology and psychoanalysis. His division of the mind into the conscious and unconscious components have driven research on the brain into very specific directions, and his contributions extend into the field of neuroscience, as well. By exploring the underlying motivations of our behaviors, Freud pioneered new levels of abstraction in human thought. For Freud, the mind is best conceptualized in two distinct components, the conscious and unconscious. The unconscious portion contains the thoughts we may potentially have, as well as the desires which dictate our behavior without our awareness. Societal regulations force us to repress certain aspects of ourselves, and the unconscious serves as the storehouse for this collection. Many of our inner urges are too disturbing for the conscious mind and society at large to cope with immediately. Therefore, we sublimate these secrets into a region we cannot face directly. The ego is responsible for repressing unconscious thoughts. Things that are too disturbing to face immediately are pushed out of awareness by the ego. However, the unconscious continues to exert influence on the behavior of the individual. This psychological pressure creates a continuous battle between the ego and unconscious portions of the psyche. The dynamics of this struggle are the target of much of Freud's...
Words: 1297 - Pages: 6
...LASA 2: Exploring Personality Theories Part I: Apply the personality theories to your personal life experience by answering the following questions. (Each paragraph below should be 200 – 400 words.) 1. The Five Factor Model of Personality: Explain where you fall on each of the FIVE dimensions or traits in this theory. Discuss whether you feel you were “born with” this trait or if you feel this trait developed through experiences in your environment (such as family experiences or other learning experiences). Based on your experience, explain whether personality traits are primarily biological (innate) or environmental (learned) (Nature vs. Nurture). (1 paragraph) Openness to Experience- This trait includes appreciation for art, emotion, adventure, unusual ideas, curiosity, and variety of experience. Openness reflects a person's degree of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and preference for novelty and variety. It is also described as the extent to which a person is imaginative or independent; it describes a personal preference for a variety of activities over a strict routine. Those who score high in openness to experience prefer novelty, while those who score low prefer routine. This is biological to me because I grew up being told that I always needed to be unique but also open to suggestion. I needed to have an open imagination and never depends on anyone. Conscientiousness- Self-discipline, dutifulness, competence, thoughtfulness, and achievement-striving...
Words: 2638 - Pages: 11
...describe the personalities of the people around us. Personality is all of the characteristic, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make a person unique. Personality surfaces from inside the individual and remains constant throughout life. Personality has a lot to do with where we came from and the people that we surround ourselves with. Our personalities sometimes make or break us. Whether we get a new job due to our bubbly personality or are not considered for a job to our plain personality. Personalities truly shape our lives on a daily basis and are extremely important in ever aspect of our life. “Personality is a pattern of relatively permanent traits and unique characteristics that give both consistency of behavior over time, and stability of behavior across situations”. (Feist, 2009) Personality is shaped through our family environment, the community we are raised in, the schools we attend, and the friends we surround ourselves with. Each person has a special personality, whether it is an outgoing personality or a shy personality. Each person has a different set of characteristics and traits that make up their individual personality. For example, even though my sister and I grew up in the exact same environment, family, and community our personalities are completely different. She has always been easy going in most situations and I tend to be more on edge. I am a much quieter and reserved person and she is much louder and outgoing. Reading the definition of personality, or even...
Words: 938 - Pages: 4
...personality theories, types and tests personality types, behavioural styles theories, personality and testing systems - for self-awareness, self-development, motivation, management, and recruitment Motivation, management, communications, relationships - focused on yourself or others - are a lot more effective when you understand yourself, and the people you seek to motivate or manage or develop or help. Understanding personality is also the key to unlocking elusive human qualities, for example leadership, motivation, and empathy, whether your purpose is self-development, helping others, or any other field relating to people and how we behave. The personality theories that underpin personality tests and personality quizzes are surprisingly easy to understand at a basic level. This section seeks to explain many of these personality theories and ideas. This knowledge helps to develop self-awareness and also to help others to achieve greater self-awareness and development too. Developing understanding of personality typology, personality traits, thinking styles and learning styles theories is also a very useful way to improve your knowledge of motivation and behaviour of self and others, in the workplace and beyond. Understanding personality types is helpful for appreciating that while people are different, everyone has a value, and special strengths and qualities, and that everyone should be treated with care and respect. The relevance of love and spirituality - especially...
Words: 2835 - Pages: 12
...Running Head: Personality Theory Paper 1 Personality Theory Paper Venetia Berry PSYCH 504 Personality Theories September 19, 2011 Dr. Bridgette Jenkins Running Head: Personality Theory Paper 2 Abstract In this paper, I will discuss how Abraham Maslow theory, hierarachy of needs has influenced my understanding of personalities and behaviors of people in society and in the work place. I will also discuss how this theory has influenced my role in society and din the work place, along with my interactions with others. Running Head: Personality Theory Paper 3 Abraham Maslow Abraham Maslow was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1908. He was the oldest of seven children. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Russia who were uneducated. His parents pushed him hard for academic success. Growing up he became very lonely as a boy and found his interest in reading books (Boeree, 2006). Maslow first studied law at City College of New York (CCNY). After three semesters, he transferred to Cornell and then back to CCNY (Boeree, 2006). After he married, he moved to Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin, where he became interested in psychology (Boeree, 2006). While attending the University of Wisconsin, he met and worked with Harry Harlow who was known for his experiments with baby rhesus monkeys and attachment behavior (Boeree, 2006)...
Words: 629 - Pages: 3
...Personality Theories By: Allysha Farnham BEH/225- Introduction to Behavioral Science July 3, 2014 Joshua Paul - Faculty University of Phoenix Personality is what makes us who we are. It is the differences that each individual has that deals with the behavior patterns, cognition, and emotion. Now, each person is different, and there were a number of theorists that contributed to study of personality. The first theorist that is widely known today for his study of personality is Sigmund Freud. He was one of the most influential thinkers of all time. He came up with theories that shows his views on many different aspects of life. Some of those include personality, childhood, memory, and even sexuality. Sigmund Freud came up with a theory on the development of personality. He questioned what made us progress as individuals. Freud then found an obvious point. That point was that life is the drive that pushes us to progress as an individual. The need to have balance in our nervous system generates the motive to do things that we see is right in society. However, the appearance of the development of personality, in the case of Freud, was driven by the wanting of resolution for all of the problems that we face in life as a human being. This theory is incomplete though. What about the people who continue to have bad behavior? Or the people who continue to be suicidal? Or the person who wants to keep working because they want to keep pushing the limit and never...
Words: 1008 - Pages: 5
...The term personality has roots in the Latin word persona which refers to a mask which was worn in theater productions during ancient Greek dramas (Feist & Feist, 2009). The root of this word is not a sufficient definition as it is clear there is more to ones personality than the persona they project for others to see. Psychologists and psychiatrists who study personality have not, to date, encountered a definition that they can agree upon. The reason for this is due to the number of variables which make up a personality and influence behavior. Because of this, no two theorists have taken the same view on the definition, as their own personalities and bias’ cause them to view it differently. Theorists do share the way they obtain data; therefore, they are able to apply an objective way of analyzing data to such a subjective topic. This paper will examine theoretical approaches in studying personality, as well as factors that may influence an individual’s personality development. Theoretical Approaches in Studying Personality A theoretical approach on personality means that researchers use the scientific method to collect and analyze data. They use this process to answer questions that are formed by certain behaviors or that other theories have generated (Feist & Feist, 2009). The question is referred to as a hypothesis. The hypothesis must be tested in a way that can be accurately documented, as well as repeated by others. Once data is collected it must be analyzed and...
Words: 1126 - Pages: 5
...PERSONALITY THEORIES There are a large number of psychology theories about the human personality that have been studied in a variety of ways. In order for an aspect of a person’s personality to be interesting, it must occur in a large population. Many different descriptions are possible. A personality trait is the permanently embedded patterns of characteristics and behavior that produces the unique individuality that all people possess. No two people are exactly the same, not even identical twins. Much of our understanding of the behavior of other people is based on the assumption that people have certain traits that are consistent in different situations. Which means everyone behavior has personality traits that make each of us unique and different from one another. It is also our individual personality that leads us to act the same way consistently over long spans of time. Behavioral and personality models have been widely used in organizations to help improve the knowledge of one’s self and the motivation, strengths, and weaknesses of others. The trait theory approach is one of the largest areas within personality psychology. According to this theory, your personality is made up of a number of broad traits. All trait theories explain personality in terms of the traits consistent personality characteristics and behaviors. Traits theorists believe that all people possess certain traits that vary only in the degree that the particular trait applies to a specific...
Words: 787 - Pages: 4
...Theories of Personality: A Critical Review Stephanie Connole PSY/405 April 9,2014 Theories of Personality: A Critical Review Introduction Humans have been known to have different personalities and the differences in perception, mindset and behaviors are caused by divergent experiences. The classical psychological theory of Freud argues that humans tend to develop their personalities in the early five years of the lives and continue to strengthen it as they grow old. However, people do change with the passage of time (Blatt, McDonald, Sugarman, & Wilber, 1984). The changes in personality occur in response to external environment but these modifications are superficial in nature and therefore, they do not last long and the basic personality will emerge once external forces are removed. The Psychodynamic and Humanistic theories of personality are intertwined and interdependent. The abovementioned frameworks are joined because basic personality development can be influenced by the environment. In simple terms, an apparently bad person can be converted into a good one with the help of offering supportive behaviors. The support groups that render help to addicts, criminals and prisoners are there in order to ascertain likeness towards positive behaviors in people who demonstrated negative attitudes in the past. The philosophy of support group is developed on the basis of a belief that humans respond to their immediate environments and tend to win the legitimacy of their...
Words: 1087 - Pages: 5
...There are many theories within the field of psychology that seek to explain and undestand why humans behave in certain ways, display certain actions, and have certain motives. Personality theories are theories that have been developed to understand human personality and behavior. Psychodynamic personality theories are a specific group of theories. They are different from other psychological principles because they basicaly ignore the “science” or biological and physiological aspects that are generally focused upon in other disciplines. They depend rather on environmental, social, and interpersonal relationships asd the basis to this field of study. Two of the most influential theories were developed by psychologists many years ago. The two theories that I chose are Sullivan’s Interpsonal Social Theory and Jung’s Analytical Theory. This paper will anazlyze the strengths and limitations of the two theories, as well as compare and constrast them in relatinoship to their basic underlying assumptions, deterministic versus free will, and awareness of self, or concious vs unconcsious motives for behavior. Henry Stack Sullivan (1892-1949) proposed his Interpersonal Theory as it relates to personality. He has also been considered the father of interpersonal psychiatry. His theory explains the role of interpsonal relationships and experiences in society as the defining catalyst in forming personality. He felt that life events, situations, and relationships are the major things that affect...
Words: 1073 - Pages: 5
