Personality - Essay Example

Allport, defined personality “as the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his unique adjustments to his environment” (Dr Walsh, 1999). This paper analyses the theoretical approaches in studying personality and factors that may influence an individual’s personality development Theoretical approaches in studying personality Kurt Lewin’s Field theory is one of the major theories in studying personality. He has argued that cognitive structure of a person determines his personality (Lewin, 1936 p.537). Cognitive structure is the sum of physical, psychological, social and personal aspects of an individual.

Different people may have different physical appearances as well as mental abilities and intelligence. These factors can definitely affect the personality development of a person according to Lewin. For example, there are many people who are not satisfied with their physical appearance. Many of such people try to stay away from others because of their inferiority complexes. On the other hand there are many other people who are extremely intelligent even though their appearances are not so good.

Many of such people actively participate in social activities and perform well in all personality assessment tests. In many of the organizations, recruitment is often conducted after the assessment of the candidate’s personality. There are many cases in which intelligent persons outscores others in such personality tests. At the same time, there are many other cases, in which even intelligent people fail miserably in personality tests because of their inferiority complexes about their appearances.

In short, physical factors as well as psychological factors can contribute heavily to the development of personality. McAdams and Pals (April 2006) presented a new model to integrate the field of personality psychology. Cultural and evolutionary factors interact with an individual’s basic traits, characteristic adaptations, and life narratives, which in turn are linked to roles, demands, and behaviors (Wood & Joseph 2007, p.57). The above theory clearly underlines the importance of environmental factors and social factors in the development of the personality of an individual.

In other words, it is quite possible that even people with good intelligence may develop defective personality if they happens to be in a negative environment. For example, there are many cases in which even intelligent people becoming antisocial elements in the company of defective personalities. There are many intelligent students who spoiled their future because of substance abuse and alcoholism. The story of former president Bill Clinton can be remembered here. Clinton is believed to be one of the most famous personalities in America in recent times.

However, he failed to resist his temptation to establish a sex relationship with one of his servants in White house; Monica Lewinsky. It should be noted that Clinton was forced to step down from his president’s post because of this sex scandal. In short, environmental factors can also shape the personality very much. Factors that may influence an individual’s personality development In order to analyze factors that may influence an individual’s personality development, it is necessary to know more about the personality pathology.

“Personality pathology is an analysis of a target person’