Understanding Myself: A Trait Theory Perspective - Essay Example

? Understanding Myself: A Trait Theory Perspective Introduction Since the beginning of human society, people have been trying to understand thedifferences between people and understand what led to these differences. With the development of psychology as a field of scientific research, theorists have proposed explanations for the presence of personality differences and similarities between people and have tried to explain the mechanisms that govern these differences and similarities (Carver & Scheier, 2000). These Theories of Personality help in understanding the way an individual’s personality affects their behavior; and the factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of different aspects of personality. Thus, these theories help one to understand the behavior of oneself as well as others (Carver & Scheier, 2000). Although each theory studied has its strength and can be used to understand and explain behavior and choices of individuals; I have chosen to discuss the Trait theory for this paper as it allows me to discuss not only my own behavior, but the behaviors of others as well. Through this paper, I shall discuss the contributions of different traits and the different perspectives within the trait theory to my behavior in different situations, as well as the behaviors of others where necessary. Trait Theory Trait theories of personality have attempted to explain human behavior on the basis if a finite number of traits that are relatively permanent and thus predictable (Sigelman & Rider, 2011). According to the theory, personality traits govern the way we choose to behave, think and feel. Most traits develop early in an individual’s life, and are stable across that person’s life; but do show some development based on the experiences that the individual has (Carver & Scheier, 2000). Thus, each individual differs in the extent to which they exhibit a particular trait. Different theorists have given different estimates of the number of important traits that any person may exhibit (Carver & Scheier, 2000). Cattell's factor analytic work showed 16 traits that all individuals exhibit; while Eysenck believed that there were only three generic traits. Allport discussed the existence of Central and Secondary Traits (Sigelman & Rider, 2011). According to him, central traits were generalized and governed a large section of a person’s behavior, while secondary traits were more numerous and specific to situations. More recent theories of personality traits like the Five Factor Model, and the traits discussed by the MBTI draw heavily from these founding theories and have refined the work of these theorists using advanced factor analytic models (Carver & Scheier, 2000). Influence of the Theory on My Role in Society Trait theory explains human behavior on the basis on traits; some of which are generic and some which are specific to particular situations (Sigelman & Rider, 2011). On observing myself and analyzing my behavior, I find that I do behave in predictable patterns in different situations. I am relatively Extroverted (Carver & Scheier, 2000), and thus I often talk to people I have met recently quite easily. This trait often influences my behavior I social situations so that I chat up to attendants in shops or people I travel with when taking public transport. Although these discussions are never intimate and often related only to the concerned topic (the goods in the shop, or the conditions of the transport facilities) or other generalized topics; I find that I like talking to people. Being friendly, I am also edger to make these said people feel at ease, and will joke or smile a lot. I also find that I exhibit the trait of contentiousness (Carver & Scheier, 2000) with respect to the environment, and often encourage others to recycle more, and participate in drives within the community. But besides these central traits, I find that understanding secondary traits as described by Allport also helps understand my behavior (Sigelman & Rider, 2011). I often behave slightly more poised and coquettish at parties; and take care of my appearance at such times. In contrast, a close friend who is otherwise quite well read and opinionated often chooses to skip large parties, or is often silent if she attends. She is not as extroverted, and feels unable to open up with large groups of people. Understanding how traits affect behavior has helped me understand that there are patterns that I tend to follow in different situations (Carver & Scheier, 2000); and helps me evaluate if I want to continue with or change a particular pattern. Influence of the Theory on My Role in Workplace My trait of contentiousness is very useful in my work as a Bone Marrow Technician working alongside doctors who treat and supervise patients with cancer. I now believe that this trait along with my desire to “Help people” (which arises from another dominant trait) may – along with the choices that presented themselves – have steered me in the direction of this profession. I often see people who are troubled with coping with small repetitive details; and would find my work intimidating and tedious. On the other hand, I find my work interesting and valuable; and the desire to help cure people feeds my conscientiousness so that I find the details that are part of my work important as well as interesting (Sigelman & Rider, 2011). I find that I have developed behavioral routines and that I display crispness in my communication at work which I rarely use otherwise. This trait is particular to the demands of my place of work; and people are often surprised by it if they know me outside work. Influence of the Theory on My Interactions with Others The theory has also helped me understand how personality traits affect my personal interactions at a more intimate level. My extraversion and gregariousness continue at home; and I love to spend time with close family and friends when possible (Sigelman & Rider, 2011). I would like to believe that my Emotional Stability and Impulse Control in personal relationships has developed over the years (Sigelman & Rider, 2011); so that I am more comfortable with having to exhibit this control now then I was a few years ago. I do believe that I have become more reasonable about the way to respond to problems; and to me this is evidence that traits do develop or modify with time. I also remember how difficult it was to effect this change on the basis of feedback from difficult situations; and so understand why traits are considered to be relatively stable and resistant to change (Carver & Scheier, 2000). Conclusion Learning about trait theories of personality helped me understand the patterns in my behavior, and the traits that determine these patterns (Sigelman & Rider, 2011). This understanding will help me further to evaluate others, and understand the motivations that affect their behaviors as well. Understanding my own traits and the traits of others provides me with answers to questions I have about difficult situations I find myself in and the reasons that encourage me to behave in certain ways. Thus, learning and applying these theories to my own life has helped me enrich it further. References Carver, C.S., & Scheier, M.F. (2000). Perspectives on personality (4th ed.) Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Sigelman, C.K. & Rider, E.A. (2011). Life-Span Human Development (7th ed.). Belmont: Cengage Learning. Read More