Personality Theories and Assessment Psychology - Assignment Example

?Running head: Psychology Personality Theories and Psychology Assessment Insert Insert Grade Insert 01 August Introduction Personality connotes the unique characteristics possessed by an individual which, directly influence their behaviour (Ewen, 2003). Various theories have been advanced to explain why people have different personalities and how these differences impact on their lives and behaviour. This assignment looks into aspects of theories on personality namely; Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, social cognitive, big five trait theory and Maslow’s theory. 1) Psychoanalytic theory According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, defence mechanisms are the processes in which individuals reach solutions in order to reduce apprehension and anxiety (Frick, 1991). Repression relates to preventing unconscious thoughts from entering the conscious mind. An earlier experience of sexual molestation may be repressed by an individual in later life. Regression is the reversion on an earlier stage of development due to undesirable impulses. A teenager may resume bed wetting after experiencing stress or clinical depression. Displacement is the mechanism where individual conveys aggressive and sexual urges to a substitute object or person. An example is hitting a dog after a frustrating day at work. Sublimation is the diversion of negative inclinations usually sexual in nature to more positive actions like artistic work. One could become involved in cancer charity work after the death of a loved one due to cancer. Reaction formation implies that individuals substitute their unconscious negative thoughts and impulses with something directly opposite to the impulses. A religious person might harbor gay tendencies but deny this and become a fierce critic of homosexuality. Projection entails the displacement and attribution of undesirable thoughts to other people, or in rare cases to animals or inanimate objects. An employee may dislike the boss where projection occurs when the employee refuses to acknowledge this by saying, where after a mistake in the workplace that the boss dislikes the employee. Rationalization is the process involving forming opinions and explanations on the occurrence of certain things by not acknowledging the truth. After failing a driving tests many times, one may rationalize by that the price of gasoline is high, and cars are expensive to maintain. Freud’s psychoanalytic theory provides a robust framework for understanding the relevance of early behavioural patterns in influencing personality development. The theory assumes that defense mechanisms are critical in understanding the personality types of behaviour. Personality is the result of early childhood experiences, and subsequent defense mechanisms to deal with negative impulses. Despite the popularity of Freud’s theory there are various criticisms, firstly the theory ignores the impact of adaptation and interpersonal relations on personality. Thus, it only assumes that personality is mainly shaped at earlier stages of life. In addition, it lays much emphasis on early occurrences while ignores the inner destructive impulses. The theory cannot be tested empirically; hence, their scientific impact is also difficult to evaluate. B) Social cognitive theory Under external locus of control, people believe that their destiny depends on external factors beyond their immediate control. Thus, under this theory people are likely to avoid difficult tasks if they think that they may not achieve the desired results (Ayers, et al, 2007). An example would be where one may believe that failure in business is because the economy is in poor shape while ignoring their incompetence. Internal locus of control focuses on the ability to shape the destiny from the surroundings through actions and behavior. The level of motivation is thus high since there is a belief that they control their own destiny. Challenges are motivating factors among people in this group to readily accept failure or success from their part. Such individuals seek information regarding their situation. An individual may work hard in training to perfect skills on the basketball court even if they are not considered tall for the sport; success is determined by the person and not physical attributes. Learned helplessness denotes that mental disorders emanate from a perception that one cannot control the effects of a condition. External locus of control often leads to learned helplessness where individuals have learned through experience that they cannot change their situation. Consequently, people may experience depression and take longer to seek help since they are less likely to seek information about the treatment of depression. C) Big five personality trait theories The big five personality trait theory is relevant; in this case the person chosen is a neighbour and public relations and communications executive at a local media company, by the name of Peter. An extravert person is someone outgoing, confident and affirmative (Bernstein, 2010). Peter is talkative with neighbours, persuasive and also competitive. This is evidenced by the fact that he makes friends easily while he enjoys the company of people going by the number of parties held in his house and workplace. Neuroticism relates to emotional insecurity, whereby individuals lack confidence and are nervous. In addition, the lack of social skills impacts negatively on their ability to handle situations thus they are more prone to depression. Peter is ambitious and likes taking the lead. He has internal locus of control and is assertive. When there are meetings in the community he takes initiative in speaking his mind about the progress of local and county administrators as such he does not fall under the neuroticism. Openness to experience entails creativity and independent mindedness as the main characteristics under this category. Being middle aged, Peter is open to experience given that not many of his age mates are on social media networks. As expected of him, Peter is a problem solver in times of crisis at the media house. He is mainly tasked with public relations, especially liaising with other media outlets and creating media brands. Agreeableness occurs in individuals who are trusting and cooperative, Peter is a team player, but at times can be domineering. Thus, on this aspect, it is difficult to determine on the feature of agreeableness. Conscientiousness connotes personality types who exhibit responsibility and determination. Consequently, they choose those areas in which they are likely to achieve better results with goal oriented behavior. As an executive, the traditional duties of controlling and directing are a common day experience. He exhibits detailed attention, where meticulous planning for vacations is necessary this avoids delays and last minute rush. D) Maslow’s theory Firstly, the physiological needs are fulfilled as the basic needs, after the fulfilment of these needs; the safety needs are next in line. There is a desire for love and the quest for self esteem and lastly self actualization. This theory is valid as it points out that the lack of the four lower needs leads to tension. Maslow’s theory applies to an international student on scholarship, by the name of Jane from Hong Kong. Firstly, the student sustains herself through work placement and her financial status as of the moment is not dire despite various bills. In addition, she belongs to various student groups whereby she maintains friendship with various people. However, despite belonging to various groups the security needs at the lower level are not adequately fulfilled. Thus, it is not true that one fulfils the needs at the lower level before going to a higher level. She fulfils esteem needs due to her status as a student leader. However, self actualization is unattainable as of the moment since it is the ultimate goal involving spirituality, and achievement in the workplace. Overall, not many people achieve self actualization but the order of the levels is not possible to all individuals. One cannot achieve other needs if the physiological needs are not met since they are basic for all human beings. According to the theory, it is impossible to fulfil higher needs if the lower needs are not catered. However, the theory is not plausible where it assumes that the need follow a strict hierarchical order. The claims by Maslow can be considered valid following longitudinal studies carried out across many years. Conclusion In conclusion, personality determines the behavior of individuals, the surroundings and behavior in turn influences choices in life. The psychoanalytic theory is useful since the defense mechanisms are vital in explaining personality types. Behavior also emanates from social learning and experiences. Individuals with an internal locus of control are more likely to succeed based on their belief that destiny does not depend on luck. References Ayers et al. (2007). Cambridge Handbook of Psychology. Health and medicine. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Berstein, D.A. (2010). Essentials of Psychology. Connecticut: Cengage learning. Ewen, R.B. (2003). An Introduction to Theories of Personality. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum. Frick, W.B. (1991). Personality theories: Journey Into Self: An Experiential Workbook. New York: Teachers College Press. Read More