Theoretical Approaches in the Study of Personality - Essay Example

Personality Personality Definition There exist several definitions of personality. One definition s that personality refers to patterns of thought, behaviour, emotion, and psychological mechanisms unique to an individual. Another definition states that personality denotes traits and characteristics that are relatively permanent, consistent and that give individuality to a person. A section of personality theorists believe that personality is the patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviours typical of an individual that are influenced by factors within and without the individual (Larsen & Buss, 2009). Personality theorists agree on a number of elements as being components of personality. Consistency refers to the regular and recognizable behaviours for example the way in which individuals respond to different situations in similar ways. There are psychological and physiological bases of personality. Personality influences and causes individual to behave and act in certain ways. Personality theorists also agree that personality is expressed variously including through thoughts, feelings, and different social interactions. Many theoretical approaches help in the study of personality (Larsen & Buss, 2009). Theoretical approaches in the study of personality Psychodynamic approach to the study of personality emphasizes the role of the unconscious psychological processes in the development of certain behaviours, feelings, and thoughts. Sigmund Freud is the most profound founder of this approach and he believed that psychological factors are more important in the development of personality than biological factors. To Freud, human beings are born with certain basic instincts and needs including aggression and sex. According to psychodynamic personality theorists, personality develops from an individual’s struggle to satisfy his or her needs in the midst of scarcity and frustrations (Larsen & Buss, 2009). In Freud’s structure of personality, the Id refers to the element that seeks instant gratification. The ego is the element of personality that operates on both the conscious and the unconscious. The superego is the moralistic element of the personality that operates with strict rules. The ego mediates between the Id and the superego. Freud developed several psychosexual stages that individuals go through as they grow up. Followers of this school of thought explained that psychological disorders stem from maladaptive defences that individuals use to counter the unconscious and internal conflicts (Larsen & Buss, 2009). This approach is applauded for its contribution in the development of psychotherapies and personality assessment tools. It is credited with raising awareness on parenting skills. Critic charge that sexuality is an important element of personality but it does not suffice to determine human personality. Some critics state that this approach emphasized male anatomy and depicted women as envying it. Psychodynamic concepts are vague and there is difficulty in measuring and testing them scientifically (Larsen & Buss, 2009). Behaviourist approach to the study of personality emphasizes the role of interaction between the individual and the environment. According to behaviourist theorists, overt observable and measurable behaviours are all that is needed to understand personality. Theorists in this school of thought include Albert Bandura and B.F Skinner. Bandura emphasized that individuals learn through observation and imitation. To him, cognitions are important in the development of personality. Skinner emphasized the impact of rewards and punishment as reinforcements in personality development (Larsen & Buss, 2009). Critics to this approach argue that behaviourists study animals and generalize their findings unto human beings yet human beings have complex thought processes higher than those of lower animals do. Behaviourists overlook the role of biological factors. Social-cognitive behaviourists emphasize situational influences on personality overlooking the role of personality traits (Larsen & Buss, 2009). Humanistic approach to the study of personality explains that human beings are born naturally good. They explain that human beings are capable of understanding and accepting responsibility for their existence. Humanists focus on the here and now and overlook the role of the past and the future on personality. According to behaviourists, human beings have an inherent sense of worth. Human beings are capable of conscious and rational thinking. Theorists in this approach include Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. Criticisms to this approach include the claim that humanists tend to be too individualistic downplaying the social element of human nature. Humanistic claims are vague and cannot be tested easily. Humanistic approach to the study of personality emphasizes the good side of human nature and overlooks the evil side of it. There are number of factors that influence personality development (Larsen & Buss, 2009). Factors influencing personality development Social factors have significant influence on personality development. The family is the first point of contact with the world for individuals. The family socializes the individual into the ways of life of the society into which they are born. Parenting styles affect personality development making individuals reserved, responsible, or negligent. Growing up in a physically abusive environment can make an individual to develop are disordered personality. Interactions with people in different settings including school, organizations, and workplace are important in the development of personality (Larsen & Buss, 2009). Cultural factors touch on an individual’s belief system. Culture incorporates values, norms, and customs that either encourage or discourage certain behaviours. Individuals take up their society’s creed and religion and these become bases on which they judge right and wrong. Heredity factors are those that are passed down from parents to offsprings. Individuals have little or nothing they can do to control their heredity. These include blood composition, glands, and nervous system all of which affect habitual behaviours. Intelligence is an element of heredity and it affects people’s decision-making and performance in school and in other aspects (Larsen & Buss, 2009). Sex differences are a factor in personality and personality theorists believe that men are generally more assertive and aggressive than women. Physical factors are an important factor in the development of personality. Physical characteristics include height, complexion, and beauty. Some theorists suggests that short people are easily irritable than tall people. There are some claims that obese people have low self-esteem than medium-weight people. People’s perception of beauty affects the way an individual behaves and chooses company. The level of maturation influences an individual’s development of personality. Advanced levels of maturation help individuals to acquire knowledge more easily and respond to it appropriately. Some theorists have proposed that success and failure are important determinants of behaviour. Success enhances an individual’s adjustment and self-concept while failure undermines it (Larsen & Buss, 2009). References Larsen, R. J., & Buss, D. M. (2009). Personality psychology: Domains of knowledge about human nature. McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Read More