Dispositional, Biological and Evolutionary Theories of Personality Psychoanalysis - Term Paper Example

The paper “Dispositional, Biological and Evolutionary Theories of Personality Psychoanalysis" is a delightful example of term paper on psychology. The word personality comes from Latin word persona which entails masking and has been theoretically analyzed by a psychologist in order to describe and predict one's behavior in a set up using before mentioned theories and how they apply to behavior (Burger, 59). From the definitions, a distinction between the propositions will be discussed and describe the strengths and weakness of attributes to a person.

This is because behavior is learned and develops in a particular manner due to either influences or inherited traits and may sometimes be a forced attitude. Various theorists agreed that behavior is relatively static (Rust et al, 27).The dispositional theory postulates that personality is a function of the organization in a particular individual who’s psychological and physical systems determine how the person thinks and their behavior (Peterson, 97). Peterson explains designed the theory and holds on optimism such that healthy people are believed to motivate consciously, sustain healthy relations and even bond realistically to their immediate surroundings (Petterson, 102).

It describes traits as dispositions where the central traits are responsible for individual personality and therefore fundamental and believes humor as well as insight being inherent which can be failed by a mental dysfunction (Petterson, 115).The theory is criticized for lack of scientific proof and reliance on the mere description. It is not comprehensive since no stimulating approach to personality is described. The remaining two theories, on the other hand, have a completely different suggestion on nature and development of personality.

Biologically, the aspects of a personality are an output of various environmental influences which are not specific but rather opportunistic in the development of a person. Genes are the central determinant of a person and behavior is derived from an evolution which is fueled by a complex system of signals from hormones and neurotransmitters (Buss & Hawley, 142). This theory is from research-based data on identical twins and therefore more evidence-based than dispositional theory. However, the results are not always definitive and do not explain why completely different individuals living in different areas develop the same or similar personality (Buss & Hawley, 153).

Evolutionary theorists hold that personality evolves. Aspects such as sex differences, environmental pressure and desire to personal improvement are key to changing a personality and therefore behavior is dynamic and learned for survival. Temperament in children is interpreted as an adaptive response such that the end outcome is to grow. This means that growth is part and parcel of life and contributes to behavior development and medication through the maturation of the brain(Buss & Hawley, 70).

Personality, therefore, evolves according to theorists like Charles Darwin so as to place an individual in the most desirable behavior that suits a given time. It happens psychologically and at a genetic level, good traits are passed from generation to generation. Although it makes sense, criticism has revealed major weaknesses. A good theory is supposed to be simple. This met theory can bring order to confusion but the means to investigate the proof of its arguments are expensive and lacking since genetics is still an upcoming area of research (Burger, 47).

Although the three theories are different in applicability, it is plausible to say that they are ideal in relating personal behavior and personality (Burger, 74). The strengths and limitations in each should not hinder a psychoanalyst from using these theories in discovering and explaining the personality of an individual.