interconnection of parts and systems which in turn creates a uniqueness in each of us. Personality process is the examination of how an individual’s personality is expressed in people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors resulting in consequential outcomes. Processes are mechanisms that unfold over time to produce the effects of personality traits. The personality process may be studied over the short-term to include event sampling or long-term, to include life span research of a specific group. Personality process includes researchers trying to understand individuals now and what they were life previously, they are challenged to uncover the growth and development of the individual and life happenings to character patterns of growth and development.
An additional challenge presented with personality process is to determine exactly what factors have caused and individual to develop one personality style as compared to any other. Genetics also plays a significant role in personality process and how exactly it may create an individuals temperament and how they respond biologically to emotionally charged incidents that may arise. Genetic determinants may determine how individuals respond to fear, crowds, pressure, and overall affect their temperament. Environmental factors have a significant determinant on an individuals personality. An individual that grows up in an isolated or secluded area may be less likely to associate with peers as compared to the individual that grew up in a populated area with significant amounts of external stimulation. These distinct differences would result in individuals that have two conflicting personalities, perhaps one that is considered extremely introverted and the other who may be extremely extroverted, outgoing, and have strong people
skills. Culture and social class provide additional determinants of one individuals personality. Cultures in the world often contain their own set of norms, values, and rules in which they live by. These cultures may be found among various races and various locations and regions around the world. Culture can influence who we are and what we become and is certainly influential as to how individuals treat each other and develop relationships.