Psy/405 Introduction To Personality Paper

Introduction to Personality
Student
PSY 405
Date
Professor

Introduction to Personality
Personality Defined
Personality is difficult to describe, but nearly impossible to define in a universally acceptable way. Throughout history many definitions of personality have been proposed but none universally accepted. This is because of the reality that each individual’s definition comes with a unique spin placed upon it by that individual’s life experience, surroundings, and personal viewpoint. Personality can be described as the regular presentation of certain traits and attributes that lend cohesion and uniqueness to behavior and thought (Feist & Feist, 2009). Although there is not a single, universally accepted definition of personality,
theorists agree on the word’s etymological roots. Persona, a Latin word used in reference to the masks worn by actors in Greek dramas seems to be the most likely origin of the word. The actors wore masks to facilitate the playing of their roles. Essentially a mask is a false face; however, one’s personality is the farthest thing from false. It is quite real, and it is relatively permanent (Feist & Feist, 2009). Personality is made up of traits and characteristics. Traits can be shared by entire species, completely unique to a single individual, or somewhere in between. They lend both consistency and individuality to behavior (Feist & Feist, 2009). While traits can be shared their pattern is unique to each person (Feist & Feist, 2009). Like trait patterns, characteristics are unique to each individual. Intellect, physique, and temperment are examples of characteristics (Feist & Feist, 2009).
Theoretical Approaches to Personality
Psychodynamic Theory
The theoretical approaches to the study of personality are varied and many. The first and possibly most widely known is the psychodynamic theory. Psychodynamic theory is based on the internal desires of each human being. Freud’s psychoanalytic theory was firmly rooted in his thought that aggression and sex were the root of action and desire. Freud believed the unconscious mind, of which one is not consciously aware, is a wealth of emotions that may have been too uncomfortable for the conscious mind to properly process.
Humanistic/Existential Theories
Humanistic theory is based upon the assumption that the human is more than the mere sum of all his or her parts.
The entire human has needs, but each portion of the human has seperate needs that must be fulfilled prior to reaching the sought after end result, self-actualization (Feist & Feist, 2009). Hunger, thirst, and safety must be fulfilled before the need for growth or self-worth. The satisfaction of the individual is paramount in humanistic theory. Maslow, May, and Rogers believed that humans are inherently good creatures that must be treated as a whole person rather than in small pieces. Behaviorism and psychodynamic theories had not allowed for this kind of thought.
Dispositional Theory
Dispositional theory focuses on traits consistently exhibited by a subject. Traits are grouped by their centrality to the personality. Cardinal dispositions make up the vast majority of one’s personality (Feist & Feist, 2009). These are rare. Central dispositions are the five to 10 traits by which one is most easily identified (Feist & Feist, 2009). Secondary dispositions are abdundant and generally make appearances only under certain circumstances.
Learning
Theories
A prominent learning theory is Skinner’s behavioral analysis. Behaviorism, like the name suggests, is based solely on observable behavior. Emotions and thoughts that are not acted upon are of no consequence to the behaviorist. Reinforcement schedules are a mainstay of behaviorism. The different theories and ways to study the personality have evolved over the years. Each personality theorist has his or her own personality, experiences, and point of view. Like the elusive definition of personality each of these theories is tainted somewhat by it’s originator’s life experience.
Influences on Personality Development Influcences on the personality are all around.
Heredity, environmental, cultural, familial, and social factors all play a role in the development of personality (Feist & Feist, 2009). Hereditary influences can be anything from height and attractiveness to temperment. Cultural influence runs deep. One is often unaware of its effect on the personality. Behavioral standards, gender roles, and expectations can affect the development of personality (Feist & Feist, 2009). American society places very high value on individualism while some Asian cultures place higher value on acting in ways that promote the good of the masses. Americans may mistake this cultural difference for the personality trait of shyness, while an Asian child may mistake the American for selfish and
rude.
Parenting practices and trauma can also influence personality development. When a parent is relatively unresponsive to the needs of an infant that infant tends to develop a mistrust of others in childhood and onward into adolescence and adulthood. Forming relationships becomes difficult, as does functioning appropriately in some social settings. Parents who spend an inordinate amount of time focusing on the things a child does wrong as he or she grows tend to produce offspring with lower self-esteem than parents with positive parenting practices.
Conclusion
Although the definition of personality has yet to be set in stone, there is a general consensus that it has a huge and everlasting effect on the individual and humanity as a whole. Each theory of personality focuses on the development of personality in a different way. Freud was concerend with the unconscious mind’s wants and desires. He believed aggression and sex made the world go around. Maslow, May, and Rogers believed in the innate goodness of the human race and wished for each individual to be seen as an entire person rather than the sum of his or her parts. Skinner and other behaviorists were more concerned with observable behavior than feelings or thoughts. The aforementioned theories came from humble beginnings like many others. The smallest of ideas can lead to an important scientific discovery. Psychology is constantly evolving its way of thinking to distinguish the true and the helpful from the false and the harmful. Personality has been shown to be relatively permanent and is made of up traits and characteristics (Feist & Feist, 2009). Traits can be likened to a mask. Most people wear masks, so to speak; however, the personality is one persona no one can remove.

Reference
Feist, J., & Feist, G. (2009). Theories of personality (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.