Sinopsis
Although a definition follows, bear in mind that psychologists do not agree on a single answer to this question. In fact, personality psychologists are engaged in an ongoing and perhaps never-ending discussion of how to describe human personality and what topics belong within this subfield of psychology (Mayer, 2005; McAdams & Pals, 2006). Personality theorists have different ideas about what personality psychologists ought to study. Whereas one theorist points to unconscious mechanisms, another looks at learning histories, and still another at the way people organize their thoughts. Although some students might find this lack of agreement frustrating, let me suggest from the outset that these different viewpoints provide a rich and exciting framework within which to explore the complexities of the individual.
Personality can be defined as consistent behavior patterns and intrapersonal processes originating within the individual. Several aspects of this simple definition need elaboration. Notice that there are two parts to it. The
first part is concerned with consistent patterns of behavior. Personality researchers often refer to these as individual differences. The important point here is that personality is consistent. We can identify these consistent behavior patterns across time and across situations. We expect someone who is outgoing today to be outgoing tomorrow. Someone who is competitive at work is also quite likely competitive in sports. We acknowledge this consistency in character when we say, “It was just like her to do that” or “He was just being himself.” Of course, this does not mean an extraverted person is boisterous and jolly all the time, on solemn occasions as well as at parties. Nor does it mean people cannot change. But if personality exists and behavior is not just a reflection of whatever situation we find ourselves in, then we must expect some consistency in the way people act.
first part is concerned with consistent patterns of behavior. Personality researchers often refer to these as individual differences. The important point here is that personality is consistent. We can identify these consistent behavior patterns across time and across situations. We expect someone who is outgoing today to be outgoing tomorrow. Someone who is competitive at work is also quite likely competitive in sports. We acknowledge this consistency in character when we say, “It was just like her to do that” or “He was just being himself.” Of course, this does not mean an extraverted person is boisterous and jolly all the time, on solemn occasions as well as at parties. Nor does it mean people cannot change. But if personality exists and behavior is not just a reflection of whatever situation we find ourselves in, then we must expect some consistency in the way people act.
Content
- What Is Personality?
- Personality Research Methods
- The Psychoanalytic Approach: Freudian Theory, Application,
and Assessment - The Freudian Approach: Relevant Research
- The Psychoanalytic Approach: Neo-Freudian Theory,
Application, and Assessment - The Neo-Freudian Theories: Relevant Research
- The Trait Approach: Theory, Application, and Assesssment
- The Trait Approach: Relevant Research
- The Biological Approach: Theory, Application,
and Assessment - The Biological Approach: Relevant Research
- The Humanistic Approach: Theory, Application,
and Assessment - The Humanistic Approach: Relevant Research
- The Behavioral/Social Learning Approach: Theory,
Application, and Assessment - The Behavioral/Social Learning Approach: Relevant
Research - The Cognitive Approach: Theory, Application,
and Assessment - The Cognitive Approach: Relevant Research
