Discuss the distinguishing features of personality. in about 300 words
Answers
What Is Personality?
The word personality itself stems from the Latin word persona, which refers to a theatrical mask worn by performers in order to either project different roles or disguise their identities.
At its most basic, personality is the characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make a person unique. It is believed that personality arises from within the individual and remains fairly consistent throughout life.
Characteristics of Personality
So what exactly makes up a personality? Traits and patterns of thought and emotion play important roles as well as the following fundamental characteristics of personality:
Consistency:
There is generally a recognizable order and regularity to behaviors. Essentially, people act in the same ways or similar ways in a variety of situations.
Psychological and physiological:
Personality is a psychological construct, but research suggests that it is also influenced by biological processes and needs.
Behaviors and actions: Personality not only influences how we move and respond in our environment, but it also causes us to act in certain ways.
Multiple expressions:
Personality is displayed in more than just behavior. It can also be seen in our thoughts, feelings, close relationships, and other social interactions.
Type Theories
Type theories are the early perspectives on personality. These theories suggested that there are a limited number of "personality types" that are related to biological influences, including:
Type A:
perfectionist, impatient, competitive, work-obsessed, achievement-oriented, aggressive, stressed
Type B:
low stress, even-tempered, flexible, creative, adaptable to change, patient, tendency to procrastinate
Type C:
highly conscientious, perfectionists, struggle to reveal emotions (positive and negative)
Type D:
feelings of worry, sadness, irritability, pessimistic outlook, negative self-talk, avoidance of social situations, lack of self-confidence, fear of rejection, appearing gloomy, hopelessness
Psychodynamic Theories
Psychodynamic theories of personality are heavily influenced by the work of Sigmund Freud and emphasize the influence of the unconscious mind on personality. Psychodynamic theories include Sigmund Freud’s psychosexual stage theory and Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development.
Behavioral Theories
Behavioral theories suggest that personality is a result of interaction between the individual and the environment. Behavioral theorists study observable and measurable behaviors, often ignoring the role of internal thoughts and feelings. Behavioral theorists include B.F. Skinner and John B. Watson.
Humanist
Humanist theories emphasize the importance of free will and individual experience in developing a personality. Humanist theorists include Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.