Perspective in Theories of Personality [PRIMARY ASSUMPTIONS]

Psychodynamic

First 5 years of life most shape personality

Psychodynamic

Unconscious forces are most important

Psychodynamic

Neurosis results from unhealthy moving toward, against, or away from others

Humanistic-Existential

People strive to live meaningful, happy lives

Humanistic-Existential

People are motivated by growth and psychological health

Humanistic-Existential

Personality is shaped by freedom of choice, response to anxiety, and awareness of death

Dispositional

People are predisposed to behave in unique and consistent ways; they have unique traits

Dispositional

There are five trait dimensions in human personality

Biological-Evolutionary

The foundation for thought and behavior is biological and genetic forces

Biological-Evolutionary

Human thoughts and behaviors have been shaped by evolutionary forces (natural and sexual selection)

Learning-(Social) Cognitive

Only explanation for behavior is the conditions that create behavior

Learning-(Social) Cognitive

Learning occurs through association and consequences of our behavior

Learning-(Social) Cognitive

Learning also occurs through succeeding or failing and watching other people succeed or fail in their tasks

Learning-(Social) Cognitive

Personality develops as an interaction between the internal and external characteristics of a person

Learning-(Social) Cognitive

The cognitive constructs we develop to perceive the world and others mold our personalities