Theories of Personality - Learning, Humanistic, & Sociocultural

Learning Approach

emphasizes the influence of environmental conditions on behavior and have shown that people learn to do things because of reinforcements

Behaviorism

defines psychology as the scientific study of observable behavior

John B. Watson

claimed that external forces or influences largely shape people's preferences and behavior

B. F. Skinner

emphasized the effects of reinforcement on behavior

Socialization

the process by which people learn the socially desirable behaviors of their particular culture and adopt them as part of their personalities

Utopian (Skinner's Walden Two)

an ideal society (Walden Two) in which people are happy and content because every member of the society contributes to and receives the benefits of the society

Social-Learning Theory (Albert Bandura)

Focuses on the importance of learning by observation and on the role of cognitive processes that produce individual differences

Internal Factor: Skills

a person's physical and social abilities

Internal Factor: Values

the value we put on the outcome of a certain behavior affects how we act (Example: if you value good grades, you will study)

Internal Factor: Goals

we regulate ourselves by setting goals; once the goal is set, we plan the most effective way to achieve it

Internal Factor: Expectations

predictions of what will happen in certain situations

Internal Factor: Self-efficacy

coined by Bandura (1989); refers to beliefs people have about themselves (Example: if you believe you are a good public speaker, you will be motivated to speak before the class assembly)

High Self-Efficacy Trait

people with high self-efficacy expectations are more likely to persist at difficult tasks

Summary Evaluation of Behaviorism/Social Learning

Personality develops through observable behaviors; learned through experiences and shaped by environment (reinforcement, punishment, and observation of others). Limited in its ability to explain personality; doesn't deal with thoughts or feelings; social learning has not come up with an explanation for the development of traits & may not pay enough attention to the role genetics plays in determining behavior.

The Humanistic Approach Focus

self-awareness and people's pursuits of self-fulfillment and ethical conduct; people are truly free to do as they choose with their lives; they are responsible for the choices they make

Abraham Maslow (1908-1970)

believe humans recognize their desire to achieve self-actualization - to reach their full potential

Carl Rogers (1902-1987)

Self Theory; people shape their personalities through free choice and action; developed the self theory since it revolves around people's sense of self

Self-concept (Rogers)

a view of oneself as an individual; self provides experience of being human; guides personality and behavior

Congruence (Rogers)

consistency between one's self-concept and one's experience

Self-esteem (Rogers)

belief in oneself or self-respect

Unconditional Positive Regard (Rogers)

when parents accept children as they are, regardless of the children's behavior at the moment

Conditional Positive Regard (Rogers)

shown if parents accept children only when they behave in a desired manner

Summary Evaluation of Humanistic Approach

Self-awareness is the core of humanity; focus on people's pursuits of self-fulfillment; people are free to do as they CHOOSE, but are responsible for the choices they make. Strengths: An essential aspect of life is conscious experience; stress human freedom. Weaknesses: Their focus on conscious experience (it's private and subjective); say little about development of traits.

The Sociocultural Approach Focus

the roles of ethnicity, gender, and culture in the formation of personality

Individualism

a trait valued by many people in the U.S.; define themselves in terms of their personal identities and give priority to their personal goals (Example: "I am outgoing, a nurse")

Collectivism

define themselves in terms of the groups to which they belong and often give priority to the goals of their group (Example: "I am a father, Buddhist, Japanese")

Sociocultural Factors and Self-Concept

self-concepts reflect how we believe others see us; members of ethnic groups who have been subjected to discrimination and poverty may have poorer self-concepts and low self-esteem; groups with traditional power likely have positive sense of self

Sociocultural Example: Body Image (White girls)

White girls more likely to blame selves for not attaining media ideal

Sociocultural Example: Body Image (African American girls)

African American girls taught there's nothing wrong if they don't match majority ideal

Acculturation

the process of adapting to a new or different culture; people who immigrate

Acculturation Pattern: Assimilated

give up language and customs of home culture

Acculturation Pattern: Separation

retain the language and customs of their country of origin and never become completely comfortable with those of their adopted country

Acculturation Pattern: Bicultural

successfully integrate both sets of customs and values (have the highest self-esteem)

Summary Evaluation of Sociocultural Approach

focuses on the roles of ethnicity, gender, and culture in the formation of personality; external factors that are internalized and affect all of us; enhances our sensitivity to cultural differences