Gordon Allport

Gordon Allport

Psychology of Individual (Trait Theories)

Father of the Trait Theory

Gordon A

Major emphasis on

uniqueness of individual

Allport’s Theory is Practical

There is VALUE in surface characteristics

NOT necessary to emphasize PAST

to know someone - ASK them

Traits are both inherited and learned

Personality

dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his unique adjustment to his environment

Dynamic Organization

ever changing, constantly evolving, not static

Psychophysical Systems

dualism, mind and body, personality is not just about the mind

Unique

each individual is unique in its quality

Psychologically healthy humans are

motivated by present, mostly conscious drive, and that they do not only seek to reduce tension but to establish new ones

Proactive Behavior

people can consciously behave in new and creative ways that foster their growth

Morphogenic Science

he called his study of individual

Traditional Nomothetic Methods

contrasted it with

Structure of Personality

Personal Disposition

Propium

Personal Disposition

based on traits but more complex, unique combinations of traits

Propium

all behaviors that people regard as warm and central in their lives

CORE of ones personhood

3 Types of Personal Disposition

Cardinal Disposition

Central Disposition

Secondary Disposition

Cardinal Disposition

one single trait that defines everything, dominating, few people have this

Central Disposition

5-10 highly characteristics, frequently seen, describe a person

Secondary Disposition

influential traits, less consistent, based in the situation

Other Classification of Personal Disposition

Motivational Disposition

Stylistic Disposition

Motivational Disposition

initiate action, pushes us to do something, WHY

Stylistic Disposition

manner in which individual behave, GUIDE rather than initiate, HOW

Adequate Theory of Motivation

motive change as people mature and people are motivated by PRESENT drive

Reactive and Proactive Theories of Motivation

emphasize the idea that people often seeks additional tension and purposely act on their environment for growth

Functional Autonomy

distinctive and controversial concept

some human motives are functionally independent from the original motive

2 Levels of Functional Autonomy

Perseverative Functional Autonomy

Propriate Functional Autonomy

Perseverative Functional Autonomy

tendency of behavior to continue in the absence of reinforcement (addictive), even if you reached the goal you still continue doing it

Propriate Functional Autonomy

self sustaining motive that is related to proprium, centered on self, me, i