Character Formation and Personality Factors Reviewer

Vocabulary flashcards covering definitions of character, character formation processes, contributing factors, Five Factor personality traits, and general character types.

Character (Psychological)

Habitual ways of feeling and reacting that distinguish one individual from another; trademark of being a person.

Character (APA)

Relatively fixed or continuing group of individual personality attributes or characteristic pattern of behavior.

Personality

Social, emotional, and intellectual manifestations of a character.

Character (Harbans, 2011)

Index of the state of mind; sum total of motivation given to others and course correction; index of standing in society.

Character Formation (Donald, 2006)

Process where biologically transmitted predispositions interact with environment to develop a stable pattern of functioning, thinking, and feeling; also known as Character Building.

Character Traits Formation

Internalized values, attitudes, and actions established in precognitive life through normal educational patterns (nursing, weaning, toilet training, parent relationships) and identification with adults.

Character Acquisition (Aristotle / Hartman, 2013)

Acquisition of habits over time from parents and environment via reward and punishment.

Parental Influence

Most important factor in character formation; child adapts parents' mannerisms, culture, and emotional make-up.

Home Environment

Cradle of human character and personality; primary guidance and discipline location.

School Environment

Place for perfection of total development, peer interaction, rule-following, and formal education.

Culture

Exposure to distinct values; Western cultures teach individualism/competition, while Asian/African/South American cultures teach cooperation.

Openness

Appreciation for a variety of experiences.

Conscientiousness

Planning ahead rather than being spontaneous.

Extraversion

Being sociable, energetic, and talkative.

Agreeableness

Being kind, sympathetic, and happy to help.

Neuroticism

Inclined to worry, or be vulnerable or temperamental.

Positive Character / Good Character / Positive Trait

Attributes promoting good behavior and habits (integrity, honesty, courage, loyalty, fortitude).

Negative Character / Bad Character / Negative Trait

Person's predisposition to commit evil acts.

Neutral Character / Neutral Trait

Description of a person who doesn't pick sides in disputes or anything refusing to be bold.