Unit 1

MODULE I: NATURE OF PERSONALITY

1.1 Introduction

• Definition of Personality:

  • Often used loosely in psychology, going beyond just "temperament" or "character".

  • Involves externals like looks and behavior, but these are not the whole personality.

  • Personality is a combination of traits and patterns influencing behavior, thought, motivation, and emotion.

  • Drives consistency in individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

  • Influenced by hereditary factors and social environment through socialization.

• Approaches to Personality:

  • Two main perspectives:

    • Psychological: Personality as a unique style based on mental trends, complexes, and sentiments.

    • Sociological: Focus on social behaviors and characteristics.

1.2 Origins of the Term "Personality"

• Etymology:

  • Derived from the Latin word "persona" meaning "mask".

• Historical Context:

  • Began with Hippocrates proposing the humorism theory:

    • Four temperaments based on bodily fluids: yellow bile (grumpy), black bile (melancholy), phlegm (calm), blood (cheerful).

  • Influences the linguistic roots of personality traits in modern English.

• Philosophical Questions in Personality:

  • Freedom vs. Determinism: Control over personality.

  • Heredity vs. Environment: The bigger influence on personality.

  • Uniqueness vs. Universality: Similarities and differences among individuals.

  • Active vs. Reactive: Role people play in shaping their personality.

  • Optimistic vs. Pessimistic: Human capacity for change.

1.3 Meaning and Definition of Personality

• Different Contexts:

  • External appearance in general terms, internal quality in philosophy, and an integrated whole in social psychology.

• Theoretical Definitions:

  • K. Young: A patterned body of habits, traits, attitudes linked to motivation and selfhood.

  • G.W. Allport: Dynamic organization of psycho-physical systems for unique environmental adjustment.

  • Ogburn: Integration of socio-psychological behaviors.

  • Pewin: Structural and dynamic properties reflected in behavioral responses.

1.4 History of Personality Psychology

• Ancient Roots:

  • Hippocrates' Four Humors as early theory.

  • Notable philosophers:

    • Plato: Four groupings of personality types.

    • Aristotle: Links between physical aspects and social behavior.

• Developments in Understanding Personality:

  • Franz Gall’s phrenology connecting brain areas to personality.

  • Case of Phineas Gage provided early evidence of brain and personality links.

• Psychoanalytic Contributions:

  • Sigmund Freud's concept of the psyche (id, ego, superego).

  • Carl Jung’s theory of personality types and introversion/extraversion model.

• Contemporary Theories:

  • Louis Goldberg's Big Five model rooted in the lexicon.

  • Established after extensive research acclaiming robust dimensions of personality: Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, Openness.

1.5 Why Do We Need Personality Theories?

• Importance of Different Perspectives:

  • Understanding personality through diverse theories enriches comprehension.

  • Theories demonstrate varied influences (environmental, childhood experiences).

  • No single, universal definition; exploring theories promotes deeper insight into individual development.

1.6 Summary

• Complexity of Personality:

  • Personalities vary greatly in traits and behaviors.

  • Psychological research on personality remains ongoing and explores questions of change, perception, and interpersonal influence.

1.7 Questions

1. Define and explain the term personality.

2. Write a brief note on the history of personality theories.

3. Why do we need personality theories?