Personality theory and research

Personality

Human Personality is a complex and often difficult subject to describe and categorize definitively. It comprises a wide range of elements and aspects, such as individual emotions, feelings and cognitions. Psychologists have attempted to understand this subject through studies of innate and genetic predilections and the way that they influence the development of individual; as well as the social and environmental influences on personality growth and development. The extent that environment influences personality has been acknowledged as essential in understanding the development of the individual and personality development is usually a combination of both these frames of reference.

Defining personality

An understanding and definition of personality depends on a variety of variables such as genetic disposition as well as external influences like society, family and peers. In general the study of personality is an exploration of the different aspects which constitute the individual person or personality. A general definition of personality is "…the unique organization of relatively enduring psychological characteristics possessed by an individual, as revealed by his interaction with the environment" (McKeachie, J. And Doyle, C. 1971. p 410). Another view of personality stresses the complexity of this aspect; "An individual's personality is the complex of mental characteristics that makes them unique from other people. It includes all of the patterns of thought and emotions that cause us to do and say things in particular ways" (Personality Development).

It is significant that personality and social environment are related aspects in these definitions. On the one hand what we understand as an individual's personality is a result of innate and general characteristics; on the other hand these aspects are often influenced and affected by social and cultural influences and factors.

2. Theoretical approaches in studying personality.

The issue of personality from a contemporary psychological perceptive has been influenced by psychodynamic theories that became popular during the last century. A central example is the analysis of personality in terms of the human unconsciousness in the work of Sigmund Freud. This refers to the theoretical view that"…Many important aspects of personality are beyond our awareness and can be brought to consciousness only with great difficulty" (Ewen, 1998, p. 1). Therefore, many modern theorists attempt to understand personality in terms of an analysis of the underlying unconscious factors that influence personality development, motivation and identity. This approach was taken further by the work of Carl Jung, who developed a more comprehensive and holistic view in his theory of human archetypes. The archetypes are essentially common underlying patterns of consciousness termed the collective unconsciousness which contain "…inherited predispositions to perceive the world in certain ways" (Ewen, 1998, p. 1).

There are however many modern theorists who focus on other aspects of human personality development. One of the foremost psychologists in this area is Adolph Adler. Adler was of the opinion that "… personality is shaped by the child's relationship with his/her parents and by our consciously chosen life goals, rather than by instincts" (Ewen, 1998, p. 1). This view suggests the primary importance of societal and family influences in the creation and development of personality. This view led to cognitive and social-cognitive theories, as well as humanistic theories of personality.

A primary focus in the last few decades has been on the way that personality is influenced by a combination of both psychological and socials pressures and forces. Crucial in this regard is the period of adolescence as a formative period of development. Adolescence, especially during the early years "…is a period of important developmental changes and a time of stress and conflict. The physiological changes often precipitate special problems and doubts about self-concept, sexual identity, and relationships with others" (Kulas, 1996).

2. Factors that may influence an individual's personality development