Theories of Human Personality

Each individual has his own unique personality. Jerry M. Burger defines personality as "consistent behavior patterns and intrapersonal processes originating within the individual." (See Reference 1.) Researchers have studied how these patterns and processes develop for many years. There are many different theories explaining how these patterns and processes develop. Seven of these theories have been the most widely accepted and thoroughly researched since the advent of the field of psychology.

Freudian Theory

• Sigmund Freud is known as the father of psychology. Freud's theory of personality is largely based on the role of the unconscious mind and the development of the id, ego and superego. The id is the selfish part of personality, only concerned with getting needs met, and is the first to develop. The ego considers the consequences of actions, and the superego recognizes social rules. Freud believed that personality results from conflict among these three parts (see Reference 1).

Neo-Freudian Theories

• Freud's initial research into personality development fostered the neo-Freudian theories. Theorists such as Alfred Adler, Carl Jung and Erik Erikson took the work of Freud and applied it in new ways. They maintained the roles of the unconscious and defense mechanisms, but where Freud focused on the darker side of personality, these theorists applied them in a more positive light. Neo-Freudian theories also consider the influence of society and culture on personality development and believed that personality continues to develop throughout adolescence.

Trait Theory

• AllPsych describes traits as those permanent aspects of each of person that make people who they are (see Reference 2). Trait theorists focus on specific traits on a continuum and how an individual's traits relate to others. Examples of traits are aggressiveness, expressiveness and anxiety. They are generally less concerned with the underlying causes for behavior than other theorists and do not account for personality changes. Trait theorists tend to focus on research rather than practicing psychology.

Biological Theory

• The biological theory focuses on the genetic traits that shape personality. Hans Eysenck is the most influential biological theorist and believed that there were three primary traits -- extroversion-introversion, neuroticism and psychoticism (see Reference 1). This theory also takes into account temperament as personality dispositions that people are born with and develop into specific traits. Some biological theorists also ascribe to the concept of evolution's role in personality. They observe personality characteristics as serving an evolutionary function.

Humanistic Theories

• Humanistic theories suggest that people are responsible for their own actions. They also emphasize the here and now, suggesting that thinking and worrying about the past is a waste of time. Carl Rogers, a prominent humanist, coined the phrase "fully functioning." (See Reference 1.) This concept refers to individuals who obtain maximum satisfaction with their lives. Humanistic theorists believe that people are basically good and have value.

Behavioral and Social Learning Theories

• Behavioral and social learning theories are related in their reference to environmental influences on personality development. Some traditional behaviorists believed that children were born as blank slates and personality was totally dependent upon environmental influences. They also primarily focused on external behaviors. Social learning theorists considered internal actions, such as thinking and feeling, in addition to observable actions. Both theories emphasize the development of personality through reinforcement and conditioning.

Cognitive Theory

• The cognitive theory is based on the concept that thoughts shape feelings and feelings determine actions. Cognitive theorists believe that personality comes from how individuals think about and perceive their environment. According to this theory, individuals who perceive that the glass is half empty are more likely to be sad or angry and more negative people while individuals who perceive the glass is half full are more likely to be happy and more optimistic.