Comparison Between Theories of Personality
Comparison Between Theories of Personality
Introduction to Personality
Personality is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses the unique characteristics,
traits, behaviors, and patterns of thought that define an individual. It shapes how people interact
with the world and respond to different situations. The study of personality seeks to understand
these individual differences and how they influence behavior and experiences.
Definition of Personality
Personality has been defined in various ways by different psychologists, reflecting its diverse
1. Gordon Allport (1937): Personality is "the dynamic organization within the individual
of those psychophysical systems that determine his characteristic behavior and thought."
2. Raymond Cattell: Personality is "that which permits a prediction of what a person will
do in a given situation."
3. Hans Eysenck: Personality is the more or less stable and enduring organization of a
person's character, temperament, intellect, and physique, which determines his unique
Comparison
Aspect Psychoanalytic Cognitive Dispositional and
Humanistic
Perspective Perspective Trait Theories and
Existentialist
Theories
Key Figures Sigmund Freud Jean Piaget, Gordon Allport, Carl Rogers,
Aaron Beck, RaymondCattell Abraham
Albert Ellis Maslow, Rollo
George Kelly May, Viktor
Frankl
responsibility,
meaning
Role of the Central, Less emphasis, Not emphasized Not central,
Unconscious unconscious focus on focus on
drives and conscious conscious
conflicts thought awareness and
choice
Approach to Behavior is driven Behavior is a Behavior is Behavior is a
Behavior by unconscious result of influenced by result of
conflicts. cognitive stable traits. personal choices
processes. and the pursuit
of meaning.
Criticisms Lack of empirical Can be May oversimplify May be seen as
evidence, overly reductionist, human behavior, overly
deterministic may overlook neglect situational optimistic or
emotions. factors. abstract, lacks
empirical rigor.
View on Free Limited, behavior More emphasis Limited, traits are Central,
Will is shaped by on agency, but seen as stable and individuals have
unconscious within enduring. free will and are
forces. cognitive responsible for
frameworks. their choices.
Report
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In the diverse field of psychology, multiple perspectives offer unique insights into human
which to understand the complexities of the human mind. This report looks at different
the strengths and benefits of these theories, this report explains why they are supported within
their perspectives and how they help us better understand and address human behavior and
mental health.
The psychodynamic perspective focuses on how unconscious forces and early childhood
experiences shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It emphasizes the role of internal
I support Alfred Adler theory from psychodynamic perspective. Alfred Adler’s theory is
valuable because it emphasizes the role of social interest and the drive for personal growth in
shaping personality. Adler’s focus on overcoming feelings of inferiority and striving for
superiority provides a positive framework for understanding motivation and behavior. His
insights into the impact of early childhood experiences and family dynamics are practical for
addressing issues in therapeutic settings. In Adler’s theory, birth order is important because it
influences personality development and behavior. For example, firstborns might develop a sense
birth order helps explain how family dynamics shape individual characteristics and interactions.
perspective. Erik Erikson’s theory provides a broad understanding of how personality develops
throughout a person’s life, making it more adaptable than Freud’s focus on just early childhood.
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Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development emphasize the role of social relationships
and culture in shaping personality, offering a more complete and inclusive view. The idea of
identity crises, especially during the teenage years is a very crucial aspect for understanding
The cognitive perspective examines how people process, store, and retrieve information
and how these mental processes influence behavior and emotions. It focuses on understanding
how thoughts, perceptions, and problem-solving abilities affect how we respond to the world.
This perspective includes theories related to cognitive distortions, memory, and decision-making,
and is associated with theorists like Aaron Beck and Albert Allis.
I support Albert Allis theory from cognitive perspective. Albert Ellis’s Rational Emotive
Behavior Therapy (REBT) is highly effective because it directly targets and changes irrational
beliefs that lead to emotional and behavioral problems. By teaching individuals that their distress
comes from their beliefs about events, not the events themselves, REBT empowers them to take
control of their thoughts and emotions. This practical, action-oriented approach has been proven
effective for a wide range of issues, including anxiety and depression, and is adaptable to
individual needs. The theory’s emphasis on challenging irrational beliefs and promoting rational
thinking makes it a powerful tool for creating lasting positive change, which is why it is strongly
Dispositional theories focus on the idea that people have consistent personality traits or
dispositions that influence their behavior across different situations. They suggest that individual
differences in behavior can be explained by identifying and measuring these stable traits.
Dispositional theories often emphasize the relatively stable nature of personality traits and their
I support Raymond Cattell trait theory from trait and dispositional theories. Raymond
Cattell’s Trait Theory is highly valued because it uses scientific methods to study and understand
personality. Cattell used statistical techniques to find and measure different personality traits,
leading to the creation of the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF). This tool helps to
assess a wide range of personality traits in detail. Cattell’s approach is helpful because it looks at
both surface traits (what you can see in someone's behavior) and source traits (the fundamental
characteristics that shape behavior). Surface traits are observable behaviors that we see in daily
interactions, like being outgoing or shy. Source traits are deeper, fundamental characteristics that
Understanding both helps provide a fuller picture of personality by linking visible actions to their
inherent goodness of people. It focuses on the individual's capacity for self-improvement and
personal development. Key concepts include the importance of free will, self-esteem, and the
pursuit of meaning in life. This perspective is associated with theorists like Carl Rogers and
Abraham Maslow.
I support Carl roger client centered therapy from humanistic perspective. Carl Rogers’
Person-Centered Therapy is at the heart of the humanistic perspective, emphasizing the inherent
goodness and potential for growth within every individual. Rogers’ concepts of unconditional
positive regard, empathy, and genuineness are integral to creating a therapeutic environment
where clients can explore and resolve their issues without judgment. This approach respects the
client's autonomy and fosters self-awareness and self-acceptance, making it a powerful tool for
This report explored key theories from various psychological perspectives, highlighting
the contributions and practical applications of each. From Erik Erikson’s comprehensive
approach to personality development across the lifespan to Aaron Beck’s and Albert Ellis’s
effective cognitive therapies, and from Raymond Cattell’s detailed trait assessment to Alfred
Adler’s focus on social interest and birth order, each theory offers unique insights into