Theories of

Personality
Develpment
 THE CONCEPT OF PERSONALITY
“Personality is that pattern of characteristic
thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that
distinguishes one person from another and
that persists over time”

“It is the sum of biologically based and learnt

behaviour which forms the person's unique
responses to environmental stimuli
Personality refers to the enduring characteristics and
behavior that comprise a person’s unique adjustment to
life, including major traits, interests, drives, values, self-
concept, abilities, and emotional patterns.

Various theories explain the structure and development

of personality in different ways, but all agree that
personality helps determine behavior

APA Dictionary of Psychology

 DIMENSIONS OF PERSONALITY
Big Five personality traits - Five Factor Model (FFM)
• based on common language descriptors of personality (lexical
hypothesis) grouped together using a statistical technique called factor
analysis (i.e. not based on scientific experiments).
• suggests five broad dimensions used by some psychologists to
describe the human personality and psyche
Openness to experience
Conscientiousness
Extraversion
Agreeableness
Neuroticism
• represent the basic structure behind all personality traits
a. Openness to experience: (inventive/curious
vs. consistent/cautious):
• a person's degree of intellectual curiosity, creativity, appreciation for art,
emotion, adventure, unusual ideas, curiosity, and variety of experience

• described as the extent to which a person is imaginative or independent

• depicts a personal preference for a variety of activities over a strict routine

High openness - unpredictability or lack of focus, pursue self-actualization specifically

by seeking out intense, euphoric experiences, such as skydiving, living abroad, gambling,
etc.

Low openness - seek to gain fulfilment through perseverance, and are characterized as
pragmatic and data driven—sometimes even perceived to be dogmatic and closed-
minded
b. Conscientiousness
efficient/organized vs. easy-
going/careless)
• a tendency to show self-discipline, act dutifully, and aim
for achievement
• refers to planning, organization, and dependability

High conscientiousness - perceived as stubbornness and obsession

Low conscientiousness - associated with flexibility and

spontaneity, but can also appear as sloppiness and lack of
c. Extraversion (outgoing/energetic vs.
solitary/reserved)
• describes energy, positive emotions, assertiveness,
sociability, talkativeness, and the tendency to seek
stimulation in the company of others

High extraversion - perceived as attention-seeking, and

domineering
Low extraversion - a reserved, reflective personality, which can
be perceived as aloof or self-absorbed
d. Agreeableness (friendly/compassionate vs.
analytical/detached)
• a tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than
suspicious and antagonistic towards others

• a measure of one's trusting and helpful nature, and whether a

person is generally well-tempered or not

High agreeableness - seen as naive or submissive

Low agreeableness - competitive or challenging people, which can

be seen as argumentative or untrustworthy
e. Neuroticism (sensitive/nervous vs. Secure/
confident)
• a tendency to experience unpleasant emotions easily, such as anger,
anxiety, depression, and vulnerability

• refers to the degree of emotional stability and impulse control and is

sometimes referred to by its low pole, "emotional stability“

A high need for stability manifests as a stable and calm personality, but
can be seen as uninspiring and unconcerned

A low need for stability causes a reactive and excitable personality, often
very dynamic individuals, but they can be perceived as unstable or
insecure
 PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
• includes activities that improve awareness and identity, develop talents and
potential, build human capital and facilitate employability, enhance quality of life
and contribute to the realization of dreams and aspirations.

• when personal development takes place in the context of institutions, it refers to

the methods, programs, tools, techniques, and assessment systems that support
human development at the individual level in organizations.

• includes activities that develop talents, improve awareness, enhances potential and
looks to improve the quality of life

• involves formal and informal activities that put people in the role of leaders, guides,
teachers, and managers for helping them realize their full potential

• the process of improving or transforming the personality is called personality

development
Personality development refers to the process by which
the organized thought and behavior patterns that make up
a person's unique personality emerge over time.

Many factors influence personality, including genetics and

environment, how we were parented, and societal
variables
Bhoite S, Shinde L. An overview of personality development. Int
J Sci Res Develop. 2019:138-141. doi:10.31142/ijtsrd23085
Temperament is a key part of personality that is
determined by inherited traits

Character is an aspect of personality influenced by

experience and social learning that continues to grow and
change throughout life

Rettew DC, McKee L. Temperament and its role in developmental psychopathology. Harv Rev Psychiatry.
2005;13(1):14-27. doi:10.1080/10673220590923146
 SIGNIFICANCE OR IMPORTANCE OF PERSONALITY
DEVELOPMENT
a. Confidence

e. g., appropriately attired and groomed makes one

less anxious when meeting a person, knowing the
right things to say and how to conduct one’s self
b. Credibility

e.g., people do tend to judge people by their

clothing and how it is worn - look great even if their
attire is inexpensive, know what to wear and be
aware of other aspects of enhancing your physical
features
c. Interaction
• encourages people to interact with others - people
communicate more openly with people they are comfortable
with

• e. g., hygiene and social graces

d. Leading and Motivating

• enhances the capacity to lead and motivate -

winning personality project an aura of confidence
and credibility
e. Curiosity
• knowing the right things to say shows both respect
and intellectual sophistication

• soft skills that may break or make a deal

f. Communication skills
• people are more receptive to what you say if they are
impressed with your personality

• e. g., verbal communication skills, improving speech

will strengthen the impact of your message
 The Necessity to Know our Mind

The fourfold functions of the mind

1. Memory
2. Deliberation and Conceptualization
3. Determination and Decision-making
4. ’I’ Consciousness
Memory:

• memory and impressions of past

experiences - thoughts and actions—good
and bad—are stored - determine our
character, known as subconscious mind
• Chitta (Ayurveda)
Deliberation and Conceptualization:

• imagination and formation of concepts

• manas (Ayurveda)
Determination and Decision-making:

• responsible for decision-making - capacity to judge the pros

and cons of things and find what is more desirable
• discriminative faculty in a person, which enables him to
discriminate between the real and the unreal, between what
is to be done and what is to be avoided, what is morally right
and what is wrong
• seat of will-power essential for personality development

• Buddhi (Ayurveda)
’I’ Consciousness:
• all physical and mental activities e.g., ‘I eat’, ‘I see’, ‘I talk’, ‘I hear’, ‘I think’, ‘I am
confused’, etc.,

• undisciplined body-mind dictated by events and circumstances of the world

(become happy with pleasurable events, and miserable with adverse
circumstances)

• the more the mind gets refined and disciplined, the more one get to know the real
source of ’I’ consciousness

• a person becomes more balanced and equipoised in his daily life (no longer swayed
by any event or circumstances of life

• ahamkara (Ayurveda)
What is character?
action and thought that leaves an impression in our mind and
determine how we behave at a given moment, how we respond
to a given situation (the past has determined the present, present
thoughts and actions will shape the future)

a key principle governing personality development

 Strengthening of will-power, the essence of
personality development

five dimensions personality

• Physical dimension consisting of our body and senses.

• Energy dimension which performs digestion of food, circulation of blood,
respiration and other activities in the body.
• Mental dimension characterized by the activities of the mind, like,
thinking, feeling and emotions, etc.
• Intellectual dimension characterized by the determinative faculty in a
person. This is also the seat of discrimination and will-power.
• Blissful dimension experienced as bliss during deep sleep.
Essential qualities for personality development:

Faith in Oneself:

• Anchor of personality development - belief that

one’s real nature is the spirit—not the body or the
mind—individual with strong character
Think Positive Thoughts:

• Positive, wholesome thoughts based on inherent

divinity are essential for a strong character

• ’Go on doing good, thinking holy thoughts

continuously to suppress base impressions

• Character is repeated habits and repeated habits

alone can reform character
Attitude towards Failures and Mistakes:
• upholding the ideal once again even if a person
failed a thousand times

• appreciating committing mistakes and learning

from them rather than leading an inert existence
like a wall, which cannot even tell a lie
Self-reliance:
• Man is the maker of his own destiny

• ’We are responsible for what we are, and whatever

we wish ourselves to be, we have the power to make
ourselves.’
Renunciation and Service:
• selfless service as a paramount means to character
development

• renunciation of selfishness and desire for the fruits of

action
Personality Traits
Myer-Briggs Personality Types (Socionics Theory)

Socionics provide a means of predicting the character of

relations and the degree of business compatibility, information
sharing, and psychological compatibility of people before their
joining in one collective group.

Socionics is extraversion (E), sensing (S), thinking (T), judgment

(J), introversion (I), intuition (N), feeling (F), and perception (P).

Socionics divides people into 16 different types, called

sociotypes which are; ESTJ, ENTJ, ESFJ, ENFJ, ISTJ, ISFJ, INTJ, INFJ,
ESTP, ESFP, ENTP, ENFP, ISTP, ISFP, INTP & INFP.
The Inspector (ISTJ Personality)
ISTJs are serious, proper, and formal in appearance which can be intimidating. They
are cultured and have an affection towards tradition. In contrast, they are quiet and
usually calm. They are called inspectors because of their keen attention to detail.
ISTJ are rule followers who always take the logical approach towards their goals and
projects.

Their dominant cognitive function is introverted sensing which helps them take in
the details about their environment while their auxiliary cognitive function is
extraverted thinking which makes them efficient and logical thinkers.

In their relationships, they are very loyal to their friends and family members.
Usually, they have a small circle with who they prefer spending their time with. The
ISTJ thrives in jobs that require structure, logic, and stability.
The Counselor (INFJ Personality)
INFJs are visionaries who have a different view of the world. They love introspection
and refuse to take things at a surface level. They could be termed weird by others
because of how they see life. The INFJ are idealists who love understanding complex
issues. They are reserved leaders who are usually creatives due to how easily they get
inspired.

Also known as the diplomats, the INFJ prefers to cooperate with members of their
team as opposed to conflict.

The dominant cognitive function of an INFJ is introverted intuition which helps them
focus on internal insights and generally influences their decision-making. Their tertiary
cognitive function is an extraverted feeling which makes them highly sensitive to the
feeling of others or what others refer to as being empathetic.

The INFJ thrives in jobs that require a deal of compassion, psychology, and/or
collaboration.
The Mastermind (INTJ Personality)

INTJs are introverts who are comfortable being by themselves. They would avoid
socializing as it drains their energy. They excel at developing plans and strategies. As
analytical problem solvers, this personality type is strategic and innovative

Their dominant cognitive function is Introverted intuition which they use to read
between the lines and unravel patterns. The auxiliary function is extraverted thinking
which makes them deliberate about solutions and highly organized.

Also known as the architects, the INTJ thrives in jobs that require logical systems and
innovative solutions. They usually prefer to work alone. In relationships, they are loyal
and are great at encouraging their partners.
•The Giver (ENFJ)

ENFJs are individuals who are people-centered. They rely mostly

on their intuition and feelings and tend to live through their
imagination. They focus on abstracts and what could happen in
the future.

They are highly empathetic not just to their close friends and
family but to people in general.
The ENFJ generally loves feedback and they can be referred to as
people pleasers.
Their dominant cognitive function is an extraverted feeling that
helps them be in tune with other people’s feelings. Their
auxiliary functions are introverted intuition that makes them
focus on the future as opposed to the present moment.
They thrive in jobs where they can encourage others and push
them to grow. This also includes humanitarian-focused jobs. In
relationships, they are supportive and always willing to
The Craftsman (ISTP)

ISTPs are a mysterious, rational, and highly logical bunch. They are spontaneous
and unpredictable most times albeit oblivious to those around them because they
are experts at hiding their true nature.

Their dominant cognitive function is introverted thinking which makes them focus
on the logical aspect of a situation. The ISTP’s auxiliary cognitive function is
extraverted sensing which helps them focus on abstract things.

They thrive in jobs that require technical expertise and physical activity. In
relationships, they are calm lovers who prefer being handy around the house
The Provider (ESFJ)

ESFJs are stereotypically known to be extroverts. They are cheerleaders and raise
the spirits of those around them earning them popularity. Because of their nature,
they are easily liked and people easily warm up to them.

Their dominant cognitive function is an extroverted feeling which makes them work
and make decisions based on their gut feeling. The ESFJ’s auxiliary cognitive
function is introverted sensing which helps them focus on the present instead of
the future or other abstract details.

They thrive in jobs that require processes and interpersonal skills. In relationships,
they are the traditional partners who believe in structure and stability.
The Provider

They are reserved and introverted. They usually spend time all by themselves in quiet
places. They love analyzing signs and symbols and using them to draw inferences in
explaining what is happening around them.

Their dominant cognitive function is an introverted feeling which helps them with
processing emotions internally. The INFP auxiliary cognitive function is the
extraverted intuition that helps them focus on the big picture through imagination.

They thrive in jobs that require visions and align with their goals/ interests. In
relationships take time to select their friends and they are quite big on comprise.
The Performer (ESFP)

ESFPs are mostly perceived to be entertainers. They enjoy being in the spotlight. They
enjoy exploring and learning to share what they’ve learned with others through their
strong interpersonal skills.

Their dominant cognitive function is extraverted sensing which helps them stick to
facts instead of abstract ideas. The ESFP’s auxiliary cognitive function is an introverted
feeling which helps them make decisions.

They thrive in work environments where they can be spontaneous, move around
often, and involves the use of artistic values. In relationships, the ESFP will prioritize
their family and loved ones over anything although they can also strongly dislike a
structured life.
•The Champion (ENFP)

ENFPs are highly individualistic and refuse to live their lives

inside a box. They strive to create their own methods of doing
things. They operate with their feelings and are highly
perceptive and thoughtful

Their dominant cognitive function is extraverted intuition

which allows them to focus on abstract thoughts and patterns.
The auxiliary cognitive function is introverted feelings which
make them focus on their feelings rather than logic.
In relationships, the ENFP is always expressive and shares
affection openly. They also thrive in jobs that demand
creativity and imaginative solutions.
The Doer (ESTP)

ESTPs are governed by the need to interact with others. They are interested in
abstracts and theories. They are spontaneous and risk-taking. They aren’t afraid
of making mistakes as they make them up as they go along.

Their dominant cognitive function is extraverted sensing which makes them

action-oriented. The auxiliary cognitive function of an ESTP is introverted
thinking which makes them highly disciplined and very observant.

They thrive in career paths that require mechanical skills, flexibility, and one that
is quite unpredictable. In relationships, they can be quite adventurous and
prefer activities with their loved ones.
The Supervisor (ESTJ)

ESTJs are organized and governed by the zeal to do what is right and socially
acceptable. They epitomize the ideal individual who is on the track toward doing
what is “good” and “right”. They are happy to be of help.

Their dominant cognitive function is extraverted thinking which makes them quite
practical when compared to other personality types. The auxiliary cognitive functions
are introverted sensing which makes them very keen on details and stability.

The ESTJs like to work in management positions where they can oversee operations
and put in structures. In relationships, they love routines and their loved ones know
that they can always be depended on for anything.
The Commander (ENTJ)

ENTJs focus on dealing with all things rationally and logically. They are naturally
born leaders who command respect. They also do enjoy being in charge. They see
obstacles as challenges in which they can prove themselves.

Their dominant cognitive function is extraverted thinking which makes them

deliberate about orders and judgments. The auxiliary function is introverted
intuition which makes them trust their instincts during decision making.

The ENTJ thrives in jobs that are complex and require clear strategies for goals. In
relationships, they can set high expectations for their loved ones and can be
sometimes domineering.
The Thinker (INTP)

INTPs are typically known for their brilliant ideas and propositions. They see a
pattern in everything and can easily pick out something that’s out of place. They are
concerned with finding an environment where their creative genius can be
harnessed.

Their dominant cognitive function is introverted thinking which makes them highly
understanding and deep thinkers. The auxiliary functions are extraverted intuition
which helps with their imagination and inspiration.

The INTP thrives in work environments that aren’t focused on traditions. They prefer
flexible and independent work styles. In relationships, they are highly
unconventional and autonomous.
•The Nurturer (ISFJ)

ISFJs are highly generous and ever-ready to give back to

society. They are warm and kind-hearted individuals. They
possess an awareness and consideration towards bringing out
the best in others.

The dominant cognitive function is introverted sensing which

makes them very detail-oriented. Their auxiliary functions are
extraverted feelings which makes them nurturing and very
considerate.
They thrive in jobs that require structure and are positioned
behind the scenes. In relationships, the ISFJ will take care of their
loved ones unconditionally.
The Visionary (ENTP)

ENTPs are extroverts who do not enjoy small talk. These personalities are very
rare to come across. They have a logical and rational approach to discussions
and/or arguments. They are knowledgeable but need constant stimulation.

Their dominant cognitive function is extroverted intuition which makes them

always open to exploring new ideas. The auxiliary function is introverted thinking
which makes them quite logical.

They thrive in jobs where creativity meets challenges. In relationships, the ENTP
is spontaneous and can be quite exciting.
The Composer (ISFP)

ISFPs on the outside seem like introverts but deep down they’re warm and very
friendly. They are spontaneous and fun to be with. They are always out to
explore new things and discover new experiences.

Their dominant cognitive function is an introverted feeling which makes them

caring. The auxiliary functions are extraverted sensing which makes them
appreciate works of art.

ISPs prefer to work independently away from the spotlight. In relationships,

they are accommodating and very easygoing