Those in the field of psychology have long endeavored to find commonalities that would explain human personalities. Even though all humans have similar traits there are also many ways that make us all unique. In the search to understand the relationship between commonality and uniqueness, several different theories of personality have been developed ("The study of," pg.1 ). By looking at the psychological and biological reasoning behind personality theory one can better determine the root causes of human behavior, new developments in the study of personality are constantly changing what we know about diversity.
Freud’s model of personality has three components. Id refers to our most primal drives, such as life and death. Ego refers to our understanding of reality. This includes understanding the consequences of our actions. Superego refers to our understanding of moral concepts.
Neo-Freudian psychoanalytic theories include the beliefs of Freud but with the psychologist’s own views as well. For example, Skinner believed that personality was changeable. Skinner divulged that both satiation and deprivation influence behaviors but are not the root. Emotion is also viewed in a very similar manner ("The study of,”pg.11).
There are also many different theories of learning. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy encourages leaning by allowing the client to gain insight and change both superficial and situational reactions. Cantor suggests, the study of behavior appeals most the behavioral theorists, not genetics. Behavioral theory likes to study and measure what they are able to observe ("The study of,"pg.4 ). The exploration of cognitive thought and emotion does not hold as much prominence in this theory. Humanistic theories refer to a humans understanding of morality. One such theorist is Maslow, who states that self-actualization is very important.
I find that most theories have some aspects of truth, however I think Freud’s is very complete. I like that he takes three different concepts into account. His theory is the basis for most others. Personality theory has many practical application to be used in everyday life such as understanding medical and behavioral issues, why people make life choices such as career or family, why people behave as they do ( such as in criminal law or psychology). Humans use personality theory nearly every day in their subconscious; researchers are now just looking to determine why we do this.
Works Cited:
APA (2009)Temperament: Individual Differences at the Interface of Biology and Behavior. American Psychological Association. PRINT
Ed. (n.d.). The study of personality. SAGE, 1-24. Retrieved from http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/23238_Chapter_1.pdf
