Abstract This paper discusses how theories of personalitydevelopment vary with different schools of psychological thinking. It compares the theories of B. F. Skinner, who believed behavioral factors determine personality and R. B. Cattell, who believed trait factors determine personality. It shows that while Skinner and Cattell adhere to different theories of personalitydevelopment, their theories have at least some elements in common. Both agreed that personalitydevelopment is partly determined by the life experiences of the individual. It looks at how Skinner believed that these experiences are stimuli which result in certain behavior patterns, while Cattell believed that, though the environment has some influence one early development, basic factor traits exist and that stimuli act differently on people with different traits. Cattell offers a way of predicting behavior patterns whereas Skinner offers a way of analyzing and changing them.
From the Paper "These two factors are important in the development of behavior patterns. They are also tools for teaching behavior, and for behavior modification. A stimulus can produce a positive or negative response, i.e. it can reinforce a certain behavior by resulting in a pleasant occurrence, a reward, a feeling of pleasure etc.: on the other hand, some behavior will produce a negative response, such as burning a hand when putting it in a flame, or inciting the wrath of a parent by disobeying an order. As negative reinforcement will deter the person from behaving in that way in the future, i.e. it is a PUNISHING STIMULUS. These are the basic tenets of Skinner's theory of personality development - that it is shaped by the experiences of the individual, and that aberrant behavior can be modified by inducing appropriate behaviors in a controlled setting. However, Skinner recognized that in one sense, all behavior is inherited , since the organism that behaves in a certain way is the product of natural selection (Skinner, 1974, p. 43). He believed OPERANT CONDITIONING is as much a part of genetic endowment as digestion or gestation. Skinner further believed that, while the conditions under which a person acquires behavior are accessible and can be manipulated, the conditions under which a species acquires behavior are out of reach."
Abstract This paper consists of several literature reviews concerning Walt Disney's early life and his important influences. Using behavioral and cognitive theories of personality, the author analyzes Disney's personality and concludes that the primary influences on Disney's personalitydevelopment were his early childhood experiences in Marceline, Missouri and his close relationship with his mother and brother. The paper reasons that although cognitive theories of personalitydevelopment indicate that Disney's behavior can be attributed to a keen and savvy understanding of what people wanted and how he could go about providing it while achieving his own personal goals, it was his early childhood experiences on the farm and repeated financial setbacks that contributed to his company's ruthless approach to doing business. This paper includes pictures.
Outline:
Abstract
Review and Discussion
Brief Biography and Overview of Walt Disney
Cognitive Theory of Personality and Walt Disney
Behavioral Theories of Personality and Walt Disney
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is probably unlikely that even Walt himself could have foreseen the vast and far-flung empire that Disney has become, but he would undoubtedly be delighted at knowing that his early efforts had brought so much joy into the world for millions of children and adults alike. Some authorities, though, suggest that this joy has come at a high price in terms of its impact on the American consciousness and its approach to theme park management based on Walt's own powerful personality and legacy. Certainly, everyone wears a number of different "hats" during their lifetimes, and people grow, mature and change and different personality theories can be used to explain these processes."
This paper describes how Peter Fonagy's construct of mentalization has been utilized in clinical research on personalitydevelopment and affect regulation.
Abstract This paper describes psycho-pathologist Peter Fonagy's approach to personalitydevelopment called mentalization. The paper also examines how this construct applies to affect regulation. This new theory is presented in terms of past research models. The paper explores how this approach may be applied in individual and family therapy.
Outline:
Introduction
How Fonagy's Construct of Mentalization has been Utilized in Recent Clinical Research on PersonalityDevelopment and Affect Regulation
References
From the Paper "Peter Fonagy is a psychopathologist who has created an approach known as mentalisation. According to Brune et al (2003) the fundamental proposition of this approach is the idea that the "conscious apprehension of our mind states through introspection might be a basic, direct and probably prewired ability of our mind (Brune et al 2003)." In addition, Fonagy does not believe that knowledge of the self as a mental instrument is inherently given (Brune et al 2003, Fonagy, 1999). Instead those that believe in the concept of mentalisation assert that knowledge of the self is a constructed or developed capacity that derives from relationships forged in the early stages of life (Brune et al 2003). The core belief is that the attachment context supplies the setting in which an infant can construct or develop sensitivity to self-states, via psycho-feedback or social biofeedback (Brune et al 2003). "
Abstract This paper discusses how the differences between personalitiesdevelop from a psychological point of view and a theological point of view. The paper discusses the theories of Adler, Jung, Erikson and Rogers with respect to theology and psychology. The paper concludes that the one closet to a theological perspective in personalitydevelopment is Adler.
From the Paper "Theological and Psychological Approaches to the Study of Personality In today's highly scientific and technological world many issues that are not computer and technologically related are oftentimes relegated to the annals of forgotten history. No longer are there ensuing debates regarding Rene Descartes' ageless words Cogito Ergo Sum or I think, therefore I am, the subject of debate in college classrooms or local campus coffee houses. Due to emerging monumental technological advances in virtual reality since Descartes first coined the phrase in the seventeenth century, "My computer thinks, therefore I am" has become the contemporary version of this statement. Descartes' words have most definitely given way to a lesser meaning by way of our popular culture. Today it is the computer that possesses knowledge over mind and human thought has now been relegated to the artificial intelligence capabilities of a machine."
Abstract This paper is a high level discussion of development and personality theories in psychology. Through the use and examination of President George W. Bush contrasts between the impact of environment and heredity are discussed, inclusive of his father's impact and life in Texas. A review of contrasting developmental theorists of adult cognitive development verse those that end at adolescence is also reviewed relative to President Bush.
From the Paper "Developmental theories abound in the field of psychology, ranging from Paiget to Maslow to a host of others. As our text points out (Leahy, 2004), developmental psychology seeks to address to various aspects of human development: physical, cognitive, emotional, personality, and moral. In looking at the life of George Bush, Jr. there are many forces that have strongly impacted his life and in turn his ultimate election as president of the United States. This paper will focus on these various forces and highlight the distinction between heredity and environmental forces upon President Bush's psychological developing, inclusive of a look at his moral and emotional development. Of interest to President Bush is the effect that his parental practices and social support systems had in optimizing his development, especially in light of his father having also been President of the United States."
An analysis of Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and Principle Centered Leadership", and Peter M. Senge's "The Fifth Discipline".
1,330 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper analyzes and examines the above books and discusses the seven habits of highly effective people. Based on these readings, the author provides a personaldevelopment plan on three specific behaviors she feels would be important for her to develop as a leader.
From the Paper "The third habit of highly effective people is putting first things first. As Covey notes, individuals and/or teams should ?create a clear, mutual understanding of what needs to be accomplished, focusing on what, not how; results not methods. Spend time. Be patient. Visualize the desired result.? Simply put, in order to develop a personal development plan or other concept, individuals and/or teams need to prioritize. It is impossible for anyone, in one year's time, to work on everything they would like to learn. Having nine, ten, or more goals and dozens of objectives is akin to being set up for failure."
This paper addresses the question of whether or not personalitydevelopment is largely complete by the age of five years, remaining basically consistent from that point into adulthood and beyond.
Abstract The paper addresses many studies that have been done on this issue, noting that there have been positions taken by researchers on both sides of the question. This issue is particularly significant because it also relates to many other questions in the field of developmental psychology and personality theory.
From the Paper "The question of whether or not personality development is completed as early as age five has been looked at by researchers for many years each using many different methodologies. According to Caspi, it is a particularly difficult question to study "because it requires costly and time-consuming longitudinal studies that track people over time and across multiple developmental studies" (158). Because of this problem, methodological questions have been raised about many of the studies that have been done."
Abstract This paper explains that the author has behaviors that she is still coping with and wants to change. The author then describes Erik Erickson's eight developmental stages for every human being and relates them to her own behaviors. The author concludes that her present issues are recurring in her life because of her inability to complete all previous stages of personalitydevelopment.
From the Paper "Yet, it is also significant to note that, while I am currently experiencing these particular issues, I am also striving to overcome them in my life - all at the same time. This may be because of my need to fully function as an adult in the generativity vs. stagnation stage, in which I have a need to offer care and support to others. In my quest to be successful at this stage, therefore, the problems that have impacted me in other stages are now coming to light and must be addressed."
Tags: criticism generativity, natural process, ego stability, career
Abstract This paper discusses the development of one's personality. Based on a combination of the opinions of experts and the author's personal observations, the paper contends that all human personalitydevelopment is variable and different. The paper also claims that personalitydevelopment springs from complicated interactions of 'nature' and 'nurture' plus outside environmental characteristics, such as social and cultural expectations, peer group interactions and the influences of teachers and other relatives.
From the Paper " Within all human beings, personal identity, or the image one has of oneself, is affected by an intricate mixture of genetic and environmental variables, unique to every individual. For example, studies have shown that even among identical twins raised under identical circumstances within the same households, less-than-identical personality characteristics emerge (Vandell, 2000; Harris, November 2000). According to Lykken (1997), the good or bad influences of one's peer group have more to do with personality development than often assumed, but others (Tavris, 1998; Vandell, 2000; Harris, November 2000) feel that a child's personality is most responsible for personality development. "
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the various social situations and experiences encountered, in the area of law enforcement, which influence and mold the personalities of police officers. This paper delves into the long-standing personality theory that dictates which particular traits are patterned within an individual's personality. The writer of this paper explores and details the shared personality traits evident among police officers, including their desire to help others, as well as the need for respect and dignity normally associated with the profession. This paper discusses the relevant published research, which states that certain individuals choose a career in law enforcement for a variety of reasons, including: Job security, wages and benefits as well as a clear career path.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
General Concepts of Police Personality Nature versus Nurture: Socialization and On-The-Job Experiences
Men Police Officers: Status, Gender and Personality Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Based on the status model of personality, there is a distinct "pecking order" in place in virtually all police departments across the country that helps initiate newcomers to the profession into the field; new recruits to the force will ignore this hierarchy at their peril. According to Gerber, the high-status officer in each partnership type will be perceived as having more instrumentally oriented (dominating and instrumental) traits and the low-status officer will be viewed as having more expressive traits. In addition, the status model predicts that officers' perceptions of their personality traits will be affected by group status-the overall status of their partnership in relation to other kinds of partnerships. In her review of Gerber's analysis, Monago suggests that this study showed that sex category and work experience played instrumental roles in personality adjustments."
Tags: law, enforcement, career, profession, traits, personality, research
Abstract Many theories exist on the development of personality. To some theorists, personality is built on purely biological factors. Other theorists consider personality to be a construct built entirely on environmental factors. Still other theorists feel that while personalitydevelopment is based in biology, it is influenced by environmental factors. Even more confusing is that each one of these viewpoints can be effectively argued. Psychodynamic theory and trait theory are two of these personalitydevelopment theories. This paper discusses the development of the writer's own personality in terms of these theories.
Abstract This paper discusses the psychology of one's personality. The paper presents the humanistic tradition that looks into the internal traits of the individual, positing that these internal traits are what ultimately shape the personality of a person. On the other hand, the paper explores the cognitive perspective that stresses the role of external environment, not internal traits, as the primary factor in influencing the personalitydevelopment of an individual. The paper also examines the psychoanalytic tradition that centers on the personal history of the individual transgressing beyond the internal traits or external environment of a person, focusing instead on the unconscious mind of an individual in order to explain and determine the kind of personality he or she has and cultivates. The paper contends that, despite their differences, these perspectives complement each other and provide a more meaningful study of the extant psychological theories that help explain the development and nature of human personality.
From the Paper "Psychology, as the study of the human behavior and mental processes, includes various fields of study that focus on various aspects of people's everyday lives, such as learning, memory, thinking and language, intelligence, human development, social and health psychology, and personality. The latter field of study, personality, is what interests most people because it helps people identify what kind of people they are: their feelings, sentiments, attitudes, beliefs, and possibly predict one's behavior through these factors."
Abstract The paper researches the theory of birth order and personalitydevelopment and shows how the theory of birth order can only be positively identified with poor families because of financial insecurities that occur with a greater number of children. The paper relates that one specific element cannot alone create the personality of a child; environment, birth order, society, the family ideals and economic factors all affect a person. The paper concludes that, while the concept of birth order in regard to personalitydevelopment can be applied to some children, it is not a universal standard that explains the complete personality of all people.
From the Paper "The idea of personality development being affected by the order that a child is born into the family has been debated for decades. Some researchers suggest that when there is more than one child in the home the children will take on certain personality characteristics simply because of when they were born in relation to other children. Yet, other researchers suggest that the concept of birth order and personality development cannot be proven, or is only evident in poor families. Furthermore, within the debate is the insistence that what many researchers focus upon as birth order affecting children's personalities is actually environmental factors that have not been considered. Because the debate surrounding this issue is so vast, it is apparent that no one common factor can measure the personality development of a child because each child is subjected to his or her own world, which is filled with elements impacting personality."
Tags: family, dynamics, siblings, environment, middle, children
Abstract The paper explores the Myers-Briggs personality test designed to assist a person in identifying their personality preferences. The paper discusses how the test is frequently used in the areas of pedagogy, group dynamics, employee training, leadership training, marriage counseling and personaldevelopment. The writer then examines the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test and maintains that this and the Myers-Briggs test are both ineffective in diagnosing a personality disorder. There are many variables for both tests which can hinder an accurate diagnosis and so additional treatments and evaluations must be given to confirm any illness.
From the Paper "According to Berens and Nardi, "the Myers Briggs model of personality is based on four preferences." 1. If you prefer to direct your energy to deal with people, things, situations, or "the outer world", then your preference is for Extraversion. If you prefer to direct your energy to deal with ideas, information, explanations or beliefs, or "the inner world", then your preference is for Introversion. 2. If you prefer to deal with facts, what you know, to have clarity, or to describe what you see, and then your preference is for Sensing. If you prefer to deal with ideas, look into the unknown, to generate new possibilities or to anticipate what isn't obvious then your preference is for Intuition."
Abstract This paper examines how an individual's personality processes may be interpreted and understood from several perspectives. It looks at how the meanings and origins of particular behaviors and thought patterns may differ according to which theory is adhered to. It analyzes three major proponents of differing theories--Freud, Erikson and Maslow and examines how these theorists developed models for further understanding human behavior and thus, human nature.
From the Paper "According to Freud, personality is developed through a series of stages known as psychosexual stages. He believed that early life experiences play a major role in the development of adult personalities. Each stage represents the area of the body through which libido, or sexual energy, is released during that developmental period. It is possible that if nternal conflict occurs and there is a build up of libido at a certain stage, fixation occurs in which an individual's personality is unable to progress onto a more advanced level. Fixation happens when a particular stage is overindulged, or when a person is unable to progress due to the frustration of needs. These stages, in order of occurrence are the oral stage, anal stage, phallic stage, latency period, and genital stage."
