HUMAN PERSONALITY

Presented by:
●Pradeep Gautam ● Rahul Harijan
● Isha Shrestha ● Sabun Maharjan
● Sandesh Khatri ● Kamal Prasad Joshi
 PERSONALITY
Personality refers to a set of unique and enduring
characteristics, traits, and patterns of behavior, emotions,
and thoughts that define an individual's identity and
determine how they interact with the world around them. It
encompasses various aspects of a person's nature, such as
their temperament, values, attitudes, beliefs, and habits.

Personality is shaped by a combination of genetic,

environmental, and cultural factors and tends to remain
relatively stable throughout a person's lifetime. Psychologists
use various theories and models to study personality and its
development, such as the Big Five personality traits, the
psychoanalytic theory, and the social-cognitive theory.
 Determination Of Personality

Biological Factors

Cultural Factors

Environmental Factors

Situational Factors
 Biological Factors
Biological factors are the innate and genetic aspects of an individual
that contribute to their personality. This includes factors such as
temperament, intelligence, and physical traits. Research suggests that
genetic factors play a significant role in determining personality, with
heritability estimates ranging from 30% to 50%.

 Cultural Factors
Cultural factors refer to the social and cultural environment in which
an individual grows up and lives. This includes factors such as family
background, social class, religion, and ethnic identity. Cultural factors
can have a significant impact on personality development, influencing
values, beliefs, and behaviors.
 Environmental Factors
Environmental factors refer to the non-biological, external influences
on personality development. This includes factors such as parenting
style, peer relationships, and life experiences. Environmental factors
can have a significant impact on personality, shaping the way an
individual views themselves and the world around them.

 Situational Factors
Situational factors refer to the immediate circumstances and context
in which an individual finds themselves. This includes factors such as
social norms, situational demands, and stressors. Situational factors
can have a significant impact on behavior and personality, often
leading to changes in behavior and attitudes depending on the
situation.
 Personality Measurement
Personality measurement is the process of assessing an individual's personality
traits, characteristics, and patterns of behavior. There are several methods of
personality measurement:

A.Self-report questionnaires
B. Interviews
C. Behavioral observation
D.Projective tests.
 Self-report questionnaire: Interviews:
A series of questions that A structured or unstructured
individuals rate on a scale based conversation between an
on how well they think the interviewer and an individual to
statement applies to them. assess their personality traits.

Personality
Measurement
Projective tests:
Behavioral observation: Presenting individuals with
Directly observing an individual's ambiguous stimuli, such as inkblots
or pictures, and asking them to
behavior in various situations to interpret or describe what they see.
assess their personality. The responses reveal unconscious
thoughts and feelings.
  Theories of Personality
 Type approach

The type approach to personality suggests that people can be categorized

into distinct types based on their personality characteristics. These types
are typically seen as mutually exclusive, meaning that a person can be
classified into one type or another but not both. Examples of type theories
include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which categorizes people
into 16 different types based on four dimensions of personality
(extroversion/introversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and
judging/perceiving), and Sheldon's somatotype theory, which categorizes
people into three types based on their body shape and physical
characteristics (endomorphs, mesomorphs, and ectomorphs). Critics of the
type approach argue that it oversimplifies the complexity of personality and
doesn't account for the variability of individual differences.
Trait approach
The trait approach to personality suggests that personality can be described in
terms of a set of distinct traits or dimensions. Unlike the type approach, trait
theories do not categorize people into discrete types; instead, they suggest that
individuals vary in the degree to which they possess different personality traits.
One of the most influential trait theories is the Big Five Personality Traits model,
which categorizes people into five broad dimensions of personality: openness to
experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
Critics of the trait approach argue that it can be difficult to define and measure
personality traits, and that traits may not be as stable across situations as trait
theorists suggest.
 Personality traits
It refers to enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that define an individual's
character and distinguish them from others. These traits are relatively stable and consistent
over time, and they can be used to predict an individual's behavior in various situations.
There are many different personality trait models, but the most widely accepted and
researched model is the Big Five personality traits, also known as the Five-Factor Model:

 Openness: This trait refers to a person's creativity, imagination, and willingness to try
new things.
 Conscientiousness: This trait refers to a person's level of organization, responsibility, and
dependability
 Extraversion: This trait refers to a person's level of sociability, assertiveness, and
enthusiasm.
 Agreeableness: This trait refers to a person's level of kindness, empathy, and
cooperativeness.
 Neuroticism: This trait refers to a person's level of emotional instability, anxiety, and
moodiness.
 Dynamic Approaches
Dynamic approaches to personality emphasize the
ongoing interplay between an individual's internal
psychological processes and external
environmental factors. These approaches view
personality as a dynamic system that is constantly
evolving and changing throughout an individual's
life
 Dynamic of behaviors
The dynamics of behavior refer to the ongoing interplay between an
individual's internal psychological processes and external
environmental factors that shape their behavior over time. Behavior
can be influenced by a variety of internal and external factors,
including emotions, motivations, beliefs, and social and environmental
cues.

One of the key aspects of behavioral dynamics is the idea that

behavior is not static but is instead constantly evolving and changing
over time. This means that behavior can be shaped by experiences,
learning, and environmental factors.
 Personality Structure
Personality structure can also refer to the structure of the mind, as proposed by some
psychological theories. These theories propose that the mind is composed of
different parts or systems that interact to influence behavior and personality.
One of the most influential theories of mind structure is Sigmund Freud's
psychoanalytic theory. According to this theory, the mind is composed of three parts:

1.The id: This is the most primitive and unconscious part of the mind, which is
responsible for basic drives and instincts such as hunger, thirst, and sexual desire.

2.The ego: This is the conscious, rational part of the mind, which mediates between
the demands of the id and the constraints of reality.

3.The superego: This is the part of the mind that represents internalized societal and
cultural norms and values, and provides a sense of morality and conscience .
 Personality structure
 Levels of consciousness
consciousness is seen as a multi-layered construct that includes both conscious and
unconscious mental processes. This approach suggests that much of our mental
activity occurs outside of our awareness and that unconscious processes can
significantly influence our behavior and personality.
According to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, the mind is divided into three
levels of consciousness:

1.Conscious: This level of awareness includes all thoughts, perceptions, and feelings
that are currently in our awareness

2.Preconscious: This level of awareness includes all mental activity that is not
currently in our awareness but can be easily brought to consciousness through
attention or recall.

3.Unconscious: This level of awareness includes mental processes that are not
accessible to our awareness without special techniques such as psychoanalytic
therapy. This includes repressed memories, fears, desires, and other unconscious
processes that influence our behavior and personality.
 Defense mechanisms

Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that individuals

use unconsciously to protect themselves from unpleasant
emotions or thoughts. They are a common aspect of many
psychological theories, including psychoanalytic theory, and are
thought to be automatic and unconscious processes that occur
without the individual's awareness.
According to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, defense
mechanisms serve to reduce anxiety by distorting reality and
protecting the ego from the demands of the id and the superego
Some common defense mechanisms include:
1.Repression: This involves pushing unwanted thoughts or memories into
the unconscious, where they are no longer consciously accessible.

2.Denial: This involves refusing to acknowledge or accept the reality of a

situation or experience.

3.Projection: This involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or

feelings to someone else.

4.Rationalization: This involves creating a logical or rational explanation

for one's behavior or thoughts, even if it is not entirely accurate.

5.Displacement: This involves redirecting one's emotions or impulses

from their original target to a less threatening target.
 Psychosexual stage
The psychosexual stages are a central aspect of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory of personality
development, which is a dynamic approach to understanding personality. According to this theory,
personality develops through a series of stages, each with a distinct focus on different areas of the body,
known as the erogenous zones.
 Learning Approach To Personality
The learning approach to personality is a psychological theory that suggests that
personality is developed through the learning and conditioning processes that occur
in our environment. According to this theory, personality is not determined by our
genetic makeup or innate characteristics, but rather by the experiences we have
throughout our lives.
The learning approach to personality is based on the principles of behaviorism,
which focuses on how behavior is learned and conditioned. This theory proposes that
people's personalities are shaped through a process of learning, which occurs through
the reinforcement of certain behaviors and the punishment of others.
One of the key concepts in the learning approach to personality is operant
conditioning. This is the process by which behaviors are reinforced or punished
through rewards or punishments. For example, if someone receives praise or
recognition for a certain behavior, they are more likely to repeat that behavior in the
future. Conversely, if someone is punished or receives negative feedback for a
behavior, they are less likely to repeat that behavior in the future
 Cont…

Another important concept in the learning approach to personality is observational

learning, which involves learning through observation and imitation of others. This
theory suggests that people learn by watching and imitating the behavior of others,
particularly those who they see as role models or authority figures.
In summary, the learning approach to personality suggests that our personalities are
shaped by our experiences and the reinforcement and punishment of certain
behaviors. While genetic factors may play a role in our personality development,
this theory proposes that our environment and experiences have a greater impact on
who we are as individuals.
 Social Cognitive theory
Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory is a psychological framework that
emphasizes the importance of observational learning, cognitive processes, and
environmental factors in shaping human behavior and personality. According to
Bandura, people learn not just through direct experience but also through observing
the behavior of others and the consequences of their actions.
Bandura's social cognitive theory proposes that behavior, environment, and
cognition interact with each other to influence human functioning. This theory
emphasizes the role of self-efficacy, or an individual's belief in their ability to
achieve a particular goal or perform a specific task, in determining behavior.
Social cognitive theory has been applied in a wide range of fields, including
education, health, and business. It has been used to explain phenomena such as
aggression, self-regulation, and motivation, and has been influential in the
development of behavior modification and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
 Humanistic approach of personality
The humanistic approach to personality is a psychological perspective that
emphasizes the individual's unique experiences, subjective feelings, and personal
growth. This approach emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the
limitations of the dominant psychoanalytic and behaviorist theories. Humanistic
psychologists, such as Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, believed that people
have an innate drive towards personal growth and self-actualization.

According to the humanistic approach, personality is shaped by a person's

perception of themselves and their experiences. People have the capacity to make
choices and take responsibility for their lives, rather than being controlled by
external forces. Humanistic psychologists view individuals as capable of
experiencing personal growth and fulfilling their potential, given the right
conditions.
 The theory of self concept
Carl Rogers' theory of self-concept is a key concept in humanistic psychology. It
refers to an individual's overall perception of themselves, including their beliefs,
values, goals, abilities, and personality traits. Rogers believed that individuals have
an innate need for positive regard and self-actualization. He proposed that people
strive to maintain a positive self-concept by seeking experiences and relationships
that support and reinforce their self-perception.
Rogers emphasized the importance of unconditional positive regard and empathy in
personal growth and development. He believed that individuals are capable of
achieving self-actualization and fulfilling their potential when they are provided
with an environment of acceptance, empathy, and support. Rogers also proposed the
concept of the "fully functioning person," who is characterized by an ability to live
in the present moment, an acceptance of themselves and others, and an ability to
make choices and take responsibility for their lives. Overall, Rogers' theory of self-
concept has been influential in the development of humanistic psychology and
person-centered therapy. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness,
acceptance, and personal growth in achieving a fulfilling and meaningful life.
 Theory of self actualization
Abraham Maslow's theory of self-actualization is a key concept in humanistic
psychology. It proposes that individuals have an innate drive towards personal
growth and self-actualization, which is the process of achieving one's full potential
and becoming the best version of oneself. Maslow believed that self-actualization is
achieved when lower-level needs, such as physiological, safety, and social needs,
are met. Self-actualized individuals are characterized by a strong sense of purpose,
creativity, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. Maslow's theory has been
influential in the development of humanistic psychology and has been applied in a
variety of fields, including education, business, and personal development.