Traditional models of behaviorism, represented by figures like John B. Watson and B. F. Skinner, are typically considered inconsistent with the concept of “personality,” which itself represents an unobservable construct. Such “radical” behavioral approaches emphasized the study of observable behavior, and thus any theory of personality was restricted to typical patterns of behavior exhibited by
Cognitive theories of personality focus on the processes of information encoding and retrieval, and the role of expectations, motives, goals, and beliefs in the development of stable personality characteristics. This approach differs from personality theories that emphasize either the conditions within which personality develops (e.g., behavioral theories) or the trait structures that are revealed in
Evolutionary personality psychology suggests that human personality variation is a meaningful and relevant source of human diversity, and that different combinations of heritable personality traits biologically prepare individuals to exploit the different social niches they inhabit. Human personality variation relates to numerous important life outcomes, including life history traits such as sexuality, sociality, fertility, morbidity
Phenomenological approaches to personality take human experience or subjectivity as their primary focus. Phenomenological theorists assert that obtaining accurate knowledge of another person requires understanding how that person experiences the world. Personal experience constitutes immediate reality. A secondary focus of phenomenological theories is the self. The self is thought of as a cognitive-affective structure through
The set of theories of personality development that are referred to collectively as psychodynamic or psycho-analytic vary dramatically in their specifics, but share a common lineage and several core concepts. Scholars agree that Sigmund Freud, the famous and controversial Austrian neurologist who wrote the first comprehensive theory of personality development, laid the foundation for all
Personality differences among individuals can be explained in relation to their individual differences in need patterns. Individuals possess various needs—very basic ones, such as the consumption of food and avoidance of pain; and secondary ones, such as achievement, affiliation, and dominance. These primary and secondary needs have the potential to influence an individual’s pattern of
Implicit Personality Theory Definition An implicit personality theory refers to a person’s notions about which personality characteristics tend to co-occur in people. Can one assume, for example, that a person with a sense of humor is also intelligent? Is a charming person likely to be honest or dishonest? Is a leader someone likely to be
This article delves into the intricate interplay between personality traits, particularly focusing on hostility, and their profound implications for health outcomes within the realm of health psychology. The introduction provides a contextual backdrop, emphasizing the significance of understanding this relationship. The first section explores the broader connection between personality traits and health, elucidating key theories
This article delves into the intricate interplay between reactivity and personality traits within the realm of health psychology. The introduction provides a comprehensive foundation by defining reactivity, emphasizing its significance in health psychology, and introducing the pivotal role of personality traits. The subsequent sections unfold the physiological and psychological dimensions of reactivity, exploring its impact