Personality – How do we develop our “self”? How do we become what/who we are?
What is personality? The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character
John Locke (English philosopher s) Tabula rasa, or blank slate. – We acquire our personality through our experiences. Humans can be molded into whatever we want. – What is this process (of individuals absorbing culture) called by psychologists today? Socialization
Charles Horton Cooley ( ) American sociologist Americansociologist Looking-glass self. – We develop an image of ourselves based on how we imagine we appear to others. – Ex: Parents who treat kids as capable and competent will have such kids. – How do you see yourself? – m/watch?v=vNy887IGM Ok
Activity: Find someone in the class who you know well, and knows you. Make a list of 4 characteristics of their (and your) personality – Find another person who you know sort of well – make a list Any differences? Does anything match? What are some of the types/descriptions of personality?
Sigmund Freud’s Theories on Personality: 3 aspects to one’s personality— – Id – Ego – Superego
Id: – pleasure principle. – “Me Want Cookie” part of the unconscious. – Part of personality that contains our drives, needs, instincts, lust
Ego: reality principle. Ex: – Id is hungry, wants food. – Ego will keep it from eating it all, or saving some for later. controls higher mental processes such as reasoning and problem-solving Balances the Id and Superego
Superego: moral principle. – Ex: Keeps you from stealing a cookie. – Not concerned with reality. starving and no money, superego will keep you from stealing, even if you will die. conscience – source of guilt (other name: conscience) Not actually anything like this…
Freud’s thoughts on Personality An individual’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are the result of the interaction of the id, the superego, and the ego. – Conflict between causes anxiety – tch?v=jUxXrqaCh2A
Write a very short story of a time your id, ego, and superego battled it out. Which won?
4 main factors in developing personality 1.heredity. The transmission of genetic characteristics from parent to child. – Physical characteristics – aptitude (ability to learn) – biological drives
2.birth order The order in which siblings are born. – 1st: more achievement-oriented, responsible, conservative in thinking, defenders of status quo. – Last: better in social relationships, affectionate, friendly, risk-takers, social and intellectual rebels
3.Parental characteristics. – Age of parents, level of education, religious orientation, economic status, cultural heritage, occupation
3. Cultural environment. – School, peers, media, teachers, parents, etc.
What do you think about these theories? How are they proven/disproven by your life and experiences?
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