On a sheet of paper, write down a definition for the word theory.

T HEORIES OF P ERSONALITY Mr. Syed

W HAT I S A T HEORY ? Theory - An organized set of ideas used to explain something.

3 T HEORISTS OF P ERSONALITY Sigmund Freud – Erik Erikson – Abraham Maslow

F REUD Believed adult personalities are shaped mainly by childhood experiences and conflicts. “An individuals personality has 3 parts.” 1. ID – biological urges such as the need to sleep and eat 2. Ego – the thoughtful decision making part of personality 3. Superego – Judges right and wrong. Many people know this to be our conscience.

E RIKSON Developed an 8 stage theory of personality development. Believed an individuals personality continues to be influenced beyond childhood experiences. Believed people continue to develop until death.

E RIKSON ’ S 8 S TAGE T HEORY OF P ERSONALITY

M ASLOW Believed everyone has a basic drive to achieve his or her fullest potential Used the term self-actualization to describe the process by which each person strives to be all he/she can be. Introduced a “ Hierarchy of Needs ”

M ASLOW ’ S H IERARCHY OF N EEDS

R EVIEW What is a theory? What is the ID? Ego? Superego? Who was the person responsible for this research? Who developed an 8 stage theory of personality? What stage do you fall under at this time? Who believed that people continue to develop until death? Who believed that people had drives to succeed and what was his theory.