Personality

Personality Defined Personality consists of the behaviors, attitudes, feelings, and the ways of thinking that makes you an individual. Your personality is unique to you, it’s the one thing that completely sets you apart from everyone else. A psychologist studies how people think, feel, and behave (personality) There are many models that are used to understand how individuals’ personalities develop. Personality tests help you to determine what type of personality you have. How can we benefit by knowing what our personality type is and how it may have developed?

5 Central Traits (used to describe how people behave, relate to others, and react to change) 1.Extroversion: describes how much you like being with people. Extroverts like to be with people, are outgoing and social. An introvert would be the opposite. 2.Agreeableness: describes your tendency to relate to others in a friendly way. 3.Conscientiousness: describes how responsible and self disciplined you are.

4. Emotional Stability: describes relaxed, secure, and calm you are even during difficult situations. 5. Openness to Experiences: describes how curious, imaginative, creative, and unpredictable you are.

How Personality Forms

Nature vs Nurture There is evidence that we inherit some personality traits such as cheerfulness and shyness. You can see these early on in infancy. There is also evidence that certain talents are inherited such as musical or artistic abilities. There are studies conducted on identicle twins that support inheriting personality traits.

There’s also evidence that our environment influences are personality. Just because you inherit certain traits doesn’t mean they are set for life. Family, friends, and culture are all things that can help shape personality as well as situational experiences. Think how much your personality has changed through the years.

Stages of Development Personality changes throughout life Many psychologists believe that we go through stages marked by our ages In each stage we are presented a new challenge to work on. How we tackle that challenge and whether or not we are successful at it will add to our personality and will affect the next stage and challenge.

Erikson’s 8 stages of Development 1.Develop Trust (birth – 18 mo.) “Infancy” trust vs. mistrust an infant depends on others to meet it’s basic needs (food, affection, diapers) If needs are met, the child learns trust If needs aren’t met, child learns mistrust and may withdraw from others.

2. Learn to Be Independent (18 mo. - 3 yrs.) “Early Childhood” autonomy vs. shame Child learns to do things on their own. They gain control over their bodies - they learn to walk and use the toilet. If they fail to master these traits, they may develop self-doubt. If they are ridiculed, they may feel ashamed.

3. Take Initiative (3 – 6 yrs.) “Play Age” initiative vs. guilt Children start to plan their own activities. They begin to develop a sense of right and wrong through imitating others and through fantasy play If they are harshly scolded for poor initiatives, they may feel unworthy, guilty, or resentful.

4. Develop Skills (6 – 12 yrs.) “School Age” industry vs. inferiority They learn skills they will need as an adult. They learn how to do chores, be successful in school, and how to get along with others. These skills help them to feel competent. Without skills, they may feel like a failure.

5. Search for Identity (12 – 19 yrs.) “Adolescence” identity vs. role confusion Teens main challenge is to search for their sense of self. They question who they are and what they want to do with their life. Some will shape their identities to go along with their family or culture. Others will try new experiences and behave in ways that differ from family teachings.

6. Establish Intimacy (20-40 yrs.) “Young Adult” intimacy and solidarity vs. isolation As a young adult, your challenge is to establish close bonds with others. If you learn to make commitments to other people, you will have their support as you face other challenges.

7. Create and Nurture (40 – 65 yrs.) “Middle Adult” generativity vs. self absorption and stagnation This stage is based on the need for adults to be productive and creative in all parts of their life. During this stage, adults get satisfaction from helping younger people to learn and grow. When our children mature and move away we may struggle with our new roles.

8. Look Back With Acceptance (age 65+) “Late Adult” integrity vs. despair The stage where we reflect on our lives. Some accept the choices they made. Others may regret the opportunities they missed.