1. Personality
Development

2. Personality also colors our values, beliefs and expectations
An individual’s personality is the complex of mental characteristics that makes them unique from other people
It includes all of the patterns of thought and emotions that cause us to do and say things in particular ways
Personality also colors our values, beliefs and expectations

3. What other factors have we learned about that affect personality?
So…what is personality development?

4. Personality development is the development of the organized pattern of behaviors and attitudes that makes a person who they are; it occurs by the constant interaction with others and with the surrounding environment
Research by psychologists over the last several decades has increasingly pointed to hereditary factors being more important

5. Some hereditary factors that contribute to personality development do so as a result of interactions with the particular social environment in which people live
Despite significant differences in the way children are raised all around the world, some similarities do exist

6. For example, boys and girls are socialized differently to some extent in all cultures
Boys receive different messages as to what is expected of them from their parents and vice-versa
Boys are allowed more freedom to experiment and participate in physically risky activities

7. Girls on the other hand, are often steered to learn how to do more domestic tasks
Parents do not always follow these stereotypes with their sons and daughters

8. Different societies will raise different personalities
Girls who participate in physical activities are often called “tomboys” where boys who take up less masculine activities may be teased for doing something ‘girly’
Different societies will raise different personalities

9. Heredity & Environment:
Nature & Nurture

10. Are we who we are because of the traits we were born with or because of the environment we were brought up in?
Studies of identical twins separated at birth reveal that heredity plays a very big role in who we are
Other studies have shown that you are born with certain traits and potential, but the environment determines which potentials are developed

11. Both heredity and environment will affect who you are
The debate between heredity and environment is termed, “Nature vs. Nurture.”
You are born with certain traits, but the traits that you develop will be determined by your environmental upbringing
Both heredity and environment will affect who you are

12. Heredity Environment Physical Appearance Community & School
Involvement
Intelligence
How you use your
intelligence (grades,
curiosity, etc.)
Physical Traits
(coordination, rhythm,
balance, athletic abilities)
Religious Beliefs
Talents & Innate
Abilities (a beautiful
singing voice, artistic talent,
etc.)
Interests & Hobbies

13. Do you think one has more influence over the other?
Journal Entry:
Do you think one has more influence over the other?
Do you think heredity or environment has affected your personality development the most?