Chapter 7 and 8 - Personality

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Personality: A Theoretical Analysis

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Personality: A Theoretical Analysis

The term "personality" refers to the dynamic organization of psychophysical systems that

underlies the development of an individual's characteristic patterns of cognitive, emotional, and

behavioral functioning. Because this definition encompasses biological, psychological, and

social elements, it underscores the interaction between continuity and change in personality..

Cognitive theories focus on mental processes such as perception and learning, while social-

cognitive theories emphasize self-regulation and observational learning. Humanistic approaches,

on the other hand, give more importance to personal growth, free will, and striving toward self-

actualization. Put together, these perspectives give an integrated view of personality that captures

the nature of personality being both constant and changing and is determined by both the internal

characteristics and external events that the individual experiences. An integrated understanding

puts into light the complexity of human personality and its role in defining identity and shaping

the interaction with the outside world.

Brief Description of Selected Theories

1. Cognitive and Social-Cognitive Approaches

According to cognitive and social-cognitive theories, personality is affected by the mental

process that involves perception, classification, and observational learning. The self-system,

which reflects the value of observational learning and self-efficacy, are highlighted in the social-

cognitive theory presented by Albert Bandura (Lec Notes, 2024). According to Bandura,

individuals regulate their behavior through cognitive processes such as goal setting and self-

reflection. Observational learning is a critical process, demonstrated in Bandura’s famous Bobo

Doll experiment, where behavior was learned through imitation without direct reinforcement.
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George Kelly's Personal Construct Theory presents a constructivist perspective, describing

humans as "scientists" who develop unique systems of personal constructs to interpret the world.

These constructs are built from personal experiences and influence interpersonal relationships

and behavioral patterns. Kelly’s Repertory Test helps uncover these personal constructs by

exploring how individuals perceive and differentiate among others in their social spheres.

2. Trait Approaches

Trait theories categorize personality as a set of stable characteristics existing along

continua. Gordon Allport distinguished between common traits, shared by groups, and personal

dispositions, unique to individuals. He further identified cardinal traits, which dominate a

person's personality, and secondary traits, which are more situation-specific (Lec Notes, 2024).

Another pivotal model in this domain is the Big Five personality traits (Openness,

Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism), which represent broad

dimensions of personality. This model highlights how traits like emotional stability, sociability,

or intellectual curiosity manifest consistently across various contexts.

Description of My Personality

My personality combines elements of conscientiousness, openness, and an optimistic

explanatory style. I am organized, goal-oriented, and persistent, which aligns with traits of high

conscientiousness. Additionally, I demonstrate curiosity and a preference for creative problem-

solving, reflective of high openness. My outlook on challenges tends toward optimism,

perceiving difficulties as opportunities for growth.

Compatibility with Selected Theories

1. The theory of social-cognitive compatibility


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Bandura's self-regulation theory coincides with my tendency to set goals and assess my

performance. Self-efficacy, the belief in one's capability to succeed, corresponds to my

confidence both academically and personally. Observational learning is another factor whereby I

often take actions I see done by role models and re-adapt them into my style.

2. Trait Theory Compatibility

My personality aligns well with the Big Five model. My conscientiousness is reflected by

my deliberateness and persistence in relation to goals. Similarly, my openness is manifested by

my willingness to try new things and to engage in artistic activities. The stability of personality

postulated by the trait theory is further reflected in the consistency of these traits across different

situations.

Analysis of My Personality

1. Cognitive and Social-Cognitive Frameworks

According to Bandura, I am motivated to behave based on anticipatory thought, such as

setting appropriate goals and using the past to inform present and future choices. For example, I

reflect on previous strategies I have used to study and adjust those based on what worked best as

I prepare for tests. A key driver for me is my self-efficacy, which enables me to take on

challenges versus avoid them.

More insight into my interpersonal relationships can be obtained from George Kelly's

Personal Construct Theory. The way I perceive and interact with others is determined by my

personal constructs of characteristics such as empathy and trustworthiness. For instance, I often

categorize people based on how open they are to collaboration, and that determines whether or

not I solicit their input when engaged in group projects.


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2. Trait Theoretical Perspective

My conscientiousness and openness, both of which are in line with the theories of Allport

and the Big Five, that emphasize traits stability across time, for example, in event organization, I

am very conscientious when paying attention to minute details and adhering to deadlines, while

being open to original ideas and solutions. Although I am emotionally stable, the neuroticism

dimension of the Big Five also helps me understand why I can get stressed out in high-pressure

situations.

3. Integration of Cognitive and Trait Theories

Whereas trait theories focus on the stability of personality attributes, cognitive models

emphasize the active nature of thoughts and mental processes in shaping behavior. For instance,

my optimism tallies with the Big Five trait of low neuroticism and the concept by Bandura of

learned optimism. Both perspectives are crucial to an understanding of how my personality is

shaped by the interplay between situational factors and fixed traits.

Conclusion

Two theories that complement each other in viewing personality are the Big Five trait

model and Bandura's social-cognitive framework. Bandura's theory shows how learning and

flexibility are crucial to goal-setting and observational learning in supporting my own

development. In turn, the Big Five model focuses on the stability of the key personality traits of

conscientiousness and openness as some that would determine how I approach various

challenges. Put together, the two theories provide a comprehensive look at personality in that, for

a person, it is rather stable and changing, whereby the internal and external sides act together.
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References

LecNotes. (2024). Chapter 7: Cognitive and Social-Cognitive Aspects of Personality.

LecNotes. (2024). Chapter 8: Trait Aspects of Personality.

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