There are several traditional perspectives in personality theory. The four most common ones are the psychodynamic, trait or five-factor model, humanistic, and social cognitive. The psychodynamic perspective branched out from Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. It emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind in the development of personality. It focuses on the idea that people have defense mechanisms, personality is largely dependent on one’s sexual impulses, and that the past is important. There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with this theory. Some advantages are that one will recognize the importance of childhood, it has been revised by other theorists and has been made less controversial, and it has been around for a very long time. This theory also has many disadvantages such as being too focused on the idea of sex and the past. It is also very difficult to assess the unconscious aspects of personality.

The humanistic theory first appeared as a reaction against the psychodynamic and behaviorist theories. It is based largely on the work of Rogers and Maslow.The humanistic theory focuses on the role of each person’s conscious life experiences and choices in personality development. It also focuses on one’s self-conception, consideration of a person as a whole, and the potential for positive life. Rogers believed that humans are always striving to fulfill their innate capacities and capabilities, known as the self-actualizing tendency. Advantages of this theory include the attention brought out on the positive aspects of humans and focusing on growth. Disadvantages include having an excessive self-love or narcissism and being too optimistic and simplistic.

The trait perspective or five factor theory of personality focuses on the extensive, enduring dispositions that can be evaluated. This means that the characteristics themselves are more