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Introduction to Personality

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Introduction to Personality
Wilma Leibbrandt
PSY 405
Dr. Phillip Morris
May 7, 2012

Personality Theories
For centuries, theorists are fascinated in how humans behave, and if factors and influences are involved to help shape a person’s personality. More than 100 years ago, Sigmund Freud became intrigued by the human’s behavior in which he combined philosophical speculations with primitive methods to understand the hidden factors to a person’s symptoms. Most theorists gained better understanding of personality by identifying factors of behavior in themselves, and applying this information in theories (Feist & Feist, 2009).
Definition
Even though psychologists have different views about the true definition of personality, but are still one of the most important topics in psychology. Humans are so unique, each with his or her personality, which makes it such a challenge in identifying typical personalities. “When psychologists use the term “personality, “they are referring to something more than the role people play” (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 3). However, most theorists agree that the term “personality” can be defined as the characteristic patterns of behaviors, feelings, and thoughts, which make an individual unique. Mostly, an individual’s personality remains consistent throughout one’s life. These basics of personality includes consistency of behaviors during one’s life, physical, and mental processes that influence one’s behavior in which the individual respond to his or her environment, how the individual interacts within relationships and society (Feist & Feist, 2009).

Theories
There are several theories of personality, and people easily confuse the concepts of these theories as the same. However, each theory is unique and has no relation to each other. Furthermore, a personality theory is an attempt to describe and explain how

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