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Psy 405 Theories of Personalities

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Theories of Personality
Aaron Poitra
PSY/405
May 6, 2013
Edward Lopez PhD

Theories of Personality Theories of personality generate a list of assumptions to coincide conflicting points of view. Early scientist had difficulty coming to an agreement on the source and motivation of personality. Personality theories were vulnerable to unique personalities of the scientists that created them. To evaluate some of the similarities and differences between the theories, a good start begins with Adler and Sullivan. Alfred Adler was the founder of individual psychology and its six tenets that describes the source for personality. Harry Sullivan founded interpersonal theory that gives significant importance to a social context “Without other people, humans would have no personality” (Feist & Feist, 2009, p.213). The two theories contain similarities and differences between them in regards to basic or underlying assumptions, deterministic views versus free will, and awareness of the self.
Basic or Underlying Assumptions The basic or underlying assumptions of individual and interpersonal theories, share a social interest and social context respectively, as a source for personality development. Social interest by Adler explains individual connections to people around them. Society connects people together for safety, survival, and procreation. Individuals depend on each other as much as a child would depend on their parents. Likewise, Sullivan’s interpersonal theory shares the same importance for society and human connection. Along each step of development there is a great importance to establish intimacy without encountering interference from anxiety (Feist & Feist, 2009). Intimacy with family, close friends, or a significant other as an adult all apply to the need. Both theories give credit to the influence of society. Personality means little in the