FREE Humanistic and Trait Approaches to Personality Essay (original) (raw)

The trait and humanistic are rival and contradictory theories towards personality. To begin with, the background to each theory will be examined; then the failings of each assessed; and finally a judgement will be made as to the practical uses of each, with a conclusion following.
Trait theorists propose that human personality can be explained through a scale of certain indivisible personality attributes - "prime traits". The balance of these basic human characteristics helps to explain human personality. Frequently these traits can be represented according to a set scale, e.g. from 1 to 100. This aids in the plotting of personality maps, from 2 or 3 dimensions, each representing one personality facet. Some theories suggested there were just 3 of these axes (Eysenck, 1992, 1998) whilst others proposed a 5 scale model (Norman, 1963.) Norman chose for his 5 dimensions extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience. Hans Eysenck contracted this to the axes of extroversion and neuroticism, later adding another - "psychoticism." By assessing personality on either of these criteria a reasonable model of that individual's personality can be mapped and hence behaviour predicted. To further subdivide these scales other dimensions can be added beneath each of the prime traits - the "factors" (Norman, 1963.) For example, Norman's factor of extroversion could be subdivided into the dimensions talkative or silent, frank or secretive, adventurous or cautious and sociable or reclusive. By additionally assessing these dimensions and their specific nature a better characterization can be gained.
To contrast, the humanistic school of thought argues that human personality can be characterized by essential "wants" (e.g. desires for food, warmth or sex) which are driven by something lacking that must be fulfilled; and further positive goals - love, exhilaration or the satisfaction of completing a difficult task.

1. Personality

They are the psychodynamic theories, trait theories, humanistic theories, and cognitive- social learning theories. ... Trait theorists assert that people differ according to the degree to which they posses certain personality traits. ... The trait view of personality has considerable commonsense appeal. ... These theories help explain why people behave inconsistently, an area in which trait approaches fall short. ... Out of these various approaches four major personality theories have developed....

2. Andy Warhol and Humanistic Theories

Introduction Theoretical Background Humanistic psychology focuses on the individuals meaning of life. The humanistic approach focuses on phenomenology, which comprises everything a person hears, feels and thinks, and which is at the center of her humanity and may even be basis of free will (Funder, 436, 2013). ... Allport was aiming in his studies to describe human nature by using the concept of common traits, which are social in nature, for example the sense of family and culture, and individual traits which makes up the uniqueness of personality (DeCarvalho, 1991). ... The reason that Andy W...

3. Biological vs. Humanistic Theory Paper

Hans Eysenck's description of personality has been an influential model in personality research for several decades. ... Eysenck has noted that trait theories need to go beyond description. ... These include: Evidence that 40% of the variance in personality is explained by genetic factors; Cross cultural stability or universality of these dimensions; and Adaptive value of traits explained in evolutionary terms. Humanistic Psychology The Humanistic approach is difficult because there are no agreed-upon definitions of what constitutes a humanistic...

4. Humanistic vs. Psychoanalytic

Freud speaking with an extremely psychoanalytic approach, and Maslow (along with Carl Rogers) with a more humanistic view. ... The psychoanalytic approach (taken by Sigmund Freud) explains personality by breaking it down into 3 separate parts: the id, the ego and the superego. ... Basically, this theory tells us that we all have basic personality traits that we inherit at birth, but that our environment and upbringing help to shape us into the unique individuals that we eventually become. The humanistic theory (of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow) takes a different approach to explaining perso...

5. Psychology and Personality

We will examine Freud's theories on the unconscious mind and the psychoanalytic approach. ... I have found in research that humanistic aspects do make a difference to how we view ones personality being ourselves or others. ... This humanistic theory fits into our personality and how we are read as humans. ... Next theory I am looking into is traits and how they fit into our personality. ... Each of these five traits blend to form aspects of personality in people. ...

6. Understanding Personality

This paper is going to define personality, and examine theoretical approaches used in studying personality. ... There are many faces to every person, much as there are many traits to every personality. ... People have a lot of different traits (the way they act) that when all put together make up their personality. ... Examining Theoretical Approaches in Studying Personality There are many theoretical approaches when it comes to studying personality. ... Maslow's self-actualization is an example of the humanistic/existential theory. ...

7. Personality Paper - Psychology

There are four different perspectives dealing with personality: 1) the psychoanalytic perspective; 2) the trait perspective; 3) the humanistic perspective; 4) the social-cognitive perspective. ... The trait perspective states that behavior comes from expressing biologically influenced dispositions, or characteristics. ... I also found it very interesting that psychologists are able to assess several traits at once by personality inventories (longer questionnaires that cover a wider range of feelings and behaviors). ... In Chapter 14, I learned a lot about a personality, and what may affect...

8. Theories of Personality

After the course, I now have an in-depth understanding of the humanistic theories of personality development. ... Allport developed a theory that took some cues from psychoanalysis and humanistic theories but he expanded into personality traits. ... Allport developed a theory that took some cues from psychoanalysis and humanistic theories but he expanded into personality traits. ... The trait theories are a better option for identifying biological and genetic influences for personality traits but it does not account for the environmental influences. ... I am also taking away a better understa...

9. Theories of Personalities

Theories of Personality A humanistic view and perspective on personality can be best described as taking life into your own hands. ... The humanistic approach would not be based on biological factors, or incidents that may have occurred in the past, but the simple fact that our fate lies within ourselves. ... A trait theorist recognizes that personality is broken up into several different types of traits to help further describe one's characteristics. ... That is why trait theorists have developed the Big 5 factor analysis to help break down the different elements of personality. ......

Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question