Number 30
Outline of the approach
1. Introduction
2. Objective of the study
3. Definition of personality
4. Proponents: Freud, Jung, and Maslow
5. Conclusion
Introduction and objective of the study
The study of the theory of personality falls under the scoops of science of psychology.
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes and the factors that
influence them.
There are many objectives of the study of personality. The fundamental one is to contribute
significantly to our understanding of human beings in the framework of the science of
psychology. Second objective is to help people live their lives more fully and satisfying.
The term personality is defined as the sum total of ways in which an individual reacts and
interact with others. (Etymologically personality comes from the word ‘persona’ which means
masks worn by theatrical players in ancient Greek dramas, to signify the role of the actor).
In order to understand human beings in the framework of science of psychology, the study of
personality has been done through establishing various theories of personality by various
psychologists such as Freud, Jung, Adler, Berne, Erick Erickson, Erick Fromm, Maslow, Rogers.
Theory of personality is defined by the particular concepts contained within a given theory which
is to be adequate for the understanding human behaviour. That means it contains set of
assumptions relevant to human behaviour to give predictions concerning a wide range of human
behaviour.
Proponents
1. Sigmund Freud
He proposed the psychoanalytic theory which is a set of philosophical analysis of human nature.
Psychoanalytic theory is both an approach to therapy and a theory of personality. This theory
emphasizes the unconscious motivation as the cause of human behaviour.
Freud says that human nature is deterministic that means it operates on the pleasure principle and
it is considered as the energy system where the Id is found along with aggression and sex
instincts.
Levels of consciousness
Unconscious
Preconscious
Conscious
Levels of personality
Id
Ego
Superego
Defence mechanisms
They are invented by the ego in an attempt to resolve the conflict between Id and Superego so
that personality can operate on a healthy manner. They distort reality while operating on the
unconscious level.
Repression, displacement, rationalization, denial, regression, reaction formation, projection
Therapeutic goals
To help client to become aware of unconscious material
To enrich variety of defence mechanism so that they are more effective and adaptive
Therapeutic techniques
Maintaining analytic framework
Free association
Interpretation
Dream analysis
Analysis of resistance
Analysis of transference
2. Carl Jung
He emphasized that we are not only motivated by repressed experience but also emotionally
toned experiences coming from our ancestors. Thus, he proposed the analytical psychology
wherein he proposed a compendium of opposite. He says that people are both
Introverted and extraverted
Male and female
Rational and irrational
Conscious and unconscious
Pushed by past events while pulled by future expectations
Levels of psyche
Conscious unconscious
Personal unconscious
Collective unconscious
The self
It is both personal and collective unconscious images. Thus, it unites the opposing forces of the
psyche.
Dynamics of personality
Causality vs. teleology: causality past events while teleology expectations of the future
Progression vs. regression: progression is adaptation of the outside world while regression is
adaptation of the new world.
3. Abraham Maslow
Being an original thinker, and unlike other psychoanalysts; he focused on the positive qualities
of people. He developed theory of human motivation in which he highlighted the hierarchy of
needs. These include:
Psychological needs
Safety needs
Social needs
Esteem needs
Self-actualization needs
4. Carl Rogers
When dealing with college students who had adjustment problems; Rogers developed his self
theory. His theory speaks of the self-concept, which refers to how we see ourselves and tends to
act or feel. It consists of 3 components namely; self-worth or self-esteem, self-image, and the
ideal self.
Humanistic perspective
This concept of Rogers led to the development of the person centered therapy which views
personality structure in terms of self-concept. Thus, an important tool in human self-actualization
is the development of an image of oneself or the self-concept.
Kinds of self
There are two kinds of self: real self and ideal self. This brings about the idea of incongruence in
that there is a degree of difference between the self-concept and the actual experience.
Personal centred perspective of Rogers
People are basically good
We need genuineness, acceptance, and empathy for us to grow. This requires for unconditional
positive regard; that means acknowledging feelings, even problems without passing judgements.
His main contributions
Self-perception is the key to personality
Consider the positive aspects of human nature
Emphasize conscious experience criticism
Too optimistic about human nature
Promotes self-love and narcissism
Conclusion
Therefore, in human nature what is observable is always a projection of the inner self. This inner
self is always in the unconscious part; therefore, discovering one’s inner self refers to
discovering one’s personality. Hence, personality is what really man is.
