Personality Theory Chapter 11

Behaviorism Individuals differ in their learning experiences, they acquire different behaviors; therefore, they acquire different personalities. Proper subject matter is objectively observable behavior B.F. Skinner – “Radical Behaviorism” approach No need for a general concept of personality structure Specify the behavior and find out what causes it Not concerned with what’s going on inside the head, but with what the person is doing Contingencies of reinforcement – try to understand what conditions maintain or reinforce behaviors

Behaviorism Albert Bandura Personality not only acquired through direct reinforcement of behaviors, but also by observational learning or imitation Much of a child’s individual behavior and personality is acquired by exposure to specific everyday models Reciprocal determinism – interaction that occurs among the observing individual, the behavior of that individual, and the environment in which the behavior occurs Self efficacy – our view of our ability to succeed

Humanistic Theory Object to behaviorist and psychoanalytic approaches – too demeaning Stress our ability to create and live by personal standards Self-actualization – realization of our potentialities as unique human beings Self-actualized people: Accept themselves as they are – secure in themsleves Strong sense of identity with other human beings perceive reality accurately Autonomous – independent Spontaneous More problem-centered rather than self centered Value privacy Focus on deep, loving relationships with a few people Appreciation of people

Humanistic Theory Abraham Maslow – Based his theory of personality on studies of healthy, creative, self-actualizing people who fully utilize their talents and potential, rather than studies of disturbed individuals (Lincoln, Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt) Curious about people who not only coped with everyday problems effectively, but also created exceptional lives for themselves In order to become self-actualizing, a person must first satisfy his or her basic, primary needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Humanistic Theory Carl Rogers – believes many people suffer from a conflict between what they value in themselves and what they learn other people value in them Two sides or parts to every person: Organism – the whole of a person, including his or her body constantly struggling to become more and more complete and perfect Self – your image of who you are and what you value – in yourself, in other people, in life in general acquired gradually over the years of observing how other people react to you You want others’ approval (positive regard) and incorporate conditions of worth into yourself – you begin to see yourself as good and worthy only if you act in certain ways

Humanistic Theory Carl Rogers – The greater the gap between the self and the organism, the more limited and defensive a person becomes unconditioned positive regard – if significant others convey the feelings that they value you for what you are, in your entirety, you will be able to accept your organism and become open to all your feelings, thoughts, and experiences – and hence, to other people fully functioning – self and organism are one – free to develop all his or her potentialities

Trait Theories Trait – any relatively enduring way in which one individual differs from another; a predisposition to respond in a certain way in many different situations Trait theorists emphasize and try to explain the consistency of a normal, healthy individual’s behavior in different situations. Basic assumptions – Every trait applies to all people to some degree These descriptions can be quantified – maybe on a scale Most believe that a few basic traits are central for all people

Trait Theories Look for statistical correlations between traits – What behaviors go together? Use factor analysis – sophisticated mathematical technique used to determine the extent to which different personality variables are related Hans Eysenck – two basic dimensions of personality Stability – degree to which people have control over their feelings (easy-going, relaxed, well-adjusted vs. moody, anxious, restless, etc.) Extroverts vs. Introverts: Extroverts – sociable, outgoing, active, lively people Introverts – thoughtful, reserved, passive, unsociable, quiet

Trait Theories The Robust Five (“Big Five”) – Trait psychologists have found that five traits appear repeatedly in different research studies Openness Conscientiousness Extraversion Agreeableness Neuroticism (Emotional Stability) **Remember the acronym OCEAN or CANOE