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1st half page:
Post which factor(s) that influence personality have the greatest impact and which factor(s) have a lesser impact on how human personality develops.
2nd half page:
Post one key idea from the psychoanalytic theoretical orientation and one from trait theory. What is a main difference between these theoretical orientations? What is similar between these theories? Which one do you more closely align with? +300 words, include references .
The factor(s) that influence personality and have the greatest impact are environmental factors, such as one’s upbringing, culture, and experiences. These environmental influences shape an individual’s core beliefs, values and expectations of the world. Other significant factors include genetics, which can determine predisposition to certain traits or tendencies; temperament which is determined in large part by biology; and cognitive development which is largely influenced by language acquisition.
One key concept from psychoanalytic theory is the idea of unconscious processes influencing behavior. This view suggests that a person’s behavior may be driven by processes that take place beneath their conscious awareness and understanding. An example of this would be someone who acts out aggressively despite claiming to not know why they do it, suggesting a conflict between conscious intentions and unconscious desires.
In contrast to psychoanalytic theory, the trait perspective states that behavior is based primarily on personality characteristics or traits—defined as stable dispositions to respond in predictable ways in certain situations (Funder & Ozer, 1983). This approach focuses on identifying consistent patterns across different situations in order to better understand an individual’s personality. Trait theorists believe that individuals possess specific traits or combinations of traits that result in consistent behaviors over time (Allport & Odbert 1936).
The main difference between these two theoretical orientations lies in how they conceptualize human motivation and behavior: while psychoanalysis posits the existence of unconscious forces driving behavior, trait theory sees it as being driven more directly by basic character traits possessed by each person since birth (or at least early childhood). While both theories acknowledge the role played by environment on shaping behavior later on life, they differ significantly when it comes to explaining its origins. In addition, psychoanalysis interprets human experience through symbols while trait theory looks at observable behaviors.
I personally find myself aligning more closely with trait theory due its focus on measurable attributes rather than abstract concepts like those proposed by psychoanalytic theorists (e.g., “id” vs “ego”). While I appreciate some aspects of psychoanalytic thought—particularly its emphasis on examining internal conflicts—I find myself gravitating towards the notion that our personalities are formed primarily through our own unique combination of enduring personal characteristics rather than some deeper underlying force within us all trying to emerge into consciousness.
References:
Allport G W & Odbert H S (1936) Trait Names: A Psycho-lexical Study Psychological Monographs 47 1 Whole No 211 Available from http://psycnet/apa/monograph/m47-211-1 [accessed 10th April 2021] Funder D C & Ozer D J (1983) Behavior as a function of situation‐trait interactions Journal Of Personality And Social Psychology 45 2 pp 454‐463 doi 10 1016/0022 3514 83 09004 019 8