Major Personality Theories and Psychological Assessment

Major Personality Theories

We can distinguish three primary groups of personality theories:

Intrapersonal Theories

In these theories, the emphasis is placed on internal individual factors such as desires, conflicts, and drives. This section includes theories such as psychoanalysis in its various versions, the so-called human or personal psychology, theories that emphasize the biological basis of personality, or personalities classified into types.

Situationist Theories

These theories emphasize environmental factors. This approach ends up denying the very existence of personality as an internal constitution that is not visible by the subject. In any case, personality is accepted as a set of habits learned as an expression of stable behavioral patterns. The radical behaviorism of Watson and Skinner is the clearest example of such theories.

Interactionist Theories

These interpret personality as the result of an interaction between the subject and the environment. Personality is understood in reference to emotional and cognitive processes, but these are developed in a social environment and are activated by members of said environment. Authors such as Bandura, Erikson, or Rotter are key figures in this field.

The Big Five Model

The Big Five are five major differences that can be found in an individual: emotional stability, extraversion, open-mindedness, kindness (agreeableness), and responsibility (conscientiousness).

Psychological Assessment Tests

The Rorschach Test

Developed by the Swiss psychoanalyst Hermann Rorschach, this is a repertoire of 10 inkblot sheets where the subject has to say what they see in them. The examiner writes down everything the subject says.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

Proposed in 1935 by Morgan and Murray, the TAT involves showing a series of prints to a subject who must try to express their reactions. These are recognizable drawings, and the subject is asked to invent a narrative for them.

Drawing and Projective Tests

These tests involve asking the subject to create a drawing:

• The Tree Test (Koch): The subject is asked to draw a tree.
• Machover Test: This involves drawing a human figure.
• HTP (House-Tree-Person): The subject makes three drawings: a house, a tree, and a human figure.

Rosenzweig Frustration Study

This consists of a series of vignettes where two characters appear. Although there is only a speech bubble (sandwich), the subject must put themselves in the character's place and answer. This allows us to see how the individual reacts to failures.

Graphology

Graphology is also used as a method to analyze personality through handwriting.