Personality, Temperament, Character, and Identity

Personality

Personality refers to the unique set of characteristics and features that define an individual and are evident in their interactions with others.

Temperament

A: Inherited genetic traits that influence the functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems.

B: Basic emotions and feelings that are consistently present in behavior.

C: Difficult to modify, but not impossible.

D: Examples: nervousness, activity level.

Character

A: Acquired traits developed throughout life.

B: Can be modified with effort and training.

C: Dependent on the individual and can be judged as right or wrong (morally).

D: Considered learned habits.

E: Examples: hard work, patience, understanding.

Personal Identity

The concept of oneself that evolves over time.

• Individual aspects
• Exterior aspects

Self-Concept

A general term for how an individual thinks about, evaluates, and perceives themselves.

• The answer to the question"Who am I"
• Undergoes significant changes during adolescence due to physical and psychological developments.

Self-Esteem

The extent to which an individual likes, accepts, and approves of themselves.

• Can be positive or negative.
• Influenced by successes, failures, and the opinions of others.

Types of Identity Status

Identity Diffusion

• Common in adolescence.
• Individuals have not yet fully realized their social identity or defined their personality traits.

Identity Foreclosure

• Individuals have adopted the values and beliefs of their parents or other authority figures without fully exploring their own options.

Identity Moratorium

• Individuals are actively exploring various commitments and are ready to make choices but have not yet committed to specific ones.

Identity Achieved

• Individuals have explored their options and have committed to a set of beliefs and values that are their own.

Theories about Personality

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

Founder of psychoanalysis, a method for treating mental illness and a theory that explains human behavior.

Freud believed that most mental processes occur outside of conscious awareness and that unconscious impulses, instincts, and drives shape personality.

Freud's Theory of Personality: The Psychic Apparatus

• Id: The primitive and instinctual part of the mind that contains sexual and aggressive drives and hidden memories (Pleasure principle).
• Ego: The mediator between the id and the external world, responsible for decision-making (Reality principle).
• Superego: The moral compass that incorporates societal values and norms.

Behaviorism: Formulated by B.F. Skinner

Behaviorism posits that personality is formed through learned patterns of behavior.

• These patterns are acquired through reinforcement (reward or punishment).
• Behavior is shaped by conditioning.
• Behavior can be measured by observing an individual's response to stimuli.
• Positive or negative feedback can be used to reinforce desired behaviors.