Introduction to Personality

Introduction to Personality

There is no one set definition to personality. Personality theorists all have a different definition thus being unable to agree on one set definition. Our personalities change constantly due to experiences, environment, mood, friends, family, how we were raised, worldly experiences, and even between work, home, and school life. Our personalities are constantly changing to better adapt to the challenges throughout our lives. A majority of theorists will however agree that there are some permanent traits in personalities that will lead to not only stability but also to individuality. Even though there are individuals who are incredibly similar they will have some traits that are unique to them.

Personality theorists have to have a vast perspective in psychology and in theoretical traditions. There are six theoretical aspects of the human nature that can be examined to hopefully better explain personalities. One of the six aspects is free will versus determinism. Determinism is an outside force that the individual has no control over and thus sparks behavior. Determinism can range from environmental, biological, or even unconsciousness depending on the theory being used. Determinism affects out behaviors and personality traits without the individual being consciously aware of it. Free will is the other side of determinism. Free will is the individual making a conscious choice on his or her personalities and behaviors; meaning they are individually responsible for their behavior and choices. A great example is that when at a party will the individual choose an alcoholic beverage or a non- alcoholic beverage; this is determined if and when they take responsibility for their actions.

Aspect number two is optimism versus pessimism. There is a massive difference between these two subjects like seeing the glass as half full or half empty. Optimistic are in simple terms optimistic, they see the good in life by taking a...