Trait and Social Cognitive Theories

Two very popular theories of personality are the Trait theory and the Social Cognitive Theory, and both make very compelling cases. The Trait theory is usually associated with Gordon Allport and explains personality as a combination of certain traits that are innate inside us that form into our behaviors and actions. The Social Cognitive Theory is usually associated with Albert Bandura and explains personality as what we have learned through our environment but also intrinsic reinforcement is very important to the building of our personality. The Social Cognitive theory differs from the Trait Theory in that the in the Trait Theory it explains personality from mainly a nature perspective saying that personality is from innate traits; while the Social Cognitive theory explains personality from a nurture perspective, saying that personality is from both intrinsic reinforcement and also what we observe through our environment. The Trait theory also explains personality in 5 main traits that blend together to create behavior, these traits are extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness. The Social Cognitive Theory explains “locus of control” as one being in charge of their destiny because they control the contents of their minds and how they act. It also explains self-efficacy as one being able to control their abilities how easily they reach their goal.

I believe that the Social Cognitive Theory is a much more superior perspective of personality than the trait theory. I believe that we control the contents of our minds and that all of our actions and behaviors are from experiences and extrinsic reinforcement that we observe from our environment. The Trait Theory does not explain how life experiences that traumatize and scar us can change our personalities over time. I think that there is truth to both sides of the debate of “nature vs nurture”; we are born with innate personality qualities that influence the way we act, but we also...