What Are the Characteristics of Personality?
Personality is defined as individual characteristics that emerge from genetic and environmental influences and which subsequently change over time. Although there is generally no generally accepted definition of personality, several theories focus primarily on psychological functions and motivation in human beings. In addition, newer research has revealed that personality has a greater role in determining success in life than previously thought. The following article provides an explanation as to why personality may affect a person’s chances for success in life.
Several theories in psychology attempt to explain how personality traits and behaviors affect us. These theories include contingency theory, optimal allocation theory, additive genetic theory, behavior gene theory, human capital theory, and the familial theory of personality. Each of these theories offers a unique way to examine the role of personality in our lives. Additionally, each of these theories is influential in defining what is known as the “big picture” of how personality affects the variables that compose an individual’s life.
According to the contingency theory, personality traits are determined by circumstances and events that surround an individual. For instance, if a person has learned and had a strong disposition toward action since childhood, this could be an indication that they will take action in the face of adversity. In contrast, people who have a tendency to be afraid of uncertainty and unfamiliar situations may not be able to handle the stressors that come with new and different situations. The optimal allocation theory suggests that people will behave in ways that optimize their chances of success and avoid those behaviors that might hurt their success potential. According to the additive genetic theory, certain personality traits are controlled by genes and environment, and these traits can then be changed by a person’s behavior. According to the behavioral gene theory, individuals that have parents or other people who are closely related to them tend to have certain behavioral traits, and these traits can be modified through extensive training.
Myers-Briggs is a model used in organizational and psychological practice. The main advantage of using the Myers-Briggs model is that it can help identify personality characteristics that can be changed. The model is based on the “Myers-Brigg Type Indicator” (MBTI) that categorizes personalities into four broad categories. These categories are Dominance, Steadiness, Influence, and Conscientiousness. A person’s personality falls into one of these types from the expression of their dominant personality characteristic.
Since behavior is controlled by the personality trait that individual shows, personality psychologists can use the MBTI to determine the level of these personality traits, including their strengths and weaknesses. For example, a person that is high in Steadiness can be expected to be stable rather than adventurous. This is because stability is a positive trait that leads to the development of a balanced personality. In contrast, an individual who is high in Influence may find it difficult to take decisions that are influenced by their emotions, since these emotions make them act in a way that is unprincipled.
The fourth broad category is Conscientiousness, which indicates the need to evaluate the behavior and performance in terms of its effect on others. Individuals who score high in this area are caring and trustworthy, have high standards for success, and exhibit good organizational skills. Individuals who are low in conscientiousness tend to be rational, confident, and indecisive; have a narrow view of the world, and do not value or follow the basic principles of civilization, fairness, and justice. People who are introverted or not open to other people, as indicated by low openness to experience, are high in the Dominance style personality trait.
Myers-Brigg theory distinguishes seven different styles or personality types. Each personality type displays a set of strengths, but no corresponding strength or weakness. Broadly speaking, there are three major intangibilities or attitudes toward life: Steadiness, Dominance, and Conscientiousness. The first three are widely considered to be the “security” attitudes. While each of these personalities have different aspects, all three can be seen as indicating a person’s compatibility with others.
Research suggests that all the traits and aspects of personality make up a broad package of psychological attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. These attitudes and behaviors can vary from individual to individual and are influenced by personal experiences and early experiences. For example, a person who grew up in poverty may display characteristics of Steadiness, but may also show signs of Dominance, especially if they had a dominant parent. Similarly, a person who was extremely religious as a child may become a religious skeptic as an adult, but their personality would still likely display some of the same characteristics, since all humans share many traits.
