type and trait theories of personality Flashcards
(43 cards)
What are the two main approaches to understanding personality?
Type and Trait approaches
These approaches focus on broad patterns of behavior (Type) and specific psychological attributes (Trait).
What does the type approach to personality emphasize?
Broad patterns in observed behavioral characteristics
Individuals are categorized into types based on similarities in their behaviors.
What does the trait approach focus on?
Specific psychological attributes along which individuals tend to differ
Examples include traits like shyness and friendliness.
True or False: The interactional approach suggests that internal personality traits are the only factors influencing behavior.
False
Situational characteristics also play a crucial role.
What are some situations where the compelling influence of situational characteristics can be observed?
Market, courtroom, place of worship
These environments can significantly affect people’s behavior.
Who proposed a typology of personality based on humors?
Hippocrates
He classified people into four types: sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic, and choleric.
What are the three categories of temperament in Charak Samhita?
Vata, Pitta, Kapha
These relate to three humor elements called tridosha.
List the three gunas in Indian personality typology.
- Sattva
- Rajas
- Tamas
Each guna represents different behavioral attributes.
What are the characteristics of the Sattva guna?
- Cleanliness
- Truthfulness
- Dutifulness
- Detachment
- Discipline
These attributes reflect a positive temperament.
What personality types did Sheldon propose based on body build and temperament?
Endomorphic, Mesomorphic, Ectomorphic
Each type is associated with specific physical and temperamental traits.
Describe the Endomorphic personality type.
Fat, soft, round; relaxed and sociable
This type is characterized by a softer body build and sociable nature.
What is the key characteristic of introverts according to Jung’s typology?
Prefer to be alone and avoid others
Introverts tend to withdraw in the face of emotional conflict.
What defines a Type-A personality?
High motivation, lack of patience, always in a hurry
Type-A individuals may be more susceptible to health issues like hypertension.
What is a characteristic of Type-B personality?
Absence of Type-A traits
Type-B individuals are generally more relaxed.
What does Type-C personality refer to?
Prone to cancer, cooperative, unassertive
Type-C individuals often suppress negative emotions.
What recent personality type is characterized by a proneness to depression?
Type-D personality
Type-D individuals may experience higher levels of distress.
True or False: Personality typologies provide a complex understanding of human behavior.
False
They are often too simplistic and do not account for the complexity of human behavior.
What are trait approaches primarily concerned with?
The description or characterisation of basic components of personality
What do trait approaches attempt to identify?
Primary characteristics of people
What is a trait considered to be?
A relatively enduring attribute or quality on which one individual differs from another
What are the three key characteristics of traits?
- Relatively stable over time
- Generally consistent across situations
- Their strengths and combinations vary across individuals
Who is considered the pioneer of the trait approach?
Gordon Allport
What did Allport propose about traits?
Individuals possess a number of traits that are dynamic in nature and determine behavior
How did Allport categorize traits?
- Cardinal traits
- Central traits
- Secondary traits
