Personality Vs Personality

1043 Words3 Pages

As individuals we all have something within us that sets us apart, and makes us unique, our personality. Maybe you’ve come across someone who isn’t the easiest to get along with, and someone utters, “Don’t take it personally; they were born with a bad personality.” While some believe personality is entirely dependent upon your parents, your friends, and merely the way you were born, people neglect the science behind the traits of personality. Personality is defined as an individual’s characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting. It is through personality that we are able to explore our innermost being and determine why we act and react to things the way we do, and what makes us make the decisions we choose. Sigmund Freud is one of the most popular and credited scientists in the history of psychology. When Freud sought how to treat his patients, he discovered that there were some patients who had nothing physically wrong with them. Freud began to explore the possibility that these patients may be suffering from a mental rather than physical disorder and his lead to his discovery of the unconscious. Freud determined the unconscious was basin of thoughts, feelings, memories, and wishes that were mostly unacceptable. Other psychologists believe unconsciousness is merely information we process that we are unaware of. Part of exploring the unconscious was to analyze the dreams patients were having. Patients were able to relay the deepest parts of their minds be using free association. Free association is when a person relaxes completely and reacts however they want without feeling shame or embarrassment. It was through free association and freedom of expression that Freud was able to determine a patient’s personality. Per... ... middle of paper ... ...Freud’s theories are no longer entirely valid and many are debated, many of his ideas remain in contemporary psychology. Research continues to try and further the development of psychological personality and its theories. While Freud took a psychoanalytic perspective, psychologists Abraham Maslow and Carl Rodgers saw a humanistic perspective on personality. Maslow believed that motive of personality was that human intentions formed a hierarchy of needs. This meant that when basic needs were fulfilled, people would strive toward a state of self-peace and tranquility, knowing that their basic needs were met. Rodgers believed similarly to Maslow. He believed that people were essentially good. He believed that extending a positive and open environment to another person led to unconditional positive regard, which is an attitude of complete acceptance towards a person.

Open Document