ABSTRACT
This chapter is devoted to personality theory. The chapter opens with a review of early theories of the conscious and unconscious mind, looking at both Freud’s and Jung’s psychoanalytical theories, before presenting contemporary models of the mind, including the adaptive unconscious and system 1 and 2 thinking. Constructivism is then discussed, where both Piaget’s genetic epistemology and Kelly’s constructive alternativism are considered. In the next section, the use of trait theory is discussed as a proxy for explaining personality. Finally, the behaviourist’s notion of personality is considered, including classic and operant conditioning, where personality is seen as a product of learnt responses to environmental stimulus. Contemporary behaviourist theory is discussed, where personality as an internal construct is acknowledged. Throughout, practical examples of putting personality theory into action are presented. Upon reading this chapter, the reader will have gained an appreciation of personality as a determinant of behavioural tendencies.
