Thursday, August 23, 2012


The seven factors that could possibly affect personality are: the genetic factor, environmental factor, learning factor, parental factor, development factor, consciousness factor, and the unconscious factor.
The Genetic Factor
Jung believed “ part of personality is innate, and part learned” (Schultz & Schultz, 2009, p.126). Additionally, Eysenck’s theory emphasized  traits of personality are mainly determined by genes and he supported his theory with the study of fraternal and identical twins. Research states identical twins are more alike in their personalities than fraternal twins, even when they are raised in different environments.  McCrae and Costa suggested neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness are five biologically based factors, and appear consistently in many cultures.
The Environmental Factor
This factor was acknowledged to have a great influence on personality because culture, parental and peers influence can affect the way an individual may react to the same situations.  Adler did not agree with Freud’s theory on inferiority complex on women.  Instead, he believed  such idea was “ a myth invented by men to maintain their alleged sense of superiority” (Schultz & Schultz, 2009, p.153). Consequently, society can have a great influence on gender status, such as Western culture that encourages women to pursue a career and be successful, on top of motherhood and wife status. Allport also added to this theory stating genes are the raw material and the environment shapes them.  
The Learning Factor
Inherited traits of personality can be changed by the process of learning. Bandura’s theory states individuals learn from watching models and we are constantly assuming those behaviors that lead to success and acceptance. Individuals can learn disinhibition, irrational fears, socialization, and ways to cope with issues such as stress and dangerous situations.  Self-efficacy, the ability to control life events, is highly related to perseverance and a high level performance.
The Parental Factor
Allport, Cattell, Erickson, Rogers,  and Maslow emphasized the great influence parents have on their children. I believe Roger’s theory explains in more detail the importance parents play on the development of the self in the childhood. Children who get an unconditional positive regard, especially from the mother, are more likely to become a fully functioning person.  According to Schulz & Schultz (2009), “ characteristics of the fully functional person are an awareness of all experiences, no conditions to defend against, the ability to live fully in each moment, trust in one’s self, a sense for freedom and a personal power, creativity and spontaneity” (p. 342).  Creativity, spontaneity, and freedom can be restricted if the individual belongs to a collectivist society, where these qualities are not allowed and are not socially acceptable.

The Developmental Factor
Freud’s theory states personality is shaped by the age of 5 and that it is difficult to re-shape it afterwards. Although early childhood years are crucial to shape and learn acceptable behavior, theorists such as Cattell, Allport, Erickson and Murray demonstrated personality continues to develop throughout life. In fact, Jung, Cattell, Maslow, and Erickson believed middle age is an important time of personality change. Erickson developed a theory that consisted in age states, that allows “ for the development of basic strengths that emerge from the adaptive ways of coping with the conflicts” ( Schultz & Schultz, 2009, p.236).
The Consciousness Factor and Unconscious Factor
Freud and Jung supported the idea the conscious or the ego allow us to interact with the real world. Kelly’s theory believed our ego plays an important role in making choices and he argued “ we form constructs about our environment  and about other people, and that we make predictions about them” ( Schultz & Schultz, 2009, p.478). Freud created an important theory about the unconscious, the hidden place in our minds where we store the darkest thoughts and behaviors not acceptable in our society.  Freud believed repression was one of the defense mechanisms that stops the individual to reveal primitive behavior and unacceptable thoughts.