Amalgamation of Approaches

Allport provided theoretical and research alternatives at a time when a variety
of competing approaches, including humanistic, psychoanalytic, and behavioral
perspectives, were seeking preeminence in psychology. Allport
found many existing theories to be limiting, overly narrow, and inadequate
for describing the wide variations in human personality. As a result, he proposed
an eclectic approach to theory that combined the strengths of various
other perspectives. Instead of emphasizing a single approach, Allport
thought that personality can be both growth-oriented and proactive, as well
as reactive and based on instinctual processes. Through an eclectic approach,
he hoped that the understanding of personality would become
more complete.
Allport was also concerned that many of the existing theories of his time,
especially psychoanalytic theories, virtually ignored the healthy personality.
In contrast to Sigmund Freud, Allport strongly emphasized conscious aspects
of personality and believed that healthy adults are generally aware of
their motivations. Unlike Freud’s notion that people are motivated to reduce
the tension of instinctual drives, he believed that people seek the kind
of tension that allows them to grow, develop goals, and act in innovative
ways.