Personality

Psychophysiological Measures
Type of psychology: Personality
Field of study: Personality assessment
Psychophysiological studies comparing individuals with different personality traits
have sought to determine the physical characteristics of particular behavioral characteristics.
Such research can provide information that helps clarify the importance of
various personality types with regard to risk of psychological and physical disorders.
Key concepts
• anxiety sensitivity
• locus of control
• personality
• psychophysiology
• Type A behavior pattern
A broad definition of personality typically includes the dimensions of stability,
determinism, and uniqueness. That is, personality changes little over
time, is determined by internal processes and external factors, and reflects
an individual’s distinctive qualities. Personality also can be thought of as
unique, relatively stable patterns of behavior, multiply determined over the
course of an individual’s life. There are many theories for understanding
the development of these patterns of behavior.
Twin studies have provided evidence that biological factors help to shape
personality; such studies support Hans Eysenck’s theory that personality is
inherited. The psychodynamic perspective holds that personality is determined
primarily by early childhood experiences. Some of the most influential
contributions to this perspective came from Sigmund Freud. He argued
that unconscious forces govern behavior and that childhood experiences
strongly shape adult personality via coping strategies people use to deal with
sexual urges. B. F. Skinner, founder of modern behavioral psychology, assumed
that personality (or behavior) is determined solely by environmental
factors. More specifically, he believed that consequences of behavior are instrumental
in the development of unique, relatively stable patterns of behavior
in individuals. According to Albert Bandura’s social learning perspective,
models have a great impact on personality development. That is,
patterns of behavior in individuals are influenced by the observation of others.
Finally, the humanistic perspective of Carl Rogers suggests that personality
is largely determined by the individual’s unique perception of reality in
comparison to his or her self-concept.