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- attempt to explain personality characteristics
- attempt to explain the way these characteristics develop and impact behavior/functioning
- aim can be categorized as biological, behavioral, psychodynamic, humanist, or trait focused |
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| Biological theories suggest that genetics are responsible for personality. Research on heritability suggests that there is a link between genetics and personality traits. |
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| Behavioral theories suggest that personality is a result of interaction between the individual and the environment. Behavioral theorists study observable and measurable behaviors, rejecting theories that take internal thoughts and feelings into account. |
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| Psychodynamic theories emphasize the influence of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences on personality. |
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| theories emphasize the importance of free will and individual experience in the development of personality. Humanist theorists emphasized the concept of self-actualization, which is an innate need for personal growth that motivates behavior. |
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| Trait theories posit that the personality is made up of a number of broad traits. A trait is basically a relatively stable characteristic that causes an individual to behave in certain ways. |
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