Human Behavior Explanations: Six Theories Exploring How People Tick
Personality theories in psychology aim to provide a framework for understanding human personality, including the causes and motivation for thoughts, behaviors, and social interactions. These hypotheses, experiments, case studies, and clinical research are led by scientists in the psychology and human behavior field.
One of the more recent developments in this field is the social cognitive theories, which focus on the role of observation, imitation, and learning in personality development. Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytical theory, first published in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, laid the foundation for this type of personality theory with the concepts of the id, ego, and superego. Freud's theory also introduced concepts such as the unconscious, defense mechanisms, and psychosexual stages of development.
The behaviorism theory proposes that human behavior is the direct result of facing rewards and punishments. According to this theory, how behavior is perceived as being reinforced is less important than the reinforcement itself. Albert Bandura's social learning theory takes this a step further by adding the component of thought, suggesting that people learn from observing others and internalising their behaviors and thought patterns.
Julian Rotter's expectancy-value theory proposes that human behavior is motivated by the expected rewards or punishment it can gain. This theory, along with Bandura's social learning theory, is considered part of the social cognitive theories of personality, which also includes behaviorism and social learning theory.
Biological personality theories assert that brain structures and neurophysiology are what determine personality traits. Evolutionary theories propose that human personality is primarily the result of genes and most useful traits. Trait theories propose that people's personalities vary according to which basic personality traits are more dominant, with the five-factor theory being one of the most popular.
Personality traits, such as reliability, extroversion, and ambition, are not skills or biological or physical differences, but rather behaviors and thought patterns that make an individual unique. Humanistic theories focus on understanding not only behavior and thought patterns, but also what gives an individual's life meaning, and propose that someone's personality depends heavily on what they think of themselves.
It is important to note that Sigmund Freud's theories on personality and development have been criticized for being male-dominant and demeaning towards females. The study of personality in psychology is still a developing field with no conclusive findings. Personality development exists in theory only and is subject to controversy.
In conclusion, personality theories offer valuable insights into human behavior, thoughts, and social interactions. While there is no definitive answer to the question of what determines personality, these theories provide a starting point for further research and understanding.
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