Presented to:-Dr. (Mrs.) Asha BatraPresented by:-Anita Ruhil2009HS84D

Introduction

The word ‘personality’ has been derived from the Latin word ‘Persona’ which means ‘to sound through’ the term ‘persona’ refers to a mask through which an actor spoke his dialogues. In this sense it referred to external appearance, or the role one plays.

Each of us has a personality – unique and distinct from every other personality. Personality is the behaviour of of the individual in a situation. Mathematically-P = B×E

NATURE OF PERSONALITY

1. Wrong notions and misconceptions about Personality

2. Meaning and definitions of the term Personality

3. Some glaring facts regarding Personality

4. Structure of Personality

5. Determinants of Personality

A Wrong notions and misconceptions about Personality – we use personality as equivalent to one’s character. It is also a wrong notion. Character means moral or ethical term which refers to standards of right and wrong. While personality is purely a psychological term and hence it is not proper to use it in reference to the study of ethical values.we can not take personality as an equivalent word for outward appearance or behaviour. It is very superficial approach. We cannot ignore the inner aspect of one’s personality. Personality includes the totality of one’s behaviour and hence both inner and outer behaviour should be taken into consideration.

B Meaning and definitions of the term Personality

Layman’s definitions or unscientific definitions:-

1. Personality is the attractiveness of the individual.

2. Personality is the response value of the individual.

3. Personality is the general well built and health of the individual

These def. do not describe the full meaning of Personality

Scientific Definitions:-

1. R B Cattell - “Personality is that which permits prediction of what a person will do in a given situation”

2. Vernon – Personality is an “organized system of traits, sentiments, complexes and habits (together with interest and abilities) that distinguishes the individual, as we see him, from other individuals.”

C Some glaring facts regarding personality1. Personality is something unique and specific.2. Personality is self consciousness.3. Personality includes everything about a person.

It includes all the behaviour patterns i.e. conative, cognative and covers not only the conscious activities but goes deeper to semi-conscious and unconscious also.

4. Personality is not static, it is dynamic and ever in process of change and modification.

5. Every personality is the product of heredity and environment.

6. Learning and acquisition of experiences contribute towards growth and development of personality.

D Structure of PersonalityThe nature of personality will be rather incomplete if we

do not mention some important theories of personality. Which explain the structure of personality these are namely:-

A. Classification of Hippocrates on the basis of body humours

1. Sanguine – thin and tall person.

2. Melancholic – Sad and passiomistic person

3. Choleric – Person who are strong and easily excited

4. Phlegmatic – Slow and sluggish persons.

B. Kretchmer’s classification in terms of physical form and structure

1. Aesthenic – thin and tall individual

2. Athletic – good in muscular development and responsive

3. Pyknic – short, stout, easy going, popular

4. Dysplastic – abnormal built, jaint.

C. Shelden’s classification of somatic types on the basis of physical characteristics

1. Endomorphic – with round and soft body

2. Mesomorphic – with muscular and bony body

3. Ectomorphic – thin and tall physique

D. Jung’s classification1. Extrovert – social, adventurous, cooperative, bold have

fluency in speech2. Introvert – shy, sensitive, self centred, more thinking,

less flexible, less social and less adventourous3. Ambivert – having introvert tendency in one situation

and extrovert tendency in other situation

E. James classification1. Tenderminded – idealistic or religious minded2. Toughminded – materialistic and no faith or religion

F. Trotter’s classification1. Stable minded – who have fixed opinion and are rigid2. Unstable minded – changable or flexible

G. Spranger’s classification

1. Theoretical – Science oriented people

2. Economic – Money minded person

3. Aesthetic – Persons with artistic taste

4. Political – Interested in power

5. Social – Interested in social function and social activities

6. Religious – Religious minded people

Characteristics of Personality

1. Personality is always dynamic

2. Personality determines our thinking, reasoning and actions.

3. Personality is both physical and psychological

4. Personality has organized and integrated system

5. Personality develops through social integration

6. Personality has some uniqueness

7. Personality is self conscious

Each letter of the term personality also indicates the various qualities of personality i.e.

P = Perception CapacityE = Emotional MaturityR = Responsiveness to SituationsS = Self expression or SocioabilityO = OrganizedN = Not PermanentA = AppearanceL = Leadership FeelingI = IntegratedT = TendenciesY = Young

Determinants Of Personality or Factors Influencing The Growth And Development Of Personality

We can broadly classify these factors into two classes:-a) Personal factors b) Social factorsA. Personal factors 1. Physique2. Nervous system and ductless glands3. Mental and psychological factorsB. Social factors1. Home and family a) Parentsb) Parental attitudec) Position in the familyd) Size of family and birth ordere) Socio-economic status and the culture2. School environment3. Society

Techniques for assessment of personality

1. Observation

2. Situational Tests

3. Questionnaire

4. Personality Inventory

5. Rating Scale

6. Interview

7. Projective Techniques