Personality_and_Emotions

8/7/2019 Personality_and_Emotions

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/personalityandemotions 1/15

Personality

Why are some people quiet and passive, while others are loud and aggressive? Arecertain personality types better adapted for certain job types? Before we can answer these

questions we need to address a more basic one: What is personality?

The ancient Greeks thought that the answer to this question lies in four basic body builds

of humors: blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile.The term ‘personality’ is derived from a Latin word ‘persona’. ‘Persona’ means the

masks the actors of olden times wore and the character, they portrayed.When we talk of personality we don’t mean that a person has charm, a positive attitude

towards life, a smiling face or is a finalist for Happiest and Friendliness in this year’s Miss

America contest. When psychologists talk of personality, they mean a dynamic concept

describing the growth and development of a person’s whole psychological system. Rather thanlooking at parts of the person, personality looks at some aggregate whole that is greater than

the sum of the parts.

The layman still understands and uses the term personality to mean the outwardappearance of a person and the impressions he makes on others. We often say things like “Mr.

X is tall and handsome. He has a wonderful personality.” “Mr. Y is short and dark. He haslittle personality.

Types of personalities

(A) Type Theories Some psychologists have tried to classify people into a few groups on the basis of their

personality pattern.Greek physician, Hippocrates classified people into 4 groups on the basis their

temperament. He believed that the temperament is determined by their body fluid. This is anearly attempt to explain personality through biochemistry.

(I) Hippocrates’ Classification:

Type Of Body Fluid Type Of Personality Temperament

Blood Sanguine Optimistic, jovial, cheerful,

adjusting

Phlegm Phlegmatic Cold, Passive, Lethargic

Black Bile Melancholic Pessimistic, dejected, sensitive

Yellow Bile Choleric Irritable, impulsive, active,

powerful.



(II) Kretschmer’s Classification

Personality Type Physique Temperament(a) The pyknic Short and stubby Outgoing nature

(b) The Athletic Muscular Energy and aggressiveness.

(c) The Asthenic or Leptosome

Tall and thin Withdrawn and introverted

However, it soon became apparent that people do not by and large divide up into these

categories. Moreover, even those who do fit into the stereotype of pyknic or an athletic need not have

the personality type that is supposed to go with the physique.

(III) Sheldon’s classification:

Types Physique Temperament

(a) Endomorph Fat, short, soft. Easy-going social.

(b) Mesomorph Have strong muscles and bones Action-oriented, adventurous.

(c) Ectomorph Fragile, thin Shy, introverted.

However, Sheldon accepted the fact that people cannot have characteristics of one type

only. An individual can also possess the three primary characteristics of Endomorphy,Mesomorphy and Ectomorphy at varying degree. Sheldon then further went on to explain an

individual’s personality type by substituting quantitative ratings of both the bodily and

psychological characteristics.



(B) Jung’s Classification Jung divided people into two types on the basis of their temperament. These two types,

introvert and extrovert are most famous. An introvert is self centered and shy. An extrovert on

the other hand is a practical and talkative person. Philosophers, scientists etc belong to the first

group while administrators and politicians belong to the second group.

A 3rd type was added by other psychologists. The term used was Ambivert which means

that an individual is neither completely introvert or extrovert but is likely to change depending

on the situation.



(C) Freudian Theory According to Freud, personality is made up of three basic components; Id, Ego &

Superego.

Id

It is considered to be the ‘I’ aspect of personality.

It functions on principle of pleasure.

It is ego-centric

Ego

It is considered to be the ‘you’ aspect of personality.

It protects the individual from indiscriminate satisfaction.

It maintains a balance between the Id and Superego.

Superego It is ‘we’ or ‘other’ centered.

Functions on the principle of perfection

It is considered to be our conscience.



l

f

-

ac

t

u

a

l

is

a

t

i

o

n

Beauty,

order

Knowledge,

understanding

Self-esteem, Approval

Love and belongingness

Safety from physical danger

Food, water, sex and other requirements for survival



Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need

(D) Humanistic Theories Carl Rogers says that the most important aspect of personality is the SELF, the conscious

part of personality i.e. concerned with thinking, feeling & making judgments. He believes that

our most basic motivation is to maintain and actualize the self.

(E) Behavioural and Social Learning Theories These theories emphasize the role of external quest in personality formation.

Behaviourists like Albert Bandura, Gordon Allport & Sigmund Freud have contributed in this.

Determinants of PersonalityThere are two determinants of personality.

Psychological

Biological

Biological Factors

Genetic conditions:-

It includes colour blindness, baldness, type of mental retardation called

mongolisms etc.

Physique

Being too tall or too short

Physical defects

Being crippled, blind or deaf etc.

Endocrine glands

Pituitary, Thyroid, Parathyroid and Adrenal glands.



Psychological Factors

(1) Early childhood experiences

Traumatic experiences like getting trapped in the elevator, being left alone in the house at

night etc.

(2) Parent-Child relationship

Acceptance, rejection, over protection, over-permissiveness, harsh discipline etc.

(3) Family-life patterns

Mothering, love and understanding between parents, position of the child in the family,

democratic family relationships etc.

Birth Order and Average Personality Traits

Birth Order Personality Traits

The first born child

The second Child

The Middle Child

The Youngest Child

Uncertainty, insecurity, dependency,

responsibility, conservatism, lack of dominance

and aggressiveness, sensitiveness, timidity,introversion, strong achievement drive, need for affiliation and proneness to behavior disorders.

Independence, aggression, fun-loving,gregariousness, adventuresome.

Aggressiveness, easily distracted, cravesdemonstrations of affection, jealousy, inferiority,

inadequacy, and feelings of parental neglect.

Feelings of security, generous, good natured,spoiled, immature, extroverted, resentments

against older siblings, irresponsible and happy.

(4) Peer-group influence



The clothes one wears, special “lingo”, mannerisms, values determined by his friends

etc.

(5) School and Personality

A child accepted and admired by the group feels secure and develops self-confidence.

NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR INTERPRETATION

Brisk, erect walk Confidence

Standing with hands on hips Readiness, aggression

Sitting with legs crossed, footkicking slightly

Boredom

Sitting, legs apart Open, relaxed

Arms crossed on chest Defensiveness

Walking with hands in pockets,shoulders hunched

Dejection

Hand to cheek Evaluation, thinking

Touching, slightly rubbing nose Rejection, doubt, lying

Rubbing the eye Doubt, disbelief

Hands clasped behind back Anger, frustration, apprehension

Locked ankles Apprehension

Head resting in hand, eyesdowncast

Boredom

Rubbing hands Anticipation

Sitting with hands clasped behind

head, legs crossedConfidence, superiority

Open palm Sincerity, openness, innocence

Pinching bridge of nose, eyes

closed Negative evaluation



Tapping or drumming fingers Impatience

Steeping fingers Authoritative

Patting/fondling hair Lack of self-confidence; insecurity

Tilted head Interest

Stroking chin Trying to make a decision

Looking down, face turned away Disbelief

Biting nails Insecurity, nervousness

Measurement of Personality TestThe uses of personality test:

(1) Self awareness

(2) For understanding others(3) Career choice

(4) For research purposes.

(5) For diagnosis of personality disorders.

Types of Measurement

(1)Observational techniques These would include rating scales, interviews & situational tests.

Rating ScalesThis includes rating an individual on various qualities that might be relevant in

assessment of personality. The rating might be done by a significant individual. Eg. Parent or

teacher or by the individual himself. There are two kinds of error.

a) The Halo effect



It is the tendency to rate an individual higher than what he/she is because of an initial

impression that has been positive or pleasant.

b) Error of Lineancy

Sometimes an individual is rated negatively or unfavorably only because the individual

had a negative experience with that person. This is known as the Error of Lineancy.

c) Sometimes rating scales may not give a clear picture of the individual as people maychoose a safe option to avoid extremes.

(2)The Interviews It has been used successfully as a tool for selection of career. It is useful in psychology

therapy or assessment of personality. But it has several limitations.

(3) Situational Tests .It involves an independent observer to record the individual behavior in any given

situation. Sometimes the individual is aware of it; sometimes they are not really informed. It

reveals aspect of personality that is vital in understanding the individual. It is not absolutelyfair to the individual. It is a difficult method and lacks reliability.

Personality Inventories.These are also known as self report tests. They are studies generally by psychologists.

They are reliable and valid over time. They generally have format of 2 or 3 alternatives. They

have a definite format for scoring & interpretation. Most of all, personality inventories have alie scale. The only problem with most personality inventories is that the individual may not be

honest. These tests are used extensively by psychologists. Well-known personality inventory

includes the following.

I. Sixteen personality factor by Raymond Cattel.

II. MMPI- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory.- It is spfc test for clinical

diagnosis. It has 550 items.III. CPI- California Personality Inventory.

IV. PIC- Personality Inventory for Children.

V. EPQ- Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire.

VI. HSPQ- High School Personality QuestionnaireVII. Bell’s Adjustment Inventory.

Protective Techniques.They are based on Sigmund Freud’s theory of projection. According to him, whatever is

in the unconscious is projected outside in the conscious level in a form that the individual may



not be aware of. There are a variety of projective techniques. The most well-known & the 1st

has devised by:

Hermann Rorschach (1921) It was known as ‘Rorschach’s ink blot test’. It has a set of 10 cards with ink blots, 5 are in

black & white, 5 are in coloured. Each of these cards has a picture i.e. unstructured &

ambiguous. The individual is asked to the card. The psychologists will interpret the responseon the basis of 4 criteria.

(i) Location:

I.e. the area the subject perceives.(ii) Determinant:

I.e. the characteristic the subject perceives.

(iii) Content:It refers to what is actually seen.

(iv) Category:

It refers to the original or popular.

In general test is very subjective. Psychologists differ in their interpretation. Some

believe it to be unethical. However, it serves as an imp. Tool for clinical diagnosis.

Other well-known projective techniques include the following.

(i) TAT – Thematic Apperception Test by Murray, Morgan.

(ii) CAT – Children’s Apperception Test by Murray, Morgan.(iii) World Association Test – Carl Jung

(iv) HTP – House Tree Person Test.

(v) Sentence Completion Test. (Sacks)(vi) Draw a person/man test.

Interface with Various Personalities.We have asked some questions to individuals from different fields to know their different

aspects of the personality according to their fields. Here are some questions asked and the

answers given by them

Housewife

Question: What does u have to say about male dominance in today’s society regarding ego-

hassles?

Answer: Indian society is a male dominated society. Even if the female is highly qualified andholds high status at work place

Question: In a crisis situation you are compelled to go for work, how would you manage work

and home then?



Answer: since in society is a male dominated society, female/housewives have to manage the

situation in crisis too by extending help, knowledge and the responsibility.

Question: What is it that you like most (in your childhood)? Is your dream a reality today? Do

you think you can pursue your dream now? What do you want your child to be, why?Answer: Every mother thinks that her child is the best and helps to develop dream for her

child. If dreams are constantly visualized one stream to turn then in reality therefore dreams areimportant.

Analysis: She is strong, adjusting and practical.

Laborer

Question: How do you manage both house and working elsewhere?

Answer: I have lots of problems. I wake up at 5, cook. I worked for full day. Then I go home. Icook food again. I have to be very fast.

Question: If you are blamed for a robbery, how do you handle it?

Answer: I will leave that work.

Question: How do you react for additional work?Answer: I adjust with that. And I will not leave the job. If they increase my job, I will tell them

to increase the money.

Question: What are your preferences? Do u want to work in any particular family?Answer: There are no such expectations.

Analysis: Hardworking, loyal, lack of self confidence, efficient but not effective, introvert,

patient, submissive.

H R Manager

Question: To recruit a person what kind of personality do you look for?Answer: It depends 70% on how does he walks. 20% how does he speak. And 10% on what he

talks.

Question: When your employee is not meeting your expectations how do you handle it?



Answer: There are two possibilities in such case. It is either capacity issue. Or competence

issue. In case of capacity issue, we gave him training. And there is competence issue then we

do counseling.

Analysis: Perfectionist, high level of self confidence, sophisticated, passive, strong, practical,Action oriented, attractive, cheerful and outgoing.

Doctor

Question: How do you handle careless patients?

Answer: I tell them the consequences of diseases. I tell them that complications may arise because of ignorance.

Question: If he does not co-operate or if he doesn’t want a prick then how do you handle them?

Answer: Alternative medicines will be given to him. But effect of injection is fast, so I will tellhim the advantage of that.

Question: after the whole treatment, if the patient does not pay then what do you do?

Answer: In such cases, we can’t do anything professionally or otherwise.

Analysis: Patient, understanding, practical, co-operative, trusting.

Mr. Suryakant Gaglani (Doctor)

Question: How do you handle careless patients?

Answer: I tell them the consequences of the disease. I tell them that the complications may

arise because of ignorance. Also I give them examples of other patients.

Question: If he does not cooperate or if he doesn’t want a prick then how do you handle them?

Answer: Alternative medicines are available for every injection. But effect of injection is fastso I will tell them the advantage of that.

Question: After the whole treatment, if the patient does not pay then what do you do?

Answer: In such cases, we cant do anything professional or otherwise.

Analysis: Patient, Understanding, Practical, Cooperative, and Trusting.



Mr.Kishor Jawale (Lawyer)

Question: How do you manage a long run case?Answer: Usually we have idea about how long the case will go. So we are always prepared for

that.

Question: How do u decide your moves?Answer: I analyze what the opponent has to say. And then I take my moves.

Question: How do you handle failure?

Answer: I am not personally involved in any case. Important thing is that I and my clientshould get work satisfaction. Failure is not really criteria for me. I succeed from my

experience.

Analysis: He is Pragmatic, Confident, Optimistic, Aggressive, Passive, Analytical and Critical.

Common CaseOne common question was asked to different people from different age groups:-

Question:

“If you were a by-stander in the Gateway of India incident where in two Manipuri girls wereattacked – How would you have reacted?”

Responses of the people.

1. Kinnari, Age-15

I may call other people to help or call for the ambulance.

She is sympathetic but insensitive.

2. Deepika, Age-25

Avoid helping, as investigation would take place. And I would run away.

Insensitive & coward.

3. Manish, Age-18I would try to help but if scene becomes too dangerous, I would backed off. As no one would

want to put themselves in danger.

He is practical.

4. Radhika, Age-20



I would shout for help. But not gone and helped.

She is apprehensive.

5. Lata, Age-45

I would try to help by calling police but not gone for help personally because of my age.

Trying to avoid responsibilities by the excuse of age.

6. Arjun, Age-19I would try to save her after attackers are gone.

Practical

7. Sameer, Age-28I would try and help before attackers can escape. I would help by throwing stones and do

anything for help.

He is forthright, impulsive.

From the above we conclude that majority of them had one answer which proved, that

they all were sympathetic. However, when it questioned their own safety, they becameapprehensive. None of them were tough minded. Thus, we say that whether it is professional or

common individual, everyone has a distinct personality.

Date post:	09-Apr-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	chimanshu77888
View:	217 times
Download:	0 times

Personality_and_Emotions

Documents