Your
Changing
PersonalityCHAPTER 3
What is your Personality?
Personality: The “Total” you. The way you
think, feel, and behave. What people see
of you
Self-Image: The characteristics you see in
yourself
Two Theories On Personality
Development
1. Erikson’s Eight Stages of Life
Age period experiences influence
personality and behavior later in life
2. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Needs have to be met to progress on to
higher levels. Eventually leading to the
ultimate
SELF ACTUALIZATION
Erikson’s 8 Stages
1. Infancy (0-1)
a. Learn trust
b. Needs will
be met
If neglected during this
time….may distrust throughout a lifetime
2. Toddler (1-2)
a.
Independence.
“Terrible twos”
b. Self-will
If unaccomplished…may be dependent whole
life
Erikson’s 8 Stages
3. Preschool (3-5)
a. Learn initiative (think and do w/o being told to do)
b. curiosity/imagination
If discouraged….may avoid leadership and risk later in life
4. School Age (6-12)
a. Industriousness (steady effort)
b. confidence to pursue self-chosen goals
If development fails, adult will lack social confidence and perform poorly
Erikson’s 8 stages
5. Adolescence (12-20)
a. Develop identity
b. Fit into social circle
c. pick out role
models
Failure in this development
will lead to insecurity
and loss of direction
6. Young Adulthood (21-
40)
a. Develop close
personal relationships
b. Commit to love, work, and social
group
Failure in this development
leads to avoidance of
positive relationships
Erikson’s 8 stages
7. Adulthood (41- 60)
a. Generosity-
helping others
b. Pride in
accomplishments
Failure in this
development area
leads to self-
involvement
8. Older Adulthood (61
and older)
a. Retain satisfaction
with life
b. Fulfilled with life
Undeveloped previous
stages will lead to despair,
isolation, fear of death
Maslow’s Hierarchy of
Needs
Needs have to be met to progress on to
higher levels. Eventually leading to the
ultimate
SELF ACTUALIZATION
Your fullest potential; “all that you can be”
Maslow’s Hierarchy
Physiological: Needs for food, clothing, shelter
Safety: Need to feel safe, secure
Love: Need to be loved and feel emotionally secure
Maslow’s Hierarchy of
Needs
Esteem: Need to feel respect and esteem
Self-actualization: accept others as they are, self-motivated, problem solvers, strong values, at peace with themselves
Gender and Personality
Gender: male/female
Gender role: roles assigned by society of
each gender
Boys – blue, trucks, trains, cars, tough
Girls – pink, dolls, make-up, emotional
Gender and Personality
Gender Identity: The parts of the
male/female role that a person accepts
and lives by
How can stereotypes inhibit someone’s
individual development?
Developing Self-Esteem
Self-Esteem: Value you attach to your self-image
-Self Acceptance is the most important aspect
-Be proud of who you are
-Don’t compare yourself
-Don’t let your failures define you
Self Esteem
Negative Self-Esteem is associated with:Drug-use/abuse
Crime
Violence
Pregnancy
Failure to learn
Peer Groups
Group of Individuals that you associate
with who share things in common
What do they provide:
Companionship
Help calm fears of being “alone” in
situations
Offer support/advice
Negative Peer
Groups
Slow or inhibit individual development
1. Cliques: reject newcomers, judge each other
harshly
2. Gangs: Express aggression against other groups
3. Cults: Share intense admiration of a person or
principle