Lecture 3

Personality Psychology:
(Theories of Personality. Character.
Types of temperament. Human Intelligence)
 The branch of General Psychology that studies a
human personality, character, temperament, human
intelligence is called personality psychology.
Why is personality psychology so important and what
opportunities does it provide?
Thanks to Personality Psychology we can:
Predict Behavior
Understanding personality helps psychologists to predict how we might behave in certain situations and
why.
A more accurate understanding of behavioral patterns can help predict many outcomes ranging from
educational achievement and job performance to life satisfaction and eating habits.
Explain Behavior
Understanding personality psychology also helps to explain our emotional reactivity, motivations, and
decision-making processes.
Ultimately, understanding personality can provide insight into ourselves and people around us, leading
to better relationships, improved communication skills, self-awareness, and personality development.
Understand Personality Disorders
Personality psychology helps mental health professionals to understand personality disorders better.
Examples of Personality Disorders include Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Narcissistic
Personality Disorder (NPD), and Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD). By understanding these
conditions mental health professionals can offer better support and treatment plans for people suffering
from them.
 Theories of Personality
During the development of general psychology, several types of
personality theories appeared and were developed by different
psychologists.
Theories of personality seek to explain how personality forms, how
it changes, and what impact it has on a human behavior. In order to
understand the personality theories in psychology, it is essential to
understand some of the basics about personality.

What exactly is personality? Where does it come from? Does it

change as we grow older? All these questions inspired psychologists
to develop a number of different theories of personality.
 Theories of Personality

Six of the main theories of personality are:

1. Biological theory
2. Behavioral theory
3. Psychodynamic theory
4. Humanist theory
5. Trait theory
6. The 5-Factor model of personality
1.Biological Theory of Personality
Biological approaches suggest that genetics are responsible for personality.

Research on heritability suggests that there is a link between genetics and

personality traits. Twin studies are often used to investigate which traits might be
linked to genetics in comparison with those that might be linked to environmental
variables. For example, researchers might look at differences and similarities in the
personalities of twins raised together in comparison to those who were raised apart.

One of the best known biological theorists was Hans Eysenck, who linked aspects of
personality to biological processes.
Eysenck argued that personality is influenced by the stress hormone cortisol.
According to his theory, introverts have high cortical arousal and avoid stimulation,
while extroverts had low cortical arousal and crave stimulation.
2.Behavioral Theory of Personality

Behavioral theorists include Burrhus Frederic Skinner and John Broadus Watson.
Behavioral theories suggest that personality is a result of interaction between the
individual and the environment. Behavioral theorists study observable and
measurable behaviors. They rejected theories that take internal thoughts, moods, and
feelings as they cannot be measured.

According to behavioral theorists, conditioning (predictable behavioral responses)

occurs through interactions with our environment which ultimately shapes our
personalities.
3. Psychodynamic Theory of Personality
Psychodynamic theory of personality is heavily influenced by the work of Sigmund
Freud and emphasize the influence of the unconscious mind and childhood
experiences on personality.
Freud believed in the three components of personality: the id, the ego, and the
superego. The id is responsible for needs and urges, while the superego regulates
ideals and morals. The ego, in turn, moderates the demands of the id, superego, and
reality.
4.Humanist Theory of Personality
Humanist theory emphasizes the importance of free will and individual experience in
the development of personality. Humanist theorists include Carl Rogers and
Abraham Maslow.
Humanist theorists promote the concept of self-actualization, which is the innate
need for personal growth and the ways that personal growth motivates behavior.
5.Trait Theory of Personality
The trait theory of Gordon Allport, an American psychologist made a significant contribution to
our understanding of personality. Allport categorized traits into three levels: cardinal
traits, central traits, and secondary traits. These levels provide a framework for identifying
and classifying the various dimensions of personality.
Cardinal traits are rare and defining characteristics that shape a person’s entire personality.
These traits are so dominant and influential that they drive a person’s behavior and become the
primary focus of their life.
Central traits are major characteristics that describe an individual and play a significant role in
shaping their personality. Unlike cardinal traits, central traits are not as all-encompassing but are
still highly influential. These traits form the core of a person’s personality and are observed
across various situations and interactions.
Secondary traits are more situational and contextual. For example, a person may
display secondary traits of assertiveness and confidence in a leadership role but not in other
situations.
 6.The 5-factor model of personality (the big 5 theory)
The Big Five Theory, also known as the Five-Factor Model, is the
most widely accepted personality theory held by psychologists today.
The Big 5 theory suggests that all personalities can be characterized
by five major personality dimensions: known by the acronym OCEAN.

1.Openness
2.Conscientiousness
3.Extroversion
4.Agreeableness
5.Neuroticism
1. Openness
People who are high in openness tend to have a broad range of interests. They are
curious about the world and other people and are eager to learn new things and enjoy
new experiences.

People who are high in this personality trait also tend to be more adventurous and
creative. To the contrary, people low in this personality trait are often much more
traditional and may struggle with abstract thinking.
2.Conscientiousness
Among each of the personality traits, conscientiousness is one defined by high levels of
thoughtfulness, good impulse control, and goal-directed behaviors. Highly conscientious
people tend to be organized and mindful of details. They plan ahead, think about how their
behavior affects other people, and meet the deadlines.

Someone scoring lower in this primary personality trait is less structured and less organized.
They may procrastinate to get things done, sometimes missing deadlines completely.
3. Extraversion
Extraversion is a personality trait characterized by excitability, sociability, talkativeness,
assertiveness, and high amounts of emotional expressiveness.
People high in extraversion are outgoing and tend to gain energy in social situations. Being
around other people helps them feel energized and excited.

People who are low in this personality trait or introverted tend to be more reserved. They
have less energy to expend in social events and can feel draining. Introverts often require a
period of solitude and quiet in order to "recharge."
4.Agreeableness
This personality trait includes attributes such as trust, altruism, kindness, affection,
and other prosocial behaviors. People who are high in agreeableness tend to be
more cooperative while those low in this personality trait tend to be more competitive
and sometimes even manipulative.
5.Neuroticism
Neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by sadness, moodiness, and emotional
instability. Individuals who are high in neuroticism tend to experience mood swings,
anxiety, irritability, and sadness. Those low in this personality trait tend to be more
stable and emotionally resilient.
 What is Personality?
Personality is a pattern of repeated characteristics that create
individuality and consistency in a person. Unique and
individualized behaviors and our reactions in different situations
make up our personality.
Example
When the subway stopped for 20 minutes due to a power cut
you may have laughed, texted your boss, and turned to your
phone for some news or entertainment. However, another
passenger may have huffed and got angry and carried their
irritations with them throughout the rest of the day. The way in
which we react to specific situations or stimuli is part of our
personality.
 What is Personality
Unlike character, which cannot be seen easily, personality can be
easily observed and understood. An individual’s behavior is shaped
according to his/her personality traits. People behave in different
manners on different occasions due to their personality differences.
Personality is not an inborn feature, but it is developed with the social
encounters.
So many psychologists and researchers do studies about the
personality development of individuals, and there are also so many
methods that an individual can follow to improve his/her personality
traits. It can be said that the best period to cultivate good personality
skills is one’s childhood. That is the developing stage of a person, and it
is easy to acquire good personality skills during childhood.
 Carl Jung's Theory of extraversion and introversion
Carl Jung, a prominent figure in psychology, introduced the concept of extraversion and
introversion as personality traits of a person. According to Jung, extraversion refers to an
attitude where individuals focus their energy outwardly on social interaction and external
stimuli. In contrast, introversion represents an attitude characterized by an inward focus
on personal thoughts and feelings. Jung believed that these attitudes were determined
by inherent predispositions in individuals, rather than environmental influences.

Jung's work on this topic has had a lasting impact on modern psychological theory and
research. His concepts of extraversion and introversion have been integrated into
various personality assessments and have contributed to the development of personality
psychology.
Researchers continue to study the influence of extraversion and introversion on various
aspects of behavior, cognition, and emotion, demonstrating the enduring significance of
Jung's work in this area.
 Introversion Extroversion and Ambiversion
Introversion and extroversion are two key dimensions of personality. Introversion is
characterized by a preference for quiet settings, solitude, and reflection. Introverts tend to
feel more comfortable in small, intimate settings and often need time alone to recharge.
Extroversion, on the other hand, involves a preference for social interaction, excitement,
and stimulation. Extroverts thrive in large groups and enjoy being the center of attention.

Ambiversion is a term used to describe individuals who exhibit traits of both introversion
and extroversion. Ambiverts are often described as being flexible and adaptable in their
social behavior, as they can express both traits, depending on the situation.
Understanding these dimensions can help individuals better understand themselves and
those around them, as well as provide insight into the dynamics of relationships and social
situations.
Introvert, Extrovert or Ambivert
 What is Character
The basic definition of character can be referred to as the qualities
of an individual. A person could have good as well as bad qualities, and
depending on these qualities, we can decide the character of the particular
individual. A person becomes outstanding in the society because of his/her
character. Character is developed once a person is born, and it is further
developed depending on the social associations he/she encounters.
Character brings reputation to an individual. The society in which
he/she lives in has a great influence on molding his/her character.
However, the character of a person cannot be identified easily, since
character traits don’t usually come to the surface in an individual unless in
specific situations. Therefore, it is quite difficult to deduce the real character
of someone within a short period of time, and we have to observe an
individual for some time in order to understand his/her character.
 Main Difference – Character vs Personality
The main difference between character and personality is
that character refers to one’s distinct traits or qualities while
personality refers to the collection of abilities, behaviours,
beliefs, ideologies, attitudes, etc.
Observing someone’s personality helps us to get an overall
idea about that person’s character. Therefore, these two human
attributes are interconnected with each other.
When you're born, you're not without personality — it exists
in its fundamental form known as temperament. Your
temperament, which consists of innate features like energy
levels, mood, demeanor and emotional responsiveness,
can then drive the learning experiences that form your
personality throughout life.

So, your temperament is innate. It's not uncommon for

someone to have temperaments similar to a parent or
grandparent. Research shows that your temperament is
mostly determined by genetics.
 Temperament
Types of Temperaments
Temperament has been defined as "the constellation of
inborn traits that determine a child's unique behavioral style
and the way he or she experiences and reacts to the world.
 Four Temperaments:
Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Choleric
and Melancholic Personality Types

Today we will talk about one of the oldest personality type systems in the
world — the four temperaments model.
The origins of this typology belong to Graeco-Arabic medicine, where it was
successfully used to treat illnesses. In fact, it is still used today by practitioners of
traditional medicine around the world.
Humorism, an ancient medical concept, is at the heart of this typology.
Humors here refer to fluids that are present within one’s body.
Different people have different proportions of these fluids; the predominance
of one fluid defines one’s temperament and psychological type.
For example, the predominance of a phlegm humor corresponds to a
Phlegmatic personality type.
 The four temperaments and their predominant humors are as follows:
• Sanguine: blood
Four Temperaments
• Phlegmatic: phlegm :
Sanguine, • Phlegmatic, Choleric
Choleric: yellow bile
•The four temperaments and their predominant humors are as follows:
and Melancholic • Personality
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 Types of Temperaments:
1.Sanguine Personality Type
People with a sanguine personality type tend to be lively, optimistic,
spontaneous and carefree. They love adventure new experiences and have high
risk tolerance.They can hold a conversation with almost anyone and bring their
playful energy into their interactions. Sanguine types love being the center of
attention.
Sanguine people are typically poor at tolerating boredom and will seek
variety and entertainment. Another notable trait of this type is their ability to
express and receive love and affection. However, these individuals are easily
devastated if not constantly reassured that they are loved and appreciated.
Sanguine people are very creative and can become great artists.
Moreover, they are fantastic entertainers and will do well if they choose careers
in the entertainment industry. Their natural abilities will also serve them well, if
they choose jobs related to
• marketing,
• travel,
• fashion,
• cooking,
• sports.
 Types of Temperaments:
2. Phlegmatic Personality Type
This type is defined by their exceptional social skills. Those with this
temperament have high emotional intelligence. They express their feelings and
needs easily and effectively, and are often described as empathetic and
understanding.
They seek interpersonal harmony and close relationships, which makes
phlegmatic people loyal spouses and loving parents. They set a goal to preserve
their relationships with old friends, distant family members, and neighbors.
People with phlegmatic temperaments tend to avoid conflicts. Unlike the
sanguine, the phlegmatic prefers a life free of surprises. They enjoy serenity,
peace, and quiet. As a result of their quiet nature, phlegmatic types tend to be
great listeners. They are also great at following directions. You could describe
them as hard workers, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ideal careers for phlegmatic personality types should be related to
• nursing;
• teaching;
• psychology or counseling;
• child development;
• or social services.
 Types of Temperaments:
3. Choleric Personality Type
Someone with a pure choleric temperament is usually a goal-oriented person.
Choleric people are very quick to learn, analytical, and logical. Extremely
practical and straight-talking, they aren’t necessarily good companions or
particularly friendly.
They dislike small talks and enjoy deep and meaningful conversations.
Ideally, they want to spend time with people who have similar professional
interests. People with the choleric temperament are known to get what they
want, when they want it.They possess the highest self-esteem compared to the
other temperaments. This type is assertive and demanding. Sometimes
choleric people let their emotions get the best of them and they react with
intimidating intensity.
Ideal jobs for Cholerics are related to the following industries:
• management;
• technology;
• statistics;
• engineering;
• programming;
• business.
 Types of Temperaments:
4. Melancholic Personality Type
Melancholic people prioritize their family and relationships. They value
respect, honesty, and loyalty - above all else. Although they show respect for
everyone, they are very loyal to their inner circle. And that circle tends to be
small. For melancholic types, quality surpasses quantity. They would rather
have a few close friends than many acquaintances. They love their families
and friends and, unlike sanguine people, they do not look for novelty and
adventure. Even more, they avoid it as much as they can.
Someone with a melancholic temperament is unlikely to marry a
foreigner or leave their homeland for another country.
Some melancholic types find it difficult to open up to others. When they
are hurt in the relationships, they build up a wall of protection. Melancholic
types also tend to be overthinkers. Perfect careers for melancholic personality
type should be in:
• management;
• accounting;
• social work;
• or administration.
 Temperament doesn’t change dramatically as we grow up, but we may
learn how to work around and manage our temperamental qualities.
Temperament may be one of the things about us that stays the same
throughout our life.
It’s very rare to have one pure temperament. If you are like most
people, you have one predominant and one secondary temperaments, in
Temperament doesn’t
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your predominant temperament is Sanguine and your secondary
development.
temperament is Choleric, you are a Sanguine-Choleric.
Types of temperament
 Human Intelligence in Psychology
Human intelligence is a mental quality that consists of the ability to think, to learn
from experience, to apply knowledge, to solve problems, and to adapt to new
situations.
The natural mind of a man possesses different kinds of intelligence, but there is
usually a certain type that dominates the rest.
Howard Gardener, an American psychologist, has described 9 types of
intelligence:
1. Naturalist Intelligence.
2. Musical Intelligence.
3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence.
4. Existential Intelligence.
5. Interpersonal Intelligence.
6. Bodily-kinesthetic Intelligence.
7. Linguistic Intelligence.
8. Intra-personal Intelligence.
9. Spatial Intelligence.
 Characteristics of Intelligence
Intelligence grows during the first five years of the child's life rapidly, and then
stops at the age of sixteen to twenty.
Intelligence may stop at this age and remain constant, and may increase with
the intellectual activity of the person, but may also decrease as time goes by, if a
person stops learning, and does not practice intellectual activities.

Intelligence is influenced by genetic factors. When the parents are intelligent, the
IQ of the child is increased. But this is also affected by the surrounding
environment.
Intelligence is not one of the instinctive habits in man. Some believe that
intelligence is learning and learning is instinctive, but the concept of intelligence
is broad and learning is a part of it.
1. Naturalistic intelligence:

Naturalistic intelligence refers to a person’s interest in the “natural” world of animals, plants,
and the natural work around them. It is the ability to identify and classify patterns in natural
environment.
Individuals with naturalist intelligence have a sensitivity to and appreciation for nature.
Naturalists are inspired and rejuvenated by nature.

2. Linguistic Intelligence:

Linguistic (word smart) is the ability to learn languages and to use them in self-expression
and in communication with other people.

Linguistic intelligence allows you to understand the meaning of words and apply meta-
linguistic skills to reflect on your use of language.
3. Logical-mathematical intelligence:

Logical-mathematical intelligence (number/reasoning smart) contains logical analysis and

problem-solving, scientific research, reasoning, deduction, and criticism.

The person who has logical-mathematical intelligence is smart at dealing with math and
logical problems and he always enjoys solving puzzles and reading scientific discoveries
and he wants to know how things work with computers and other devices in general.

Logical-mathematical intelligence is characterized by mathematicians, scientists,

engineers, and detectives.

4. Musical Intelligence:
Musical intelligence is the ability to recognize, distinguish and simulate tones, sounds,
music, and rhythms.

Musical intelligence enables you to create, reproduce, and reflect on music.

Musical intelligence is demonstrated by musicians, vocalists, sensitive listeners.

5. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:
Bodily-kinesthetic (body smart) is the ability to coordinate and harmonize the movements
of the body in order to achieve certain goals.

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is characteristic of dancers, athletes, surgeons, and

craftspeople.

6. Interpersonal Intelligence:
Interpersonal Intelligence involves the ability to mix and interact with other people, work
with them, influence them, understand their desires and motivations.

Interpersonal Intelligence, also known as emotional intelligence, that deals with human
beings with different characteristics and qualities.

Interpersonal intelligence is usually characterized by leaders, teachers, mentors, and

sales representatives.
7. Intra-personal Intelligence:
This intelligence is related to the quality of the relationship we have with ourselves.
Specifically, intra-personal intelligence refers to the capacity and degree of self-knowledge, as
well as the ability to perceive and form a true individual image. This intelligence involves
awareness and knowledge of one’s own intentions, motivations, desires, moods, emotions,
abilities, etc.
Intra-personal intelligence is evident in psychologists, philosophers, and spiritual leaders.

8. Spatial intelligence:
Spatial intelligence is the perception of spaces and regions and the ability to estimate the size
of space and shapes and the ability to comprehend three-dimensional images.

Core abilities of spatial intelligent people may include:

Spatial reasoning
Mental imagery
Graphic and artistic skills
Active imagination
Painters, architects, pilots, sailors, and sculptors all exhibit spatial intelligence.
9. Existential intelligence:

Existential intelligence is the sensitivity and ability to deal with deep

questions about human existence and the capacity to use collective
values and intuition to understand others and the world around them,
such as the meaning of life, what we are born for, why we die, etc.
9 types of Human Intelligence in Psychology
NOW LET’S PASS A TEST AND FIND OUT
THE TYPE OF YOUR TEMPERAMENT
Now you will see four tables with words (adjectives).
Each table contains 20 words describing a person’s
personality.
Take a paper and a pen and calculate how many words in
each table describe YOU.
For example:
Table 1 - 7 words Table 2 - 6 words
Table 3 - 17 words Table 4 - 10 words
Result: Melancholic/Phlegmatic
Calculate which table you scored highest - it will be your predominant temperament.
The second highest table will be your second temperament.
Then check which temperament type you are in the description below.
Check your results: which table scored the highest – it is your predominant
temperament. The second highest table will be your second temperament