Question

We discussed a number of theories related to personality and personality differences.

1. When you consider your own personality and personalities of others you know,

which of these theories can you relate to most or which of them best describes

who you are? (1 paragraph)

2. Can you think of an example for the following Freudian defense mechanisms,

using popular tv/movie/book characters?

a. Repression :

b. Projection

c. Regression:

d. Displacement

e. Compensation

3. Research has found a 50/50 relationship between heredity and environmental

influences on your personality. Can you think of an example aspect of your

personality that was influenced by your heredity, and an example of how you

have been influenced by your environment?

4. Were you surprised to learn how limited a parent’s influence can be on a child’s

personality? Do you think there should be additional research in this area (and if

so, exactly what parts? If not, why not?)

Answer 1

1. Allport's Trait Theory of personality propagates the idea that human personality is biologically controlled at birth, but undergoes transformations due to the effects of the individual's environmental experiences. I think, Allport's Trait Theory of personality best describes who I m. At birth, human reactions and behaviors are biologically triggered, as evident from the fixed ways of responding and communicating needs to the outside world. Slowly and gradually, humans come under the influence of the external environment which starts shaping their mental make-up, and hence their personalities. Here, it is important to note that each human being has unique environmental experiences shaping his or her thoughts, beliefs, and responses. So, I strongly believe in Allport's Trait Theory of Personality in shaping human lives, one being mine.

2.  The character "Shrek" from the movie Shrek displayed the defense mechanisms of displacement and repression. He utilizes displacement by redirecting his feelings toward another person on a harmless creature, donkey. He used repression by pushing anxiety-producing thoughts, feelings, and memories into the subconscious. In the movie, Taxi Driver, the character of Scorsese exhibits the defense mechanism of projection. More specifically, there is projection of "Scorsese's" unconscious self-hatred onto New York city, which trigger's the plans to assassinate a political candidate. When the plan was thwarted, Scorsese decided to save a young prostitute from pimp and cohorts. The character of "Brennan Huff" in the movie, Step Brothers, exhibits the defense mechanism of regression by indulging in less mature, infantile, or childish behavior at the wake of problems in life. Even at the age of 39, Brennan Huff expresses to call his dad at the wake of trouble in his life. In the movie Rocky II, the defense mechanism of compensation has been displayed by the character, "Rocky Balboa".

3. Research has found a 50/50 relationship between heredity and environmental influences on human personality. The aspect of my personality that has been influenced by my heredity is my introversion. I m an introvert by personality. I think I have inherited this trait from my father, who is also predominantly an introvert. The aspect of my personality that has been influenced by the environment is my sense of humor. Being in the company of humorous people has helped me develop a great sense of humor, and utilize humor to lighten any situation.

4. I m not surprised to learn how limited a parent’s influence can be on a child’s personality. Parent's nature children to blossom into human beings with sound values and principles. They make every possible effort to guide their children's personalities in the right direction. But it is important to note that children, when exposed to the outside world, begin to have unique experiences which strongly shape their personalities. These experiences overpower the influence of parents in shaping their children's personalities. There should be additional research in this area, more specifically, in areas of parenting styles and their influences on children's personalities, attachment styles, etc.