Question

Why do you think it is important to study eight perspectives of personality psychology? Which personality theory is correct and why?

Answer 1

1)It is important to study eight perspectives of personality psychology viz  psychoanalytic theory,neo analytic,biological approach,behavioural,cognitive,trait theory,humanistic and interactionist theory to understand the depth of the meaning of 'personality'.It is important to study all of them to understand the development of personality,how it affects our behaviour and emotional well being.Each approach demonstrates important and unique contributions which together give an extended meaning of understanding of personality.Knowledge of all these theories encourages creativity too.It is necessary to avoid biases in understanding and know how evolution from nature vs nuture to interactionism has influenced the nature of personality construct.

2)The one which I find to be correct is humanistic approach as it focuses on individual's self image.It is correct as compared to other approaches as it presents a positive view of human nature and personality.It explains how an individual attemps to move towards self actualisation.

Maslow created a motivational theory of heirarchy of needs where individuals meet the physiological needs ,safety needs,love and belonging needs,esteem needs,self actualisation needs respectively in a heirarchy.It offers a wide range of human needs ranging from physiological needs to self actualisation. Biological /physiological needs are the basic primary needs for survival like food and water.Self actualisation or self transcendence is the actualisation of maximum potential in a person.It focuses on a person's development and growth .Thus,its focus on positive nature is what I feel is the need of the hour and hence correct.