Personality is a multifaceted construct that often gets mistakenly interchanged with terms like "character" and "temperament." This article delves into the nuances of personality, distinguishing it from related concepts, and exploring its implications in psychological and social contexts.
Theodore Millon and Roger Davis, in their seminal work "Personality Disorders in Modern Life," describe personality as:
"A complex pattern of deeply embedded psychological characteristics that are expressed automatically in almost every area of psychological functioning." (Millon & Davis, 2000, p. 2)
Similarly, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR, 2000), published by the American Psychiatric Association, offers a definition that highlights the enduring nature of these traits:
"Enduring patterns of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and oneself that are exhibited in a wide range of social and personal contexts." (American Psychiatric Association, 2000, p. 686)
While personality is a broad and pervasive pattern, it is crucial to differentiate it from "character" and "temperament," which are often conflated:
Temperament refers to the biological and genetic predispositions we are born with. It is considered relatively stable over time, though recent research suggests that the brain's plasticity may allow for more change than previously thought. Temperament can be seen as the raw material of our personality—our innate nature.
Character, on the other hand, is shaped by our environment and social interactions. It encompasses the set of characteristics that we acquire through life experiences, particularly during our formative years and adolescence. Character is often evaluated within a cultural or social context and involves moral and ethical judgments.
The development of personality is a dynamic interplay between our inborn tendencies (temperament) and the influences of our environment (character). This interaction can sometimes lead to personality traits that are considered abnormal or disordered, depending on their alignment or deviation from societal norms.
Research indicates that both genetic and environmental factors contribute significantly to the formation of personality. Studies suggest that genetic factors account for approximately 40-60% of the variance in personality traits, with environmental influences shaping the remainder (Bouchard, 1994).
Understanding personality is not just an academic exercise; it has practical implications in various fields such as psychology, psychiatry, education, and even in the workplace. For instance, personality assessments are commonly used in clinical settings to diagnose disorders and in organizations to evaluate job candidates.
A notable application of personality assessment is in employment settings, where tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Big Five personality traits are used to predict job performance and team compatibility. Research has shown that certain personality traits, such as conscientiousness, are consistently linked to job performance across various sectors (Barrick & Mount, 1991).
Personality is a complex and dynamic construct shaped by an intricate blend of innate dispositions and environmental experiences. By distinguishing personality from temperament and character, we can better understand the full spectrum of human behavior and its implications in both personal and social contexts. Understanding these distinctions not only enriches our comprehension of human psychology but also enhances our ability to foster healthier relationships and more effective interactions in our daily lives.
For further reading on personality and its assessments, visit the American Psychiatric Association and explore the latest edition of the DSM.
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