Initial Self-Assessment According To The American Psychologi

Initial Self Assessmentaccording To The American Psychological Associa

Initial Self-Assessment According to the American Psychological Association: Personality refers to individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. The study of personality focuses on two broad areas: One is understanding individual differences in particular personality characteristics, such as sociability or irritability. The other is understanding how the various parts of a person come together as a whole. (para 1) In this course, you will explore seven well-known models that explain the development of personality. However, you probably already have some ideas and opinions about how personalities develop based on your prior learning and life experiences. This first assignment is meant to provide you with a baseline of your thinking about personality that you can compare and contrast to the theories we will be studying.

This paper will also be integrated into a section of your final assignment. This is not a research paper; that will come later. In this assignment, you will reflect on your current assumptions defining personality as they relate to your understanding of your own behaviors. Describe your personality, including your typical style, your main traits, the way you interact with others, and how you handle stress. Explain what it is that makes you uniquely “you,” and how you think you became the person you are today.

Describe the social and/or psychological factors you can point to that help support your explanation as well as any genetic factors you believe affect your unique personality. The assignment: Must be three to four double-spaced pages in length (not including the title page and references page) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a separate title page with the following: Title of paper, Student’s name, Course name and number, Instructor’s name, Date submitted. Must document any sources used in this assignment in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center if sources are used. Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of personality through self-assessment offers valuable insights into one’s individual traits and their origins. According to the American Psychological Association, personality encompasses stable patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that distinguish individuals and influence how they interact with the world. As part of this course requirement, I have reflected on my own personality, considering my traits, typical behaviors, interpersonal style, stress management, and the factors influencing my development.

My personality can be characterized as primarily extroverted, with a high level of openness and agreeableness. I tend to be sociable, enjoying engaging with others, which aligns with traits described in the Big Five Personality Model (John & Srivastava, 1999). I often initiate conversations, enjoy collaborative activities, and find social interactions energizing rather than draining. My main traits include friendliness, optimism, curiosity, and adaptability. These traits influence my interactions, making me approachable and receptive to new experiences.

In stressful situations, I tend to employ problem-focused coping mechanisms, such as planning and seeking support from friends and family. I have learned over time that maintaining a positive outlook and engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise and mindfulness helps manage my stress effectively. This correlates with research suggesting that resilience and social support are significant psychological factors that contribute to stress management (Southwick & Charney, 2012).

What makes me “uniquely me” is a combination of my traits and life experiences. Growing up in a multicultural environment exposed me to diverse perspectives, fostering openness and adaptability. My interactions with various cultures have enhanced my social skills and broadened my understanding of others. Reflecting on my development, I believe that my personality has been shaped by both environmental influences and biological factors. Psychologically, my upbringing emphasized the importance of social relationships and resilience, which are integral to my current personality.

Genetically, studies indicate that certain personality traits have heritable components (Bouchard & McGue, 1981). I believe that my temperament—moderately extroverted and emotionally resilient—has some genetic basis, as suggested by twin studies. Additionally, my predisposition towards positive emotionality and openness may also be partly inherited, influencing my behavioral tendencies and stress responses.

Social factors played a significant role in my personality development. Positive reinforcement from family, encouragement to explore new activities, and interactions with diverse groups contributed to my extroversion and curiosity. Psychological influences, such as early experiences of success and reinforcement of social bonds, fostered confidence and adaptability. My educational environment, which emphasized critical thinking and diverse perspectives, further nurtured my openness.

In conclusion, my personality is a complex interplay of genetic predispositions and social experiences. My traits influence how I engage with others, handle stress, and view challenges. Recognizing the factors that shape my personality not only enhances self-understanding but also informs how I can continue to develop personally and professionally. As I explore various models of personality development through this course, I aim to deepen my understanding of these influences and how they contribute to the unique individual I am today.

References

• Bouchard, T. J., Jr., & McGue, M. (1981). Trait stability and heritability: A classical twin study. Science, 212(4498), 1017-1020.
• John, O. P., & Srivastava, S. (1999). The Big Five trait taxonomy: History, measurement, and theoretical perspectives. In L. A. Pervin & O. P. John (Eds.), Handbook of personality: Theory and research (2nd ed., pp. 102-138). Guilford Press.
• Southwick, S. M., & Charney, D. S. (2012). Resilience: The science of mastering life's greatest challenges. Cambridge University Press.