Theory Tables Psych 645 Version 12 University Of Phoenix Mat

Theory Tablespsych645 Version 12university Of Phoenix Materialtheory

Complete the tables as a Learning Team. Each table should be completed and submitted for its respective week, starting with Week Two. By Week Five, the entire table should be completed. Each week, you should submit a portion, and by week 5, the entire table should be completed.

Week Two: Theory, Key figures, Key concepts of personality formation, Explanation of the disordered personality, Scientific credibility, Comprehensiveness, Applicability

Focus on Psychodynamic, Attachment, and Psychosocial theories.

Week Three: Theory, Key figures, Key concepts of personality formation, Explanation of the disordered personality, Scientific credibility, Comprehensiveness, Applicability

Focus on Humanistic theory.

Week Four: Theory, Key figures, Key concepts of personality formation, Explanation of the disordered personality, Scientific credibility, Comprehensiveness, Applicability

Focus on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Social Cognitive theories.

Week Five: Theory, Key figures, Key concepts of personality formation, Explanation of the disordered personality, Scientific credibility, Comprehensiveness, Applicability

Focus on Trait and Biologically Oriented theories.

Paper For Above instruction

The study of personality theories provides a comprehensive understanding of human behavior by examining diverse perspectives developed by influential theorists over time. These theories not only help describe individual differences but also offer insights into personality formation and the manifestation of personality disorders. By critically analyzing various theories across different psychological schools, we can better understand their scientific validity, scope, and practical relevance.

Week Two Theories: Psychodynamic, Attachment, and Psychosocial

The psychodynamic theory, initiated by Sigmund Freud, emphasizes unconscious motives, early childhood experiences, and internal conflicts as core elements shaping personality. Freud's model highlights structures such as the id, ego, and superego, each contributing to personality development through dynamic interactions (Freud, 1923). Freud's theory has faced criticism for its limited empirical support; however, it remains influential, especially in clinical psychoanalysis and understanding defense mechanisms (McLeod, 2019). The theory's comprehensiveness lies in its detailed account of internal drives, though its applicability is more limited to psychotherapy and understanding less overt personality traits.

Attachment theory, advanced by John Bowlby, underscores the importance of early relationships with caregivers in shaping adult interpersonal behaviors and emotional regulation (Bowlby, 1969). Secure attachment fosters healthy personality development, whereas insecure attachments can predispose individuals to personality disorders, such as borderline or avoidant personality disorder (Ainsworth et al., 1978). The scientific credibility of attachment theory is supported by extensive empirical research, including longitudinal studies showing how early attachment patterns predict later behavior (Kirkpatrick & Shaver, 1996). Its applicability extends beyond developmental psychology to clinical contexts involving relationship therapy.

The psychosocial theory, proposed by Erik Erikson, identifies eight stages of development from infancy to adulthood, each involving a psychosocial crisis that influences personality development (Erikson, 1950). Successful resolution results in virtues that foster well-adjusted personalities, while failure can lead to maladjustment or personality disorders. Erikson’s model is comprehensive, integrating social influences into personality development, with strong empirical backing in developmental psychology (Kliman, 2002). Its application is evident in lifespan development studies and therapeutic settings focused on identity and role issues.

Week Three Theories: Humanistic

The humanistic approach, championed by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes self-actualization, personal growth, and individual experiences. Rogers' person-centered theory advocates for unconditional positive regard, fostering an authentic self-concept and psychological health (Rogers, 1951). Maslow's hierarchy of needs underscores the motivation toward self-actualization once basic needs are met (Maslow, 1943). The scientific credibility of humanistic theories is often debated due to their subjective nature, yet they are comprehensive in focusing on conscious experiences and personal agency. Their applicability is prominent in counseling, psychotherapy, and human development programs, emphasizing empathy and self-awareness.

While critics argue that humanistic theories lack rigorous empirical evidence, they remain influential in promoting holistic and client-centered approaches. The theories contribute to understanding healthy personality development, emphasizing authenticity, creativity, and personal meaning (Cain, 2010). Moreover, they are applicable across educational, organizational, and therapeutic domains, facilitating the development of interventions that foster positive self-concept and resilience.

Week Four Theories: Behavioral, Cognitive, and Social Cognitive

Behavioral theories, rooted in classical and operant conditioning, posit that observable behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment. B.F. Skinner emphasized reinforcement and punishment as mechanisms shaping personality traits (Skinner, 1953). The scientific credibility of behaviorism is high due to its empirical foundation in controlled experiments, but it is often criticized for neglecting internal mental processes (Bandura, 1977). The approach is comprehensive in explaining learned behaviors but has limited scope in accounting for innate or biological factors. Its applicability is significant in behavioral therapies aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors.

Cognitive theories focus on mental processes such as perception, memory, and reasoning that influence personality. Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis developed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emphasizing the role of maladaptive thought patterns in personality disorders (Beck, 1967). Their theories are credible, supported by extensive research demonstrating the effectiveness of CBT in treating various psychological conditions (Hofmann et al., 2012). These theories are comprehensive in addressing thought patterns but may overlook environmental influences. They are widely applicable in clinical practice, education, and personal development.

Social cognitive theory, advanced by Bandura, integrates behavioral and cognitive perspectives, emphasizing observational learning, self-efficacy, and reciprocal determinism—the interaction between personal cognition, behavior, and environment (Bandura, 1986). The scientific credibility is robust, supported by numerous studies demonstrating how modeling influences personality traits and behaviors. The theory’s comprehensiveness includes understanding motivation and personality development through social interactions. Its practical applications are vast, including behavioral interventions, educational strategies, and organizational training.

Week Five Theories: Trait and Biologically Oriented

Trait theory, exemplified by Gordon Allport and Raymond Cattell, conceptualizes personality as a collection of stable traits that influence behavior across contexts (Allport, 1937; Cattell, 1965). The development of personality inventories like the Big Five (OCEAN) has contributed to its scientific credibility, supported by extensive empirical research (McCrae & Costa, 1997). Trait theories are comprehensive, providing a framework for understanding individual differences; however, they may oversimplify complex personality dynamics. They are widely used in personality assessment, counseling, and research purposes.

Biologically oriented theories suggest that genetics, neuroanatomy, and neurochemistry significantly influence personality development (Plomin & Caspi, 2004). Evidence from twin and adoption studies demonstrates heritability estimates for personality traits, strengthening scientific credibility. These theories are integral in understanding the biological underpinnings of personality and its disorders, offering insights for pharmacological and neuropsychological interventions. Their applicability spans psychiatry, behavioral genetics, and neuroscience research, emphasizing the biological basis of personality traits and vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

The diversity of personality theories reflects the complexity of human personality, with each approach providing unique insights into personality formation and disorders. Understanding their scientific credibility, comprehensiveness, and practical applications enables psychologists and clinicians to develop holistic and effective strategies for assessment and intervention. While some theories are more rooted in empirical evidence, others contribute valuable perspectives on conscious experience and personal growth. Integrating these theories can foster a more nuanced understanding of personality in both research and practical domains.

References

• Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
• Allport, G. W. (1937). Personality: A psychological interpretation. New York: Holt.
• Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191-215.
• Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall.
• Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. Basic Books.
• Cain, D. J. (2010). Person-Centered Counseling: An Overview and Practical Guide. Routledge.
• Cattell, R. B. (1965). The scientific analysis of personality. In T. S. McVea (Ed.), Handbook of personality theory and research (pp. 3-26). Rand McNally.
• Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and society. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Freud, S. (1923). The ego and the id. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 4, 12-23.
• Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440.
• Kirkpatrick, L. A., & Shaver, P. R. (1996). Attachment theory and close relationships. Psychology Press.
• Kliman, W. (2002). Erik Erikson: Psychosocial stages of development. Encyclopedia of Psychology.
• McCrae, R. R., & Costa, P. T. (1997). Personality trait structure as a human universal. American Psychologist, 52(5), 509-516.
• McLeod, S. (2019). Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. Simply Psychology.
• Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-396.
• Plomin, R., & Caspi, A. (2004). Behavioral genetics: A guide for human behavior researchers. Psychology Press.
• Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy. Houghton Mifflin.
• Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. Free Press.