PERSONALITY MODULE REVIEWER
THEORIES OF PERSONALITY
Personality – “An actor’s mask.”
It refers to the combination of characteristics and qualities that form an individual’s distinctive character.
Personality development – The process of improving or transforming one’s personality by enhancing
awareness, identity, potential, and quality of life. It involves both formal and informal activities that help people
realize their full potential.
SIGNIFICANCE OF PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
Confidence: Boosts self-assurance and reduces anxiety.
Credibility: Proper grooming and appearance build trustworthiness.
Interaction: Good manners and hygiene enhance social connection.
Leadership & Motivation: Inspires others and gains respect.
Curiosity: Helps understand cultural differences, preventing misunderstandings.
Communication Skills: Improves clarity, persuasion, and effectiveness.
FREUD’S THEORY OF PERSONALITY
Freud stated that personality is composed of three structures — like an iceberg (90% unconscious, 10%
conscious).
1. The Id – Operates on the pleasure principle. Contains basic instincts and urges (hunger, sex, thirst). Totally
unconscious and seeks immediate gratification.
2. The Ego – Operates on the reality principle. The rational “self” that balances id and reality. Partly conscious
and decides how to fulfill needs appropriately.
3. The Superego – Represents moral values and ideals learned from family and society. Gives a sense of
pride (ego ideal) and guilt (conscience). Partly conscious and partly unconscious.
ERIKSON’S THEORY – The Eight Stages of Man
Erik Erikson believed personality develops through eight psychosocial stages, each defined by a crisis that
shapes personal growth.
1. Infancy (0–1): Trust vs. Mistrust – Learning to trust caregivers. Success → Hope; failure → Mistrust.
2. Toddler (1–3): Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt – Developing independence. Success → Confidence;
failure → Shame.
3. Preschool (3–6): Initiative vs. Guilt – Taking initiative in play and decision-making. Success → Purpose;
failure → Guilt.
4. School Age (6–12): Industry vs. Inferiority – Developing skills and competence. Success → Pride; failure →
Inferiority.
5. Adolescence (12–18): Identity vs. Role Confusion – Exploring identity. Success → Strong sense of self;
failure → Confusion.
6. Young Adulthood (19–40): Intimacy vs. Isolation – Forming relationships. Success → Love; failure →
Loneliness.
7. Middle Adulthood (40–65): Generativity vs. Stagnation – Contributing to society. Success → Purpose;
failure → Stagnation.
8. Late Adulthood (65+): Integrity vs. Despair – Reflecting on life. Success → Wisdom; failure → Regret.
FAILURE
Definition: The state of not achieving a goal — it’s temporary and depends on attitude.
Causes of Failure: Lack of persistence, conviction, discipline, self-esteem, fatalism, etc.
THE EMOTIONAL ASPECT OF A PERSON
Emotion – A natural, instinctive state of mind resulting from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationships.
Seven Universal Emotions: Anger, Fear, Disgust, Happiness, Sadness, Surprise, Contempt.
Six Steps to Control Emotions:
1. Don’t react immediately
2. Ask for divine guidance
3. Find a healthy outlet
4. See the bigger picture
5. Replace negative thoughts
6. Forgive emotional triggers
ATTITUDE
Definition: A positive, negative, or mixed evaluation of people, objects, or events that influences behavior.
Three Components of Attitude:
1. Cognitive: Beliefs or thoughts
2. Affective: Feelings or emotions
3. Behavioral: intention to behave in a certain way
Importance: Foundation of success in life and work; more valuable than education or talent.
Factors Affecting Attitude (3 Es):
1. Environment – Family, school, work, media, culture.
2. Experience – Past interactions shape attitude.
3. Education – Teaches not just to make a living, but how to live.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Brings optimism, happiness, and success.
Traits: Caring, confident, patient, humble.
Benefits: Increases productivity, builds teamwork, reduces stress, improves relationships, promotes success.
NEGATIVE ATTITUDE
Blames others for failure, spreads negativity, causes stress and frustration.
Pessimists: Expect the worst, complain often, focus on problems. Feel bad when they feel good, for fear they
will feel worse when they feel better
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN POSITIVE & NEGATIVE ATTITUDE
Negative: Part of the problem, makes excuses, sees problems, says “Impossible”, says “I can’t”.
Positive: Part of the answer, has a plan, sees possibilities, says “Possible”, says “I can”.
MOTIVATION
Definition: The driving force that encourages action and success. It inspires, encourages, and moves into
action.
Types of Motivation:
1. External Motivation – Comes from outside (money, rewards, fear). Includes Fear Motivation and Incentive
Motivation.
2. Internal Motivation – Comes from within; lasting and self-driven.
Key Motivating Factors:
- Recognition: Appreciation and respect.
- Responsibility: Ownership and purpose.