Personality is an important topic as it enables us to understand what might work best for our personality type and can give us new ideas to solve problems and face challenges in life by dealing with stress, coping with conflict, and managing our work.

1. PERSONALITY
Dr. Anil Bhatt (Sociology)
Dept. of Higher Education

3. Meaning of Personality?
• The term Personality is derived from the Latin word “Persona” which literally means
Mask or Greek word “Prospon” which means facial expression
• Personality is a patterned body of habits, traits, attitudes and ideas of an individual.
• The behaviour and attitude leads to the formation of character
• A person’s character indicates the type of personality one possesses.
• Example:-
I. Rude and unlikeable attitude- Undesirable Personality
II. Good behaviour, demeanour and respectful- Good Personality

4. Definitions of Personality
• American Psychological Association- Personality refers to the enduring characteristics and
behavior that comprise a person’s unique adjustment to life, including major traits, interests,
drives, values, self-concept, abilities, and emotional patterns.
• W F Ogburn- Personality is the integration of social and psychological behaviour of human
being represented by habits, action, feelings, attitudes and opinions.
• Young - Personality is the totality of behavior of an individual with a given tendency system
interacting with a sequence of situations

5. It can be said….
Personality is a sum of physical, mental and social qualities in integrated manner.
On the basis of definitions it may be said that there are two main approaches to the
study of personality:-
• Psychological
• Sociological.

6. Psychological and Sociological Approach of Personality
• The psychological approach considers personality as a certain style peculiar to the
individual. This style is determined by characteristic organization of mental
trends, complexes, emotions and sentiments.
• The sociological approach considers personality in terms of status of the
individual in the group, in terms of his own conception of his role in the group of
which he is a member. What others think of us plays a large part in the formation
of our personality

7. Features of Personality
Every individual’s personality manifests consistency in behavioural patterns identified by other
people.
Personality is psychological and physiological.
Personality is influenced and characterized by action in response to various situations.
Personality is demonstrated through multiple expressions (thoughts, emotions, and interaction
with other people)
Personality refers to the qualities of an individual.
Personality is an indivisible unit and influenced by social interaction.

8. Understanding Personality…
Physical Appearance
Conduct/ Gestures
Mental Outlook/Thoughts
Interests and Preferences
Habits /Attitudes
Interaction with
Environment
PERSONALITY

9. Types of Personality as given by Hippocrates (Greek physician)
SANGUINES
Charming
Sociable
Good humour
Enjoys company
CHOLERIC
Extroverts
Confident
Loves challenges
Motivated
MELANCHOLIC
Perfectionist
Organized
Introvert
Sensitive
Creative
Critical
PHLEGMATIC
Low profile
Peace-lovers
Relaxed
Make friends
Introverts

10. Classification as per Ruth Benedict (American anthropologist)
DIONYSIAN
Suspicious
Emotional
Prestige Conscious
Competitive
(e.g. Kwakiutl Tribe of Canada)
APPOLONIAN
Moderate
Dislike Violence
Non Violent
Cooperative
Even Temperament
(e.g. Zuni Tribe of USA)

11. Classification of Personality Ernst Kretshmer (German Psychiatrist)
SCHIZOID
Tall
Emotional
Hesitant
Shy
Self- Centred
Peace Loving
CYCLOID
Fat
Happy
Materialistic
Friendly
PYKNIC
Fat
Joyful
Social
ASTHENIC
Thin body
Aloof
Loner
Dreamer
Introvert
ATHLETIC
Sportsman
Healthy Body
Physically Active,
Mentally Alert

12. Determinants of Personality are the various factors and influences that shape an individual’s
unique pattern of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These determinants help explain why
individuals differ in their personalities and why they respond differently to various situations.
Personality
FAMILY
ENVIRONMENT
HEREDITY
SOCIAL/CULTURAL
SITUATIONAL

13. Big Five Personality Traits- OCEAN
These traits together describe the character of an individual and are remembered by an acronym called OCEAN.
• O – Openness-This trait also known as ‘openness to experience’, is related to imagination and curiosity. People high in
openness tend to have a broad range of interests and are eager to explore new ideas and experiences
• C – Conscientiousness- Conscientiousness means being good at organizing, planning, staying disciplined, dependable,
responsibleand working towards goals
• E – Extraversion- is a trait in a person’s personality that tells about how social and outgoing a person is. It means they
are lively, friendly, talkative, confident, and show their feelings a lot.
• A – Agreeableness- talks about how a person interacts with others. Those with high agreeableness are usually trusting
and forgiving, Honest and Upfront, Enjoys helping others and being kind, Cooperative and easy to get along with
• N – Neuroticism- Neuroticism, also referred to as stability measures an individuals capacity to handle and recover from
challenges. Individuals, with levels of neuroticism may experience emotions such as anxiety, irritability and mood swings
more frequently.