Theories of Personality-I :: Psycho-Analytical Theories

1. THEORIES OF
PERSONALITY - I
PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

2. Personality Development
Personality development refers to enhancing an individual’s personality for him to stand
apart from the rest and make a mark of his own. An individual with a pleasing personality
is respected and appreciated by all.
S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

3. THEORIES OF PERSONALITY
A. Psycho-analytical Theories
B. Trait Theories
C. Self Theory
D. Social Learning Theories
S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

4. A. Psycho-Analytical Theories
1) Sigmund Freud’s Psycho-Analytical theory
2) William Sheldon’s Physiognomy theory
3) Carl Jung’s Extrovert, Introvert theory
S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

5. 1) Psycho-Analytical Theory
According to Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of
personality development, there are two basic factors which
drive an individual and help in shaping his/her personality.
These two basic drivers are love and aggression which
have a direct impact on what an individual does and
thinks.
According to Freud, love and aggression have a direct
control on our minds and thoughts.
S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

6. 1) Psycho-Analytical Theory
Freud referred to Love and Aggression as “Eros” and
“Thanatos” respectively.
“Eros” refers to intimate and passionate love between two
partners. It is often defined as a kind of madness which one
experiences for his/her partner.
“Thanatos” was a figure in Greek mythology, though he
never really existed as a person. Thanatos symbolizes
death.
Freud believed that Eros represents an individual’s instinct
to survive. Eros refers to an individual’s determination to live,
where sex is the major driving force.
Thanatos on the other hand represents aggression which
ultimately leads to death.
S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

7. 1) Psycho-Analytical Theory
Structure of Personality
According to Freud, an individual’s mind has a fixed amount of desire
towards sexual activity, often called as libido. No two individuals would
have similar desire for sexual activity and the same would vary as per an
individual’s situation, circumstance at the moment.
An adult personality generally has three determinants:
i. Id,
ii. Ego and
iii. Super Ego
The outcome of the combination of all the three determinants shapes an
adult personality. Freud believed than an individual’s personality has
three parts and thus is often called as tripartite personality.
S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

8. 1) Psycho-Analytical Theory
i. Id - refers to irrational needs and demands, something
which has nothing to do with the reality of the situation.
Freud believed that Individuals seek immediate pleasure
in order to satisfy their biological and physiological
needs without taking into consideration the reality. Id
gives immediate pleasure to individuals and is often
irrational.
ii. Ego - Ego develops when individuals start interacting
with people around. Ego helps in the fulfillment of id,
taking into consideration the reality of the situation.
iii. Super Ego - Super ego is often the third stage which
includes the moral constraints imposed on an individual
by his parents or family.
S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

9. 2) Physiognomy Theory
William Sheldon noted 3 personalities based
on their physical make-up.
i. Endomorph
ii. Ectomorph
iii. Mesomorph
S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

10. 2) Physiognomy Theory
i. Endomorph :
The Endomorph is physically quite 'round', and is typified as the 'barrel of fun' person. They tend to have:
• Wide hips and narrow shoulders, which makes them rather pear-shaped.
• Quite a lot of fat spread across the body, including upper arms and thighs.
• They have quite slim ankles and wrists, which only serves to accentuate the fatter parts.
Psychologically, the endomorph is:
 Sociable
 Fun-loving
 Food lover
 Tolerant
 Even-tempered
 Good humored
 Relaxed
 With a love of comfort
 And has a need for affection
S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

11. 2) Physiognomy Theory
(ii) Ectomorph
The Ectomorph is a form of opposite of the Endomorph. Physically, they tend to have:
• Narrow shoulders and hips
• A thin and narrow face, with a high forehead
• A thin and narrow chest and abdomen
• Thin legs and arms
• Very little body fat
Even though they may eat as much as the endomorph, they never seem to put on weight. Psychologically
they are:
 Self-conscious
 Private
 Introverted
 Inhibited
 Socially anxious
 Artistic
 Intense
 Emotionally restrained
 Thoughtful S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

12. 2) Physiognomy Theory
(iii) Mesomorph
The mesomorph is somewhere between the round endomorph and the thin
ectomorph. Physically, they have the more 'desirable' body, and have:
• Large head, broad shoulders and narrow waist (wedge-shaped).
• Muscular body, with strong forearms and thighs
• Very little body fat
They are generally considered as 'well-proportioned'. Psychologically, they are:
 Adventurous
 Courageous
 Indifferent to what others think or want
 Assertive/bold
 Zest for physical activity
 Competitive
 With a desire for power/dominance
 And a love of risk/chance
S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

13. 3) Extrovert, Introvert Theory
According to Carl Jung there are two mutually exclusive
attitudes
i. Extraversion and
ii. Introversion
“Each person seems to be energized more by either the
external world (extraversion) or the internal world
(introversion).”
The introvert is more comfortable with the inner world of
thoughts and feelings, so they will see the world in terms of
how it affects them.
While the extrovert feels more at home with the world of
objects and other people, and is more concerned with their
impact upon the world.
S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

14. 3) Extrovert, Introvert Theory
Introverts are more comfortable living alone and being by themselves.
They depend on their “me time” to recharge; they become immersed in
their inner world.
They also tend to be introspective and keep their social circle limited.
Extroverts, on the contrary, are actively involved in the world of people
and things; they are socially active and more aware of what is going on
around them.
They like to be part of groups, communities and probable places where
they get a chance to interact.
The idea of being alone terrifies them, leaving them alienated from their
inner selves.
Carl Jung noted that none of us are completely extroverted or
introverted, but we certainly connect to one or the other attitude.
S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM

15. S.M. GOLDYN ABRIC SAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, NMCC,
MARTHANDAM