Personality Theories and Models: An Overview

Abstract

The thesis of these volumes is that the study of personality traits has advanced towards "normal science" in the sense of a Kuhnian paradigm (cf. Eysenck, 1981;Kuhn, 1962). That is, most researchers in this area share a set of common core beliefs supported by empirical evidence.These include the stability of traits over time, a significant genetic and biological influence on personality, and relevance of traits to many areas of everyday life. Each one of these beliefs has been vigorously contested in the past, but the evidence in favour of each one is now overwhelming (Boyle & Saklofske, 2004;Matthews et al., 2003). At the same time, researchers do not subscribe to some crude biological determinism. The roles of gene-environment interaction in personality development and of person-situation interaction in determining behaviour are also well-established. Within the overall paradigm, trait models have also stimulated important and unresolved debates, including the optimal measurement framework for traits, the mechanisms that transmit causal effects of traits on behaviour, as well as the roles of cultural and social factors in moderating the nature of traits.The purpose of these handbooks is to review issues of both consensus and controversy.Contributors synthesize the state-of-the-art of the research on the core tenets of trait theory, such as behaviour genetics and trait stability, and present perspectives on unresolved issues such as the important role of culture. In addition, trait theory is only one scientific paradigm for personality research. Although the focus here is on trait models, the handbooks also seek to explore key points of contact and differences with traditional approaches to personality 2 (Campbell, Vol. 1) and with social-cognitive theory and methods (Cervone, Vol. 1; Shoda, Vol.2).In this introductory chapter, we will outline the case that the trait model of personality constitutes normal science, and compare the trait perspective with alternative scientific approaches. We will also set out the key criteria that must be satisfied to build a successful trait theory, subdivided into formal and often quantitative criteria such as test-retest stability, and criteria that relate to the psychological meaning and construct validity of traits. As well, we will discuss some of the challenges to trait theory, and the directions the field may take in addressing these challenges.We will conclude the chapter by introducing the various contributions to Vol. 1, related to the pivotal issues previously discussed. Trait Theory as Normal ScienceThe basic tenets of modern trait theory are not new -indeed, their origins lie in antiquity (Stelmack & Stalikas, 1991). However, in their contemporary form, they owe much to three founding fathers of trait psychology: Gordon Allport, Raymond Cattell and Hans Eysenck. In his early career, Cattell was influenced by Allport, when both were faculty members at Harvard University. At the outset, Allport (1937) famously remarked that, "in everyday life, no-one, not even a psyc...

Temperament and Anxiety: The Mediating Role of Metacognition

“…Dragan et al (2012) examined a mediation model containing the assumption that metacognitions would mediate the relationship between temperament traits and state anxiety in a student sample; they found a partial mediation effect of metacognition. The authors referred to the Regulative Theory of Temperament (RTT) developed by Strelau (1983, 2008; see also Boyle et al 2008), distinguishing six temperament traits: briskness, perseveration, sensory sensitivity, emotional reactivity, endurance and activity. RTT states that temperament has the regulative function of moderating the energetic and temporal aspects of all kinds of behaviour, and that individual differences in temperament traits may be observed throughout life, from early infancy onwards (however, most studies on RTT have been conducted upon adults).…”

Gene-Environment Interplay in Interpersonal Relationships across the Lifespan

“…Trait theories of personality and temperament generally propose that a core set of stable, genetically influenced tendencies guide one's perceptions, reactivity and behavior across situations (Boyle et al 2008). Although specific theories differ on which personality characteristics reflect traits, there is general consensus that neuroticism/anxiousness, aggressiveness/hostility or disagreeability, extraversion, sensation seeking, and conscientiousness/self-regulation are genetically influenced characteristics that are relatively stable by adulthood (e.g., Cloninger et al 1993;Gray and McNaughton 2003;McCrae et al 2000;Rothbart et al 2000;Zuckerman 2005).…”

Emotional Labor in the 21st Century

“…Consequently, people can have self-efficacy for a task that is higher or lower than their actual skill at the task . Thus, while there are many trait theories that offer competing taxonomies or lists of specific traits, all trait theories have several core principles (Boyle et al, 2008). Trait theory (Boyle, Matthews, & Saklofske, 2008;Buss, 1989;McCrae & John, 1992) provides a useful framework for approaching this section of the literature.…”