Psychology of Personality - Report Example

Psychology of Personality ID Number & Total Number of Words 261 Introduction Withthe purpose of trying to analyze all factors that can affect the development of a personality, a lot of theorists, such as Sigmund Freud, Alfred Alder, Carl Gustav Jung managed to have come up with their own unique theory. Today, most of these theories are commonly used in the study of human psychology. After discussing the similarities and differences of each psychoanalysis theory, this study will discuss why the theory of Alder resonated with my views. This essay will also explain why some parts of Jung’s theory are totally different from my personal world view. After explaining why the theory of Freud is more realistic as compared to the other theories on personality, the reasons why I find it difficult to relate to the story of Icarus will be tackled in details. Similarities and Differences of Each Psychoanalysis Theory As a way of explaining the patterns behind the human behavior, Freud came up with the theory on Super Ego, Ego and Id. Basically, the Id is referring to the unconscious way wherein the human mind is controlling the human behavior (Coon, 2006, p. 422; Erdelyi, 2006). Regardless of the consequences, babies are prone of doing actions that could give them pleasure. For example, it is common for babies to cry each time they are hungry. By crying babies are actually seeking for attention that can satisfy their own personal needs. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that primary thinking or Id is mostly based on gut-feel or impulses (Coon, 2006, p. 422). According to Carducci (2009, p. 187), ego is all about growing out of the Id. In most cases, ego is a sign wherein a person is becoming conscious to the outside world (Erdelyi, 2006). As each person learns how to overcome a crisis, the person is able to strengthen the ego. Freud also introduced the three levels of consciousness as: conscious, pre-conscious, and unconscious (Laplanche & Pontalis, 2006, p. 326). It means that it is possible for a person to do actions that are outside their conscious mind. Because of the presence of unconscious mind, a person may unconsciously perform actions that could serve as their defense against negative past experiences in life. Super ego or the conscience is pertaining to the set of moral beliefs and values that we have acquired from the people who took care of us when we were still young (Coon, 2006, p. 422). Basically, it is the super ego that serves as the basis on what we believe is right from wrong. Just like the ego, super ego can also be a significant part of our subconscious mind. Freud also mentioned that people are able to free themselves from negative childhood experiences through either conscious or unconscious “repression” (Erdelyi, 2006). It means that people are capable to controlling what they should or should not remember in life. As a defense mechanism, people can undergo “denial” stage, rationalization, intellectualization, projection, displacement, sublimation, undoing, isolation, conversion, identification, regression, or reaction formation (Erdelyi, 2006). Similar to Freud, Carl Gustav Jung also tried to analyze the human conscious and unconscious thoughts (Nelson-Jones, 2004, p. 54). However, Jung was more focused on analyzing or linking the relevance between our unconscious thoughts and the presence of myths and symbols. For example, Jung mentioned that there is a strong possibility that our unconscious minds can strongly manifest through our individual dreams or visions (Cardwell & Flanagan, 2004, p. 80). As part of personality development, Jung explained that personality growth is a lifetime process which should not end during the childhood stage (Young-Eisendrath & Hall, 1991, p. 159). Before each person can reach the self-realization stage, Jung mentioned that people should be able to confront or face their unconscious thoughts. By doing so, a person will be able to learn more about themselves on a personal level. The theories of Alder are somehow different from the ones presented by Freud (Cosner, n.d.). For instance, Freud believed that people have no way of controlling their personality whereas Alder believed that people are the ones who are responsible in controlling who they will become. Likewise, Freud assumed that a person’s behavior is triggered by their past experiences in life whereas Alder contested that a person’s behavior is controlled by their future views in life (Cosner, n.d.). With regards to the development of personality, Adler explained the significance of beginnings and endings. In line with this, Alder explained that the inferiority complex of each individual serves as the motivating factor that can positively affects each person’s attitude and behavior (Taylor, 2009, p. 175). For example, since human beings have the desire to become a better person, it is common for them to make use of their inferiority complex as a way for them to reach their goals. It was also Alder who explained the significance of a child’s birth order on their individual personality (Yadava & Sharma, 2007, pp. 186 – 187). For example, each child (whether the first born, second born, or the last born) have their own individual coping mechanism and unique attitude with regards to life. In most cases, it is the middle born child(ren) who are able to adjust well in their lives as compared to the first born or the last born child. Discussion The theory of Alder resonated with me most. As an optimistic person, I always consider other people’s critique as something that could motivate me in terms of making myself a better person. If other people say that I am not as clever as compared to someone else, I will take it as a challenge to expand my knowledge and skills to prove other people wrong. Within this context, I strongly agree to Alder’s theory that each person’s inferiority complex can be use to improve a person’s personality. Although I agree with Jung that personality growth is a lifetime process, I find it a little incongruent that our own unconscious minds can strongly manifest through our individual dreams or visions. First of all, not all people have either dreams or vision. Secondly, it is possible for a person to dream of something that is not a part of their unconscious mind. The theory of Freud is more realistic as compared to the other theories on personality. First of all, I believe in the three levels of consciousness. In order for a person to improve himself, it is necessary to unfold what is unknown to us by listening closely to what other people say about us. I also believe that people tend to do actions that can give him pleasure. In order to make a person do morally accepted things, the ego should be able to control the Id. Lastly, I agree to the idea that people can be in a denial stage or rationalization as a form of their defense mechanism. As compared to the psychoanalytical theories presented by Freud, Jung, and Adler, Icarus’ ancient story, personology and the study of lives are all part of the Greek mythology (Littleton, 2005, p. 711). Since these stories are purely legendary and myths; I find it most difficult to relate to the story of Icarus. Conclusion Even though different theories are available in the study of psychology, it is important to carefully analyze and identify theories that make sense. Through critical analysis, it is possible to differentiate useful theories on personality as compared to those that does not make sense at all. Highlighted in this study, theories that were presented by Freud, Jung, and Adler are more realistic as compared to the story of Icarus. References Carducci, B. (2009). The psychology of personality: Viewpoints, research, and applications. 2nd Edition. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell. Cardwell, M., & Flanagan, C. (2004). Psychology A2: The complete companion. GL, UK: Nelson Thornes. Coon, D. (2006). Psychology: A modular approach to mind and behavior. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Thomson Learning. Cosner, L. (n.d.). Psyography. Psyography: Alfred Adler. Retrieved from: http://faculty.frostburg.edu/mbradley/psyography/alfredadler.html Erdelyi, M. (2006). The unified theory of repression. Behavioral and Brain Sciences , 26, pp. 499-551. Laplanche, J., & Pontalis, J.-B. (2006). The language of psychoanalysis. London: H. Karnac. Nelson-Jones, R. (2004). Theory and practice of counselling and therapy. 4th Edition. London: Sage Publication. Littleton, Scott, C. (2005). Gods, goddesses, and mythology, Volume 11. New York: Marshall Cavendish Corporation. Taylor, E. (2009). The mystery of personality: A history of psychodynamic theories. San Francisco, CA: Springer. Yadava, A., & Sharma, N. (2007). Positive health psychology. 1st Edition. New Delhi: Global Vision Publishing House. Young-Eisendrath, P., & Hall, J. (1991). Jungs self psychology: A constructivist perspective. New York: The Guilford Press. Read More