Personality: Definition and Its Components

PERSONALITY- comes from the Latin word “persona,” which referred to theatrical masks worn by

Roman actors in Greek dramas to portray- SUM TOTAL OF THE QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF A PERSON AS

SHOWN IN HIS/HER MANNER OF WALKING, TALKING, DRESSING, AND HIS/HER ATTITUDES, INTERESTS, AND WAYS OF REACTING TO OTHER PEOPLE

- refers to all the factors within the person that influence his characteristic way of behaving, thinking, and feeling

- your image on others and others’ image of you

THE COMPONENTS OF PERSONALITY

1. PhysicalThis includes the mode of dressing, manner of walking, posture, body build, health, complexion, and facial expression.

2. IntellectualHow a person talks and what she talks about is what matters in the intellectual component of personality. He must develop his intellect or “brain.”

3. SocialGood manners, correct manners are included in this aspect of personality. To do the right thing at the right time, to act in the proper manner, to get along well with others – these are all parts of the social sphere or personality.

4. EmotionalThis component includes a person’s likes or dislikes, whether she is outgoing or shy, whether she is calm or nervous, and whether she loses her temper easily or “keeps her cool.” Personality problems, such as how to stay mentally healthy or how to avoid mental disorders are some problems that are emotional in nature.

5. Values System (Character)This includes a person’s attitudes, values, beliefs, and philosophy in life. This aspect is referred to as character. It is shown in the way we judge whether our actions and the actions of others are right or wrong.

How is personality revealed?

The typical step-by-step revelation of an individual’s personality:

1. Appearance- physical stature, grooming, facial features, gait, poise, etc.2. Intelligence- kind of words used, interests, manner or expressing oneself3. Emotions- emotional stability/instability4. Socialization Skills- manners, finesse, etc5. The Real Self (Other Aspects of Personality)- Values, beliefs, attitudes, philosophy of life

Why do we need to study personality?

1. To be successful in our dealings with other people2. To understand my fellowmen3. To see the entire representation of the individual, not just the surface4. To avoid mistakes in evaluating and judging personalities5. To improve our own personality as well as to understand others so that we can

adjust to them and have harmonious relations with them

PERSONALITY DIFFERENCES

1. Our HeredityWe are born with a set of genes and chromosomes which we inherit from

our forefathers and our parents. These set the limits to our potential.2. Our Environment

This consists of your family, school, church, social groups, and other groups with whom we interact from the very beginning. Each group puts pressure on us and we behave in certain ways as a result of being with these groups. Our behavior changes with each situation and with the people we are with. We behave differently when we are with our friends than we are with our parents, teachers, and others older than us.

3. Our ExperiencesThese consists of everything we do or get I touch with, everywhere we

got, in short, everything that we are exposed to in our lifetime, whether physical, emotional, or social experiences.

Techniques in Improving Your Personality

1. Realize that improvement is needed.2. Have a strong motive or desire to improve.3. Take an inventory or make a checklist of the strong and weak points, of what is to

be improved.

4. Have a step-by-step plan for improvement.

VISUAL STATEMENT- This is composed of traits which can be and often are transmitted visually.- This is created through an extensive study of line, shape, and color.

The Purpose of a Visual Statement:

1. To visually create a message which communicates what you want others to know about you through your appearance.

2. To convey outwardly your level of inner confidence.

BEAUTY- An innate quality- A way of being- A manner of acting- A state of mind

1. Outer BeautyOuter beauty is highlighted not only by personal attractiveness, but by

outer behavior, poise, and education. Your speech, diction, grammar, and sensitivity in communication reflect your true nature.

2. Inner BeautyTo think beautiful is to be beautiful. You will begin to feel beautiful as soon

as you begin to work on your physical, emotional, mental, and aesthetic being.