Your

Changing

PersonalityCHAPTER 3

What is your Personality?

Personality: The “Total” you. The way you

think, feel, and behave. What people see

of you

Self-Image: The characteristics you see in

yourself

Two Theories On Personality

Development

1. Erikson’s Eight Stages of Life

Age period experiences influence

personality and behavior later in life

2. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Needs have to be met to progress on to

higher levels. Eventually leading to the

ultimate

SELF ACTUALIZATION

Erikson’s 8 Stages

1. Infancy (0-1)

a. Learn trust

b. Needs will

be met

If neglected during this

time….may distrust throughout a lifetime

2. Toddler (1-2)

a.

Independence.

“Terrible twos”

b. Self-will

If unaccomplished…may be dependent whole

life

Erikson’s 8 Stages

3. Preschool (3-5)

a. Learn initiative (think and do w/o being told to do)

b. curiosity/imagination

If discouraged….may avoid leadership and risk later in life

4. School Age (6-12)

a. Industriousness (steady effort)

b. confidence to pursue self-chosen goals

If development fails, adult will lack social confidence and perform poorly

Erikson’s 8 stages

5. Adolescence (12-20)

a. Develop identity

b. Fit into social circle

c. pick out role

models

Failure in this development

will lead to insecurity

and loss of direction

6. Young Adulthood (21-

40)

a. Develop close

personal relationships

b. Commit to love, work, and social

group

Failure in this development

leads to avoidance of

positive relationships

Erikson’s 8 stages

7. Adulthood (41- 60)

a. Generosity-

helping others

b. Pride in

accomplishments

Failure in this

development area

leads to self-

involvement

8. Older Adulthood (61

and older)

a. Retain satisfaction

with life

b. Fulfilled with life

Undeveloped previous

stages will lead to despair,

isolation, fear of death

Maslow’s Hierarchy of

Needs

Needs have to be met to progress on to

higher levels. Eventually leading to the

ultimate

SELF ACTUALIZATION

Your fullest potential; “all that you can be”

Maslow’s Hierarchy

Physiological: Needs for food, clothing, shelter

Safety: Need to feel safe, secure

Love: Need to be loved and feel emotionally secure

Maslow’s Hierarchy of

Needs

Esteem: Need to feel respect and esteem

Self-actualization: accept others as they are, self-motivated, problem solvers, strong values, at peace with themselves

Gender and Personality

Gender: male/female

Gender role: roles assigned by society of

each gender

Boys – blue, trucks, trains, cars, tough

Girls – pink, dolls, make-up, emotional

Gender and Personality

Gender Identity: The parts of the

male/female role that a person accepts

and lives by

How can stereotypes inhibit someone’s

individual development?

Developing Self-Esteem

Self-Esteem: Value you attach to your self-image

-Self Acceptance is the most important aspect

-Be proud of who you are

-Don’t compare yourself

-Don’t let your failures define you

Self Esteem

Negative Self-Esteem is associated with:Drug-use/abuse

Crime

Violence

Pregnancy

Failure to learn

Peer Groups

Group of Individuals that you associate

with who share things in common

What do they provide:

Companionship

Help calm fears of being “alone” in

situations

Offer support/advice

Negative Peer

Groups

Slow or inhibit individual development

1. Cliques: reject newcomers, judge each other

harshly

2. Gangs: Express aggression against other groups

3. Cults: Share intense admiration of a person or

principle