Project One
Project One
Project One
PSY 328 Project One Template
For this project, you will write a theory application paper; you will apply theories of personality to yourself, someone you know, or someone you have read about in a biography or autobiography. Complete this template by replacing the bracketed text with the relevant information.
1. Identify who you are applying theories of personality to and explain why. Your response should be about 3 to 5 sentences in length.
I will use personality theories to do a comprehensive analysis of myself. I possess a strong ability to accurately identify and apply different ideas inside myself. I am equally enthusiastic about using this work to explore and maybe get novel insights into my own self. I will be using psychodynamic theories and biological theories to analyze personality. Personality theories include unconscious processes and early experiences, whereas biological theories center on genetic and physiological variables.
2. Describe how components of a personality theory of your choice relate to your subject. Your response should be about 6 to 10 sentences in length and include the following:
A. Components of personality theory, including but not limited to traits, behaviors, motives, or defense mechanisms
B. Multiple components from the theory applied to your subject with examples (i.e., behaviors that exemplify the concepts)
C. Citations when you are describing the theory
The psychodynamic theory I shall analyze is Sigmund Freud's "ID, ego, and superego". The personality is derived from the id and serves to channel the id's impulses in a socially acceptable way in the actual world (MSEd, 2024). This aspect of personality theory plays a crucial role in motivating individuals to confront their desires and work towards meeting the challenges of their everyday lives. The id represents the innate drive for pleasure in humans, including all desires, wants, and needs. Failure to fulfill these needs may lead to feelings of worry or tension. The ID is of utmost significance, particularly during infancy, since any unmet demands might cause discomfort and result in persistent crying until those needs are fulfilled (MSEd, 2024). The ego component of this personality theory operates in the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious mind, and its primary role is to manage and navigate reality (MSEd, 2024). This aspect of personality disorder is effectively manifesting your wants in practical and socially acceptable ways. It involves recognizing the need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of your actions before either acting upon your impulses or refraining from doing so. For instance, if you are at school, feeling hungry, and want to leave to have a snack or a meal, your self-importance may compel you to remain seated until the class is over, so as not to miss any instructions. The last component of this personality theory is the superego, which consists of two distinct elements: the conscious and the ego deal. Conscience encompasses negative aspects that are instilled by one's parents and society, such as adverse outcomes, penalties, and emotions of guilt (MSEd, 2024). The second component of the superego is the ego ideal, including all the norms and standards of conduct that the ego motivates. For instance, the superego works as a deterrent to engaging in illegal behavior by prompting individuals to consider the potential repercussions of their actions.
3. Describe how components of a second personality theory of your choice relate to your subject. Your response should be about 6 to 10 sentences in length and include the following:
A. Components of personality theory, including but not limited to traits, behaviors, motives, or defense mechanisms
B. Multiple components from the theory applied to your subject with examples (i.e., behaviors that exemplify the concepts)
C. Citations when you are describing the theory
The biological personality theory I shall analyze is Hans Eysenck's Three Factor Model of Personality (PEN Model), which proposes three overarching factors: extraversion (E), neuroticism (N), and psychoticism (P). The elements of this personality theory include not only mental diseases, but also serve as indicators for many aspects of the typical structure of personality (Feist et al., 2013). It is crucial to evaluate these three dimensions since they are quantifiable and have a biological foundation. Psychoticism refers to the manifestation of violent and antisocial actions in an individual. Extraversion measures the degree of outgoingness, energy, and sociability in a person. Neuroticism encompasses emotional stability and the tendency to experience unpleasant emotions. Eysenck's hypothesis, which exemplifies the PEN model, posits that introverts need little or no external stimulation to achieve an optimum level of cognitive function, whereas extraverts need a relatively higher amount of external stimulation (Küssner, 2017). Finally, this model demonstrates how an individual's genetics might influence their personal attributes and performance.
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4. Describe the limitations of each of the two theories related to your subject. Your response should be about 6 to 10 sentences in length and include at least one limitation for each theory.
Upon further analysis, many shortcomings of the PEN model of Eysenck have been identified. These drawbacks include the oversimplification of behavioral qualities, the insufficient consideration of biological components, the inadequacy in establishing linkages between psychoticism and personality traits, and the lack of applicability in clinical research. This model does not account for the interactions between distinct qualities, nor is it well-established. They lack the scientific investigation of clinical research, whereby researchers have put forward several aspects that oppose or counteract with one's personality. Additionally, they fail to consider the intricate interplay of other aspects inside your personality. It is important to note that your personality is not only defined by three characteristics, but rather, it is a more intricate and multifaceted construct. The biological component of this concept asserts that heredity and the nervous system have more significance than environmental factors. However, this viewpoint is limited since environmental influences do play a crucial role in shaping an individual's behavior. Furthermore, it should be noted that the idea of psychoticism is not universally acknowledged, which therefore results in a lack of clarity in its assessment.
The limits of Freud's concept of the ID, Ego, and Superego lie in their lack of autonomous functioning. Instead, these psychological constructs operate in conjunction to shape an individual's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Impulsive behavior in the context of identification (ID) carries the inherent risk of instigating disorder and entangling oneself in legal complications. The restriction in ego lies in the challenge of maintaining equilibrium, which may lead to tension and conflict. Lastly, in the superego, limitations might result in the tendency to pass judgment on those who fail to fulfill their standards.
5. Explain why taking a holistic approach and applying multiple theories to a subject is better than applying only one. Your response should be about 6 to 10 sentences in length.
A holistic approach involves considering an individual's physical, mental, and emotional well-being while making decisions concerning their mental health, in order to get a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Examining and comprehending an individual via many theories may facilitate the knowledge of their cognitive processes, inclinations, and the influence of their biological characteristics. A holistic approach offers comprehensive care that takes into consideration the individual's whole well-being rather than only focusing on their mental health requirements. This will include their physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical well-being. It also enables researchers to examine an individual's health by considering many elements that may contribute to the psychological issue. Instead of only focusing on the symptoms of the psychological issue, it is crucial for the expert to thoroughly examine and investigate all factors that might contribute to this psychological problem. This will enable researchers to consider various elements, get a more profound comprehension, authenticate their discoveries, and appreciate the adaption of what they do uncover.
References
MSEd, K. C. (2024, March 5). Id, Ego, and Superego: Freud's Elements of Personality. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-id-ego-and-superego-2795951
The ID is significantly important especially as a baby due to if their needs aren’t met they will be uncomfortable and they will cry until the needs are satisfied (MSEd, 2024).
The explanation of the personality develops from the id and ensures that the impulses of the id can be expressed in a manner acceptable in the real world (MSEd, 2024).
Conscience encompasses negative aspects that are instilled by one's parents and society, such as adverse outcomes, penalties, and emotions of guilt (MSEd, 2024).
The ego component of this personality theory operates in the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious mind, and its primary role is to manage and navigate reality (MSEd, 2024).
Revelle, W. (2016). Hans Eysenck: Personality theorist. Personality and Individual Differences, 103, 32–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2016.04.007
The components of this personality theory aren’t limited to mental disorders, but all three factors are used to measure parts of the normal personality structure (Feist et al., 2013).
Küssner, M. B. (2017). Eysenck’s Theory of Personality and The Role of Background Music in Cognitive Task Performance: A Mini-Review of Conflicting Findings and a New perspective. Frontiers in Psychology, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01991
Eysenck's hypothesis, which exemplifies the PEN model, posits that introverts need little or no external stimulation to achieve an optimum level of cognitive function, whereas extraverts need a relatively higher amount of external stimulation (Küssner, 2017).
Van Kampen, D. (2009). Personality and Psychopathology: a Theory-Based Revision of Eysenck’s PEN Model. Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, 5(1), 9–21. https://doi.org/10.2174/1745017900905010009
MSEd, K. C. (2024, March 5). Id, Ego, and Superego: Freud's Elements of Personality. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-id-ego-and-superego-2795951
What is a holistic approach? - Principles for effective support. (n.d.). https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/psychosocial/principles/Pages/holistic.aspx
MSEd, K. C. (2023, March 8). What is holism? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-holism-4685432
This assignment was based on us writing about the personality and how we believed in how it is functioned, and how taking the holistic approach is important then applying just one theory. This is important in this class because that is one of the concepts that you will need to be successful in Psychology. This artifact will challenge you to know many theories, combine them, and show how it can help to make sure you take it at a holistic approach to combine all parts of the body before making any further decisions with a future patient. This is related to ethics and emotional intelligence due to ethical due to knowing how properly make a decision upon all three parts of a holistic approach, using your emotional intelligence of analyzing different theories, and apply it together.