PERSONALITY THEORIES I

 

Definition of Personality

The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character. At its most basic, personality is the characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that make a person unique.

  Personality embraces moods, attitudes, and opinions and is most clearly expressed in interactions with other people.

        It includes behavioural characteristics, both inherent and acquired,

        that distinguish one person from another and that can be observed in people's relations to the environment and to the social group.

Personality theories

Group 1. Body type personality theory


 Scientists believe that your body type can be linked to your personality. Based on observations and interviews of hundreds of people, three body/personality types, called somatotypes have been proposed.

v  Ectomorphs

v  mesomorphs

v  endomorphs

 

Ectomorphs

Ectomorphs are thin with a small bone structure and very little fat on their bodies.

According to Sheldon,

        the ectomorph personality is anxious, self-conscious, artistic, thoughtful, quiet, and private. They enjoy intellectual stimulation and feel uncomfortable in social situations.

Endomorphs

   Endomorphs are the opposite of ectomorphs. Endomorphs have narrow shoulders and wide hips, and carry extra fat on their round bodies.

Sheldon described

        endomorphs as being relaxed, comfortable, good -humored, even-tempered, sociable, and tolerant. Endomorphs enjoy affection and detest disapproval.

Mesomorphs

   Mesomorphs fall between the ectomorph and the endomorph. Mesomorphs have large bone structure, well-defined muscles, broad shoulders, narrow waists, and attractive, strong bodies.

According to Sheldon,

   mesomorphs are adventurous, assertive, competitive, and fearless. They are curious and enjoy trying new things, but can also be obnoxious and aggressive.

-        NB: This theory however has received various criticisms.