Personality Theories
Study Course Implementer
Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of the study course "Personality Theories" is to develop students' knowledge and understanding of classical and modern personality theories, their historical development, theoretical principles and approaches to the study of personality. To promote the ability to compare and critically evaluate different personality theories and to use their concepts in the analysis of personality, behavior and individual differences.
Preliminary Knowledge
Not required.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Describe the concept of personality, the historical development of personality theories and the main methods of personality research.
Final test • Active participation in the study process
2.Describe the biological, psychodynamic, humanistic and existential, cognitive and socio-cognitive, and trait approaches to personality explanation.
Final test • Active participation in the study process
3.Explain the key concepts, constructs, and assumptions of major personality theories about personality structure, development, and behavior.
Individual work - personality analysis • Final test
4.Describe the relationship between individual differences in personality and personality traits and psychological health and functioning.
Final test
5.Explain the strengths, limitations, criticisms and contemporary developments of the major theories of personality.
Final test • Individual work - personality analysis
Skills
1.Compares different personality theories, identifying their common and different assumptions about personality, its development and behaviour.
Active participation in the study process • Final test • Individual work - personality analysis
2.Analyze personality expression and behavior using concepts and constructs from various personality theories.
Individual work - personality analysis
3.Apply the findings of personality theories to explain and interpret specific personality and behavioral situations.
Individual work - personality analysis • Final test
4.Evaluate the explanatory possibilities and limitations of different theoretical approaches in the analysis of a specific personality.
Active participation in the study process • Individual work - personality analysis
5.Use professional and scientific literature in the formation of theoretically grounded personality analysis and argumentation.
Individual work - personality analysis
Competences
1.Integrate the findings of different personality theories to form a theoretically grounded and multi-perspective analysis of personality.
Individual work - personality analysis
2.Critically evaluates the applicability of personality theories in explaining personality and behaviour, arguing for the chosen theoretical perspective.
Individual work - personality analysis
3.Formulate and justify conclusions about personality and its manifestations using academically correct argumentation and professional terminology.
Individual work - personality analysis
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Active participation in the study process |
-
|
-
|
|
To independently study the content of the video lecture and additional materials indicated in the study course, to actively participate in classes, discussions and study activities, as well as to provide feedback on the study process at the end of the study course. |
||
|
2.
Individual work - personality analysis |
50.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Individually choose one character from a film or literary work and perform a personality analysis using the personality theories, concepts and constructs learned in the study course. In the analysis, theoretically interpret the personality traits, behavior and possible explanatory factors of the character, integrating several theoretical perspectives. A detailed description of the task and evaluation criteria is available in E-studies. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Final test |
50.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Final test on the entire theoretical content of the study course, including the historical development of personality theories, the main classical and contemporary theoretical approaches, their most important representatives, concepts and constructs, approaches to personality research, as well as the strengths, limitations and application possibilities of theories. |
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Study Course Theme Plan
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to personality theories. Definition of personality and key concepts. Personality research methods.
Description
This topic offers basic knowledge of the definition of personality, key concepts and guiding principles that are essential to the study of personality theories. It also provides an overview of key methods used in personality research, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, as well as methods of analysis and observation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Biological approaches to personality. Genetics and personality. Brain structures and functions. The role of the nervous system in building personality.
Description
Biological approaches focus on genetic and neurobiological factors that affect personality. The topic includes studies on genetic aspects of inheritance, brain structures and their functions, and the role of the nervous system in building personality. These approaches are analysed against the theories and research of major authors such as Bouchard, Raichle and Eysenck. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychodynamic approaches to personality. Freud’s psychodynamic theory. Jung’s analytical psychology. Adler’s individual psychology.
Description
Psychodynamic theories examine a person’s internal conflict, consciousness and unconsciousness relationships, as well as the role of psychological defense mechanisms. Freud, Jung and Adler’s theories are analyzed in terms of how they explain personality structure, development and conflict resolution. This topic also considers how psychodynamic factors shape an individual’s behavior and emotional life. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychodynamic approaches to personality. Freud’s psychodynamic theory. Jung’s analytical psychology. Adler’s individual psychology.
Description
Psychodynamic theories examine a person’s internal conflict, consciousness and unconsciousness relationships, as well as the role of psychological defense mechanisms. Freud, Jung and Adler’s theories are analyzed in terms of how they explain personality structure, development and conflict resolution. This topic also considers how psychodynamic factors shape an individual’s behavior and emotional life. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Humanistic approaches to personality. Maslow’s theory of self-actualization. Rogers’s persona-centric theory. May’s and Frankle’s existential theories and free will.
Description
Humanist theories offer a perspective that emphasizes an individual’s self-actualization, free will and inner growth. Maslow’s theory of self-actualization and Rogers’s persona-centered theory are seen as the theoretical foundations that shape the humanist approach to personal development. Existential theories, such as in the works of Rollo May and Viktor Frankl, are analysed in terms of seeking the meaning of human life and the importance of free will. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Cognitive and behavioural approaches to personality. Bandura theory of social learning. Rotter theory of social learning. Kelly’s cognitive structure and its role in personality development.
Description
Cognitive and behavioral theories focus on human behavior and its relationship to cognitive processes. Bandura’s theory of social learning is explored in light of an individual’s interactions with their surroundings, while Rotter’s theory focuses on personal mechanisms of perception, such as expectation and behavioural modelling. George Kelly offers an analysis of cognitive structure and its impact on personality development. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Modern approaches to personality (trait approaches). Big five personality model five Factor theory. Olport disposition theory. Anchored by a two-dimensional and three-deimensional personality model. Ketel’s 16-factor personality model.
Description
Modern personality theories offer quantitative approaches, such as Big five’s personality model, which classifies a person’s personality by five key factors. Personality measurement techniques are looked at to assess and describe personality and its dynamics. These theories are particularly important for understanding personality development and its application in practical life, such as psychology, education and the working environment. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Personality and psychological health. Relationship between personality and mental health. Personality disorders and diagnostics. Psychological growth and development.
Description
The relationship between personality theories and mental health is being explored by analysing how different personality traits can affect psychological wellbeing or disorders. Eysenck and Cloninger offer different approaches to the relationship between personality and mental health. Personality disorders diagnosed under DSM-V/SSK-10 and its relationship to psychological growth using the Erikson and Ryff theories will also be looked at. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Comparison and criticism of personality theories. Key principles and contradictions of personality theories. The future evolution and challenges of personality theories.
Description
This topic makes a comparison of personality theories by analyzing key approaches and their contradictions. The topic offers a critical assessment of the practical applicability and limitations of different theories in the study of human behavior and development. The future evolution of personality theories is also being considered, examining the latest research and challenges associated with the integration and development of these theories. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Comparison and criticism of personality theories. Key principles and contradictions of personality theories. The future evolution and challenges of personality theories.
Description
This topic makes a comparison of personality theories by analyzing key approaches and their contradictions. The topic offers a critical assessment of the practical applicability and limitations of different theories in the study of human behavior and development. The future evolution of personality theories is also being considered, examining the latest research and challenges associated with the integration and development of these theories. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Comparison and criticism of personality theories. Key principles and contradictions of personality theories. The future evolution and challenges of personality theories.
Description
This topic makes a comparison of personality theories by analyzing key approaches and their contradictions. The topic offers a critical assessment of the practical applicability and limitations of different theories in the study of human behavior and development. The future evolution of personality theories is also being considered, examining the latest research and challenges associated with the integration and development of these theories. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Comparison and criticism of personality theories. Key principles and contradictions of personality theories. The future evolution and challenges of personality theories.
Description
This topic makes a comparison of personality theories by analyzing key approaches and their contradictions. The topic offers a critical assessment of the practical applicability and limitations of different theories in the study of human behavior and development. The future evolution of personality theories is also being considered, examining the latest research and challenges associated with the integration and development of these theories. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Comparison and criticism of personality theories. Key principles and contradictions of personality theories. The future evolution and challenges of personality theories.
Description
This topic makes a comparison of personality theories by analyzing key approaches and their contradictions. The topic offers a critical assessment of the practical applicability and limitations of different theories in the study of human behavior and development. The future evolution of personality theories is also being considered, examining the latest research and challenges associated with the integration and development of these theories. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Comparison and criticism of personality theories. Key principles and contradictions of personality theories. The future evolution and challenges of personality theories.
Description
This topic makes a comparison of personality theories by analyzing key approaches and their contradictions. The topic offers a critical assessment of the practical applicability and limitations of different theories in the study of human behavior and development. The future evolution of personality theories is also being considered, examining the latest research and challenges associated with the integration and development of these theories. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Comparison and criticism of personality theories. Key principles and contradictions of personality theories. The future evolution and challenges of personality theories.
Description
This topic makes a comparison of personality theories by analyzing key approaches and their contradictions. The topic offers a critical assessment of the practical applicability and limitations of different theories in the study of human behavior and development. The future evolution of personality theories is also being considered, examining the latest research and challenges associated with the integration and development of these theories. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Comparison and criticism of personality theories. Key principles and contradictions of personality theories. The future evolution and challenges of personality theories.
Description
This topic makes a comparison of personality theories by analyzing key approaches and their contradictions. The topic offers a critical assessment of the practical applicability and limitations of different theories in the study of human behavior and development. The future evolution of personality theories is also being considered, examining the latest research and challenges associated with the integration and development of these theories. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to personality theories. Definition of personality and key concepts. Personality research methods.
Description
This topic offers basic knowledge of the definition of personality, key concepts and guiding principles that are essential to the study of personality theories. It also provides an overview of key methods used in personality research, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, as well as methods of analysis and observation. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to personality theories. Definition of personality and key concepts. Personality research methods.
Description
This topic offers basic knowledge of the definition of personality, key concepts and guiding principles that are essential to the study of personality theories. It also provides an overview of key methods used in personality research, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, as well as methods of analysis and observation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Biological approaches to personality. Genetics and personality. Brain structures and functions. The role of the nervous system in building personality.
Description
Biological approaches focus on genetic and neurobiological factors that affect personality. The topic includes studies on genetic aspects of inheritance, brain structures and their functions, and the role of the nervous system in building personality. These approaches are analysed against the theories and research of major authors such as Bouchard, Raichle and Eysenck. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Biological approaches to personality. Genetics and personality. Brain structures and functions. The role of the nervous system in building personality.
Description
Biological approaches focus on genetic and neurobiological factors that affect personality. The topic includes studies on genetic aspects of inheritance, brain structures and their functions, and the role of the nervous system in building personality. These approaches are analysed against the theories and research of major authors such as Bouchard, Raichle and Eysenck. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychodynamic approaches to personality. Freud’s psychodynamic theory. Jung’s analytical psychology. Adler’s individual psychology.
Description
Psychodynamic theories examine a person’s internal conflict, consciousness and unconsciousness relationships, as well as the role of psychological defense mechanisms. Freud, Jung and Adler’s theories are analyzed in terms of how they explain personality structure, development and conflict resolution. This topic also considers how psychodynamic factors shape an individual’s behavior and emotional life. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychodynamic approaches to personality. Freud’s psychodynamic theory. Jung’s analytical psychology. Adler’s individual psychology.
Description
Psychodynamic theories examine a person’s internal conflict, consciousness and unconsciousness relationships, as well as the role of psychological defense mechanisms. Freud, Jung and Adler’s theories are analyzed in terms of how they explain personality structure, development and conflict resolution. This topic also considers how psychodynamic factors shape an individual’s behavior and emotional life. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Humanistic approaches to personality. Maslow’s theory of self-actualization. Rogers’s persona-centric theory. May’s and Frankle’s existential theories and free will.
Description
Humanist theories offer a perspective that emphasizes an individual’s self-actualization, free will and inner growth. Maslow’s theory of self-actualization and Rogers’s persona-centered theory are seen as the theoretical foundations that shape the humanist approach to personal development. Existential theories, such as in the works of Rollo May and Viktor Frankl, are analysed in terms of seeking the meaning of human life and the importance of free will. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Humanistic approaches to personality. Maslow’s theory of self-actualization. Rogers’s persona-centric theory. May’s and Frankle’s existential theories and free will.
Description
Humanist theories offer a perspective that emphasizes an individual’s self-actualization, free will and inner growth. Maslow’s theory of self-actualization and Rogers’s persona-centered theory are seen as the theoretical foundations that shape the humanist approach to personal development. Existential theories, such as in the works of Rollo May and Viktor Frankl, are analysed in terms of seeking the meaning of human life and the importance of free will. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Cognitive and behavioural approaches to personality. Bandura theory of social learning. Rotter theory of social learning. Kelly’s cognitive structure and its role in personality development.
Description
Cognitive and behavioral theories focus on human behavior and its relationship to cognitive processes. Bandura’s theory of social learning is explored in light of an individual’s interactions with their surroundings, while Rotter’s theory focuses on personal mechanisms of perception, such as expectation and behavioural modelling. George Kelly offers an analysis of cognitive structure and its impact on personality development. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Cognitive and behavioural approaches to personality. Bandura theory of social learning. Rotter theory of social learning. Kelly’s cognitive structure and its role in personality development.
Description
Cognitive and behavioral theories focus on human behavior and its relationship to cognitive processes. Bandura’s theory of social learning is explored in light of an individual’s interactions with their surroundings, while Rotter’s theory focuses on personal mechanisms of perception, such as expectation and behavioural modelling. George Kelly offers an analysis of cognitive structure and its impact on personality development. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Modern approaches to personality (trait approaches). Big five personality model five Factor theory. Olport disposition theory. Anchored by a two-dimensional and three-deimensional personality model. Ketel’s 16-factor personality model.
Description
Modern personality theories offer quantitative approaches, such as Big five’s personality model, which classifies a person’s personality by five key factors. Personality measurement techniques are looked at to assess and describe personality and its dynamics. These theories are particularly important for understanding personality development and its application in practical life, such as psychology, education and the working environment. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Modern approaches to personality (trait approaches). Big five personality model five Factor theory. Olport disposition theory. Anchored by a two-dimensional and three-deimensional personality model. Ketel’s 16-factor personality model.
Description
Modern personality theories offer quantitative approaches, such as Big five’s personality model, which classifies a person’s personality by five key factors. Personality measurement techniques are looked at to assess and describe personality and its dynamics. These theories are particularly important for understanding personality development and its application in practical life, such as psychology, education and the working environment. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Personality and psychological health. Relationship between personality and mental health. Personality disorders and diagnostics. Psychological growth and development.
Description
The relationship between personality theories and mental health is being explored by analysing how different personality traits can affect psychological wellbeing or disorders. Eysenck and Cloninger offer different approaches to the relationship between personality and mental health. Personality disorders diagnosed under DSM-V/SSK-10 and its relationship to psychological growth using the Erikson and Ryff theories will also be looked at. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Personality and psychological health. Relationship between personality and mental health. Personality disorders and diagnostics. Psychological growth and development.
Description
The relationship between personality theories and mental health is being explored by analysing how different personality traits can affect psychological wellbeing or disorders. Eysenck and Cloninger offer different approaches to the relationship between personality and mental health. Personality disorders diagnosed under DSM-V/SSK-10 and its relationship to psychological growth using the Erikson and Ryff theories will also be looked at. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Comparison and criticism of personality theories. Key principles and contradictions of personality theories. The future evolution and challenges of personality theories.
Description
This topic makes a comparison of personality theories by analyzing key approaches and their contradictions. The topic offers a critical assessment of the practical applicability and limitations of different theories in the study of human behavior and development. The future evolution of personality theories is also being considered, examining the latest research and challenges associated with the integration and development of these theories. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Comparison and criticism of personality theories. Key principles and contradictions of personality theories. The future evolution and challenges of personality theories.
Description
This topic makes a comparison of personality theories by analyzing key approaches and their contradictions. The topic offers a critical assessment of the practical applicability and limitations of different theories in the study of human behavior and development. The future evolution of personality theories is also being considered, examining the latest research and challenges associated with the integration and development of these theories. |
Bibliography
Required Reading
Stanley Gaines Jr., S. (2020). Personality Psychology: The Basics. RoutledgeSuitable for English stream
Ellis, A., Abrams, M., & Dengelegi Abrams, L. (2008). Personality Theories : Critical Perspectives.SAGE Publications, Incorporated.Suitable for English stream
Reņģe, V. (2000). Psiholoģija. Personības psiholoģija. Lekciju kurss. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC.
Reņģe, V. (1999). Psiholoģija. Personības psiholoģiskās teorijas. Lekciju kurss. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC.
Karpova, Ā. (1998). Personība. Teorijas un to radītāji. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC.