4 Personality Theorists
Abstract
This essay includes an overview study of four personality theorists. The works of B.F. Skinner, Carl Jung, Carl Rogers, and Erik Erikson have all been explored to gain insight into the human psyche. The philosophies of these theorists have been compared and contrasted with one another to illuminate common trends and vast differences in the pedagogy and theory behind personality. Furthermore, I have offered a personal testimony as to my personality, the patterns and cycles associated with it, and my attempt to balance biological predispositions and an empowered drive to alter my personality.
To study personality is to study human kind. Behavior is forever changing and evolving within us, and therefore to study personality is to study human development. It is my goal with this essay to bring to light the essence of personality: how much control each of us has over our behavior and what happens when biologically inherent predispositions collide with empowered, actualized individuals. In doing this, I have studied those who have come before me. Burrhus Frederic Skinner, Carl Jung, Carl Rogers, and Erik Erikson have all dedicated much of their professional lives towards deciphering how humans relate to their environment and to one another. Each of these men has devised theories of personalities and in turn, theories of human development. The theories based on each man’s own life lessons and personal tutelage, directly impacted their own counseling philosophy.
B.F. Skinner The first personality theorist I will examine is B.F. Skinner. B.F. Skinner labeled his view of human personality as behaviorism. He believed life circumstances and the environment have a direct impact on shaping an individual’s personality. In fact, he all but negated the specific idea of personality and focused directly on behavior. He thought of the two as one in the same. Skinner believed that the study of behavior
This essay includes an overview study of four personality theorists. The works of B.F. Skinner, Carl Jung, Carl Rogers, and Erik Erikson have all been explored to gain insight into the human psyche. The philosophies of these theorists have been compared and contrasted with one another to illuminate common trends and vast differences in the pedagogy and theory behind personality. Furthermore, I have offered a personal testimony as to my personality, the patterns and cycles associated with it, and my attempt to balance biological predispositions and an empowered drive to alter my personality.
To study personality is to study human kind. Behavior is forever changing and evolving within us, and therefore to study personality is to study human development. It is my goal with this essay to bring to light the essence of personality: how much control each of us has over our behavior and what happens when biologically inherent predispositions collide with empowered, actualized individuals. In doing this, I have studied those who have come before me. Burrhus Frederic Skinner, Carl Jung, Carl Rogers, and Erik Erikson have all dedicated much of their professional lives towards deciphering how humans relate to their environment and to one another. Each of these men has devised theories of personalities and in turn, theories of human development. The theories based on each man’s own life lessons and personal tutelage, directly impacted their own counseling philosophy.
B.F. Skinner The first personality theorist I will examine is B.F. Skinner. B.F. Skinner labeled his view of human personality as behaviorism. He believed life circumstances and the environment have a direct impact on shaping an individual’s personality. In fact, he all but negated the specific idea of personality and focused directly on behavior. He thought of the two as one in the same. Skinner believed that the study of behavior
References: Erikson, E. H., & Coles, R. (2000). The Erik Erikson reader. New York: W.W. Norton. Jung, C. G., & Dell, W. S. (1933). Modern man in search of a soul,. London: K. Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co.. Jung, C. G. (1958). The undiscovered self([1st ed.). Boston: Little, Brown. Jung, C. G. (1959). The archetypes and the collective unconscious. New York: Pantheon Books. Jung, C. G., & Sabini, M. (2002). The earth has a soul: the nature writings of C.G. Jung. Berkeley, Calif.: North Atlantic Books. Jung, C. G. (1983). Memories, dreams, reflections (Flamingo ed.). London: Fontana Paperbacks. Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person: a therapist 's view of psychotherapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. Rogers, C. R., Kirschenbaum, H., & Henderson, V. L. (1989). The Carl Rogers reader. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Skinner, B. F. (1971). Beyond freedom and dignity ([1st ed.). New York: Knopf. Skinner, B. F. (1974). About behaviorism([1st ed.). New York: Knopf; [distributed by Random House]. Skinner, B. F. (1976). Walden Two. New York: Macmillan.