Ethics

Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality
    Understanding personality has been an ongoing challenge for Psychologists. Determining why people behave certain ways is why research into personality is conducted. Several theories have developed as a result of research to discover why people have such differences in personality, and understanding behaviors. Although Freud’s approach was a starting point for understanding personalities, many psychologists did not agree with all Freud’s theories. Thus, different theories emerged.   The biological and humanistic theories are two approaches in personality in which will be analyzed. By comparing and contrasting both theories, an understanding of the similarities and differences, and an interpretation of the meaning behind the theories will be apparent. The objective is to discover which of the two theories is more realistic and evident in our personalities.
    The main focus of the biological approach suggests that genetics and environment play a major role in the development of our personalities. Biological components determine our basic physical characteristics which include the color of our eyes and hair, our height and our general appearance. Biology plays a role in personality; our appearance affects the way people view themselves and interact with others, which in turn determines how people develop into adulthood. Research shows that our behavior is linked to heritable traits. A study by the British Medical Association (1996) shows that variations in behaviors studied in humans are highly influenced by inherited genes. The findings of this research stem from personality questionnaires and are designed to measure the aspects of temperament such as the novelty seeking gene. The novelty seeking gene is an ordinary trait found in everyone, although some individuals have a longer version of the gene than others. Those who possess the longer version of the novelty seeking gene, contain a higher level of... [continues]

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