History of Personality Theories
The study of personality dates back to ancient Greek, when Plato,
Aristotle, and Hippocrates suggested their theories on personality. Through the centuries,
their theories have evolved, changed, and have continued to be the base and foundation of
modern psychology. Without these ancient philosophers and sacrifices towards the study
of personality, our modern discipline of psychology wouldn’t be where it is today. As
centuries progressed, many philosophers, psychologist, mathematicians, and physicians
have expanded on the study of personality. Personality theories such as the humanistic,
behaviorist, psychoanalytic, cognitive, and psychobiologist theories, have emerged from
ancient times and continue to be present in modern times. The purpose of this paper is to
present the historical origins of personality theories and how they have evolved and
continue to flourish in modern times.
What is personality? Personality is the complex and fluid mental processes that
each person uniquely posses that influences cognition, emotion, and behaviors. These
unique mental processes help individuals when dealing with their environment. The study
of personality dates back to Greek times. Philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and
Hippocrates had their theories on personality. Plato’s division of the soul or tripartite was
based on human possessing reason, spirit, and appetite. Sigmund Freud later based his
theory on the ego, superego, and id on Plato’s tripartite. Aristotle also had his theories of
human psyche. Aristotle theorized that humans possessed reasoning and the ability to
think. Empedocles theorized that all matter was made up of four elements, which
consisted of water, earth, air, and fire. Later Hippocrates and Galen expanded on this
belief of the four elements and that humans were composed of four humors. The four
Personality Theories 3
four humors consisted of the same elements, water, earth, air and
Aristotle, and Hippocrates suggested their theories on personality. Through the centuries,
their theories have evolved, changed, and have continued to be the base and foundation of
modern psychology. Without these ancient philosophers and sacrifices towards the study
of personality, our modern discipline of psychology wouldn’t be where it is today. As
centuries progressed, many philosophers, psychologist, mathematicians, and physicians
have expanded on the study of personality. Personality theories such as the humanistic,
behaviorist, psychoanalytic, cognitive, and psychobiologist theories, have emerged from
ancient times and continue to be present in modern times. The purpose of this paper is to
present the historical origins of personality theories and how they have evolved and
continue to flourish in modern times.
What is personality? Personality is the complex and fluid mental processes that
each person uniquely posses that influences cognition, emotion, and behaviors. These
unique mental processes help individuals when dealing with their environment. The study
of personality dates back to Greek times. Philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and
Hippocrates had their theories on personality. Plato’s division of the soul or tripartite was
based on human possessing reason, spirit, and appetite. Sigmund Freud later based his
theory on the ego, superego, and id on Plato’s tripartite. Aristotle also had his theories of
human psyche. Aristotle theorized that humans possessed reasoning and the ability to
think. Empedocles theorized that all matter was made up of four elements, which
consisted of water, earth, air, and fire. Later Hippocrates and Galen expanded on this
belief of the four elements and that humans were composed of four humors. The four
Personality Theories 3
four humors consisted of the same elements, water, earth, air and
References: Funder, C. D. (2007) Personality. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 197-212. Retrieved February 11, 2008 from ProQuest database. Hoffman, L. (2002). Psychotherapy for Personality Disorder. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 159, 504-507. Retrieved February 10, 2008 from ProQuest database. Thorne, B. M., & Henley, B. T. (2005). Connections in the History and Systems of Psychology. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co. Levy-Leboyer, C. (2003). Personality: Theories and Applications. Durham, 56, 507-508. Retrieved February 18, 2008 from ProQuest database.