Personality Powerful 60 Traits For The World

Personality is what a man is- goes the wise saying. Personality indicates the physical and mental characteristics of an individual that create a consistency between interaction and reaction. So, it is not wise to denote a person without personality in the light of a psychological perspective.

An individual must have a personality that might be positive and attractive and someone’s personality might be weak and negative that may be unattractive. People are habituated to behaving in different ways in different situations. That is why people say that society makes a man.

Origin

The word Personality is derived from the Latin word Persona, the meaning of which is a Musk. In ancient Rome, the actors and actresses while performing their roles, used to put on a Musk and it is called Persona. This Persona then denoted a fake identity of an individual rather than a real personality. Later, the ideas got changed. Firstly, the outer disguise indicated special qualities. Thus there had been many changes and the present personality came into the limelight.

Definition of Psychologists

Psychologists have tried to define Personality from a different point of view. Some of them are furnished below.

‘’Personality is the total nature of the behavior of a person’’—Woodworth.

‘’Personality is the organization of thoughts, feelings, wishes, and physical characteristics of an individual that separate him from others’’—Warren

‘’Personality is nothing but some inborn interactions’’—Magdughal.

Concepts

The word personality is a keyword and an important word in psychology.  The concept of personality may involve both the character and will of a person. The will of a person indicates the determination of that person. The character and personality may differ at times, the character may fluctuate; sometimes as good, while at other times as bad, but the personality remains to be the same at all times.

Psychologist’s Thinking

According to Psychologists, personality is defined as the inner qualities of a person, as reflected by his behavior. It is the personification of an individual and also a state of being a person, existing as an individual. It is frequently used to refer to certain qualities, as possessed by some persons. It also qualifies the integrity of a person.

Patterns

The human personality is rather complex and consists of distinctive patterns of behavior, a person shows or displays in a given situation. It is the totality of behavior of an individual in a given situation, where the whole human system interacts with a sequence of events or situations. It includes the emotions and thoughts of a person and his adaptive capacity to the situation of his life.

Therefore, a man’s behavior and activities are very much reflected in his personality. It is, therefore very important to bear in mind that the personality of a professional affects very much the well-being of subordinates and the success and failure of the profession he relates.

Components of Personality

There are four components of personality. They are—Physical appearance, Intelligence, Emotions, Behavior, and social character.

Physical Appearance

The physical aspects of human personality pertain to physical features or appearances. The individual’s physical appearance, height, weight, color, beauty, physical health or fitness, facial expressions, sweet tongue, and art of expression, etc. All these are physical traits and are considered very important in determining personality. To a common man, a good personality simply means a very impressive, handsome person with a sweet tongue, and a healthy look.

Intelligence

The intelligence level or I.Q. of an individual contributes to his personality. An intelligent person will usually have a very forceful and impressive personality and on the other hand, a dull person with sub-normal intelligence is very often considered a person with a poor personality.  IQ is the measurement of intelligence.

Emotions

The emotional aspect of personality deals with emotional stability or instability under conditions of stress or strain. The usual emotional feelings are fear, anger, love, jealousy, guilt, anxiety, worries, etc. All feelings usually affect an individual’s personality.

Behavior or social character or conduct

The conduct or behavior of an individual also reflects his personality. It is partly dependent on the individual’s ideas, and feelings, and partly on the expectations of the society or social norms. Therefore for proper assessment of a human’s personality, we have to consider all aspects of components of personality.

Types of Personality

(a) Type A or Extrovert or Cyclothymic personality,

(b) Type B or Introvert or Schizothymic personality, and

(c) Ambivert is a mixed type

Multiple Personality

People with multiple personality disorder exhibit two or more distinct and often quite different alternating personalities. Periods of alternations are typically minutes or hours, though they can be longer.

Type A Personality or Extrovert

Type A persons are hard-working and competitive and show restlessness, hostility, and a sense of urgency or impatience. They are outgoing type, friendly, and talkative. They usually are dashing, practical, very active, and can mix with people easily. They are very efficient and always seek recognition and advancement take on multiple responsibilities on their shoulders and try to complete multiple commitments and activities within a fixed time limit or period.

This type of person is more prone to getting coronary heart disease than type B/introvert person, who is easygoing, non-competitive and philosophical, very shy, and socially withdrawn type. In society, most people exhibit characteristics of both types.

Classifications of Extrovert and Introvert

The Extrovert and Introvert classification was done by Swiss Psychiatrist, Carl Jung (1875-1961)

• According to the American viewpoint, personality-type people are classified as Leaders or Followers; Liberals or Conservatives; and Losers or Winners.
• According to Hippocrates, the Greek physician, known as the father of medicine, people are grouped into 4 temperament types.

Opinion of the Greek Physician

They are-

• Sanguine Type; again divided into a cheerful type, Vigorous Type, and Confidently Optimistic Type
• The melancholic type is divided into depressed; and morose types.
• Choleric type or hot-tempered Type, and
• Phlegmatic Type–They are slow-moving, calm, and unexcitable people.

Personality Traits/Characteristics

The traits are tendencies to behave in relatively consistent and distinctive manners in variable situations. The human personality is a bundle of traits. The principal personality traits are rooted in a person by the age of 6. Some traits, therefore, people in general, cultivate are good manners and etiquette; some we may hide; such as kindliness, and some we may even modify depending on the society, in which we are placed; such as the sense of humor.

The personality traits are:- Cheerfulness, good manners, honesty, kindliness, reliability, loyalty, tactfulness, sense of humor, sportsmanship, and willingness to help others, etc. The personality traits of medical professionals should be as such:- Kindness, honesty, patience, tolerance, consciousness, perseverance, dutifulness, thoughtfulness, initiative, being ready to help at all times, correct judgments, and right decisions, etc.

Genes and Personality

Scientists are still trying to find out how much genes influence personality. The monozygotic twins are often found to be more similar in certain environments than the dizygotic twins. The monozygotic twins are identical twins found by the splitting of a fertilized egg. They carry the same genes. In certain studies of temperament in children, it has been found that the monozygotic twins are better rated than the dizygotic twins in four dimensions. Such dimensions are:

On the emotionality of the child;

On the activity of the child; the child is always active, as if always on the go;

On the sociability of the child; the child either tends to be shy or social and mixes with another child, talks freely, and replies as it is found appropriate; and

Impulsivity

The impulsivity of the child; as shown by the impulsive behavior of the child. In such situations, the child goes from toy to toy very quickly. In all these 4 dimensions, the monozygotic twins correct better than the dizygotic twins. In other words, the genetic factor also has to be counted in shaping the pattern of personality.

Types, Factors & Characteristics of Personality

Types, Factors & Characteristics of Personality: Some of the types, factors, and common features of personality are furnished below:

Humanistic Personality

These theories of personality give importance to people’s subjective attitudes, feelings, and beliefs about self or personality.

Formal Personality

The formal theories of personality are suggested as scientific scrutiny and tests to predict behavior; this theory is used to generate testable predictions about behavior. The success and failure of these predictions are used to support or discredit the theory.

The Ideal Personality

This theory of personality can tell you everything you would like to know about any person’s pattern of behavior.

Implicit Personality

This type of personality informs us about personality obtained from different sources, such as parents, relatives, teachers, and close associates. The personality has certain biological approaches. The idea is that different personality types are based on innate biological factors and are counted as one of the oldest views of personality. Three major biological approaches focus on human body types, brain area types, and genetic influences. The body types are classified into three heads: Tall and Thin body, Muscular body, and The Rounded and overweight body.

Seldon’s Theory

According to Seldon’s personality theory, the body areas are typed as the ectomorph types, which correlates with thin and delicate body types. This body-type person needs privacy and restraint in life. The mesomorph type correlates with the square-shaped and muscular type of body. This type of person has a love and passion for adventure and lust for power. The endomorph type of body correlates with the soft and rounded body type. They always long for love, sympathy, and physical comfort.

In the brain area type, the personality relates to the shape of the face and head. Injury to the brain or damage to the brain seriously affects personality. In the genetic areas, the gene directly affects the personality of a person to a great extent.

Personality Structure

SuperEgo

Id, Ego, and Super-Ego are the components of Freud’s theory, albeit he did not intend to divide personality into three separate compartments. In his observation, he found that egoism was acting as a mediator between the Id and the Superego. The Id is the most primitive part, which could be thought of as a sort of biologically based urge; that is to say to eat, drink, and have a sexual desire for self-gratification.

Sexual Libido

The sexual desire that underlies these urges is called the Libido. The Id is also called the pleasure principle. The Id part of personality usually satisfies the fundamental urges without regard to rules, the realities of life, and morals of any kind. According to Freud, the Id is instinctive, antisocial, selfish desires, and impulses of the individual. The Id, the biological mind, is reflected in an individual’s identity.

Ego Environment

The ego is the intellectual understanding of self and the environment. The ego part of personality consists of elaborate ways of behaving and thinking which constitute the executive function of the person. It keeps a person working for a living, getting along with people, and generally adjusting to the realities of life. The ego part of the personality helps with more sophisticated thinking and skills. The ego’s task is to balance between the Id and the Superego. The egoistic drives are ambitions, ideals, and standards, which are formed within the ego.

SuperEgo Part

The superego part of personality closely corresponds with the conscience. It consists mainly of prohibitions, learned from parents, and other authorities. The superego of a person may condemn certain things as wrong, which the ego would otherwise, do to satisfy the Id of the personality. The superego is a set of ideals, which have positive and moral values and are believed to be worthy to be pursued. When ego inclines more toward Id, the person becomes more selfish, self-centered, and tends to think about self only.

Ego Inclination

On the other hand, when the ego inclines more toward the superego, the person becomes more religious and God-fearing and thinks positively about the welfare of humanity. Freud’s notion and belief is that our behavior is influenced by biological drives, social rules, and mediating processes. Freud proposed three levels of consciousness. The conscious, the preconscious, and the unconscious.

Frend’s Topographic Theory of Mind

The conscious, the preconscious, and the unconscious mind, at this level, we are aware of a certain thing and certain thoughts around us and within us. Through the process of attention, a person gains awareness of stimuli from the external world.

At the preconscious level, our memories or thoughts are easily available with a moment’s reflection. For example, what we had for breakfast, or our parents’ first names. In contrast, the unconscious contains memories, thoughts, and motives which we can not easily call up. The entire Id is unconscious, involving primitive drives, and instincts with disregard for logic; whereas the ego and superego include materials at all three levels of consciousness.

Personality Type A, Type B in stressful situations and cardiac arrest

Type A personality can easily be distinguished from type B by the behavior of the person. Type A, personalities are hard-working and try to do the job with maximum capacity, no matter whether or not a deadline is imposed on them. Type A utilizes more energy and greater position of their oxygen capacity than type B and yet the type A, personality becomes less fatigued.

Therefore, type A personality always pushes for achievements and usually becomes impatient with delays in the process of success and achievements. In stressful conditions for a long duration, type A personalities- initially struggle hard to control the situation, failing which they just abandon and stop themselves from coping with the situation.

In Heart Attack

During the time of heart attack, there are usually different kinds of reactions due to stress and these bring a sort of changes within the biochemistry of the human system. These reactions or biological changes are delayed, protracted rather than immediate. Therefore type A personality patient needs more help during times of stress to avert harmful effects.

Besides, personality types A and B have a distinct incidence of heart attack, and therefore, management of patients varies greatly by personality type. It is quite possible to remodel type A persons, who are identified after they have had a heart attack, who will then learn easily to change into type S in orientation and thereby will reduce the recurrence of heart attack further.

Now questions may arise, whether our behavior is influenced by our personality traits or by situations in which people find themselves. There are lots of controversies about it. Sometimes our personality traits influence us to behave in a specific way, while at other times; the individual’s situations compel us to behave in a specific manner.

Personality development Processes

Human life consists of definitive stages of growth and development and each stage is marked by distinctive psychology. To find a basis to differentiate between normal and abnormal health, it is necessary to consider the development of the human personality as a vital point. Although genetically linked, but primarily the personality is primarily an acquired phenomenon, which is socially acquired over years right from the very infancy to the attainment of full maturity. So, it is in fact, a process of development.

Infancy

The first year of life is called the stage of infancy. The infant is usually not counted as a social creature or if at all; she/he is hardly a social creature. At this stage, the infant is dependent on the mother. There is of course some physical and mental growth.  By the end of the first year, the infant can stand up for a short while and try to walk a few steps with support.

At this stage, he also enjoys simple tricks and games. In this helpless period of an infant, she/he becomes very dependent and attached to her parents, particularly the mother, who usually fulfills most of the needs like food and other requirements of the infant. This stage is called the stage of primary attachment. During this stage of primary attachment, which is up to the age of six to nine months, the infant is completely dependent on the mother for feeding.

Mental and Social Development of a Child

Mental and Social Development

The mental and social development of the child is very much dependent upon the mother. If the mother dies at this stage, the growth and development of the child are greatly affected, resulting in the development of maternal deprivation syndrome. Next from one year to two years of age, the child develops some sphincter control of the urinary bladder and begins to socialize and try to communicate with other members of the family. This stage is called the initial stage of socialization.

Pre-school Childhood

This stage is followed by preschool childhood. This stage is marked by substantial growth of the brain. The child feeds itself, speaks, loves its own home and the surroundings; loves to hear stories and would like to share responsibilities, and begins to mix up with other small children.

Situations and Darkness

It is also afraid of unfamiliar situations and darkness. At this developmental stage, only the unfortunate child may be the victim of a clinical condition called Battered baby syndrome due to the non-accidental, inexcusable violence or injury by nearest relatives, guardians, parents, or foster parents. The entry point at the school is the beginning of entering into a social world. The school-age period varies from 5 years to 15 years. The school-going child is very active all the time.

Brain Development

The brain of the school child is almost fully developed; that is more than 80% development. By the age of 8 years, the mental powers are fully developed. The brain of 8 years child is almost the same as that of an adult. The child at this stage begins to reason and show gradual detachment from family and also shows more attachment and inclination to his friends and playmates. It is here that the child begins to learn to form the groups and be prepared to live in the groups. At this age, the child may develop school phobia too, which becomes a real problem for his education.

School Phobia

School phobia usually develops due to unfavorable situations or circumstances within the school handling or relationship. It can be properly handled or managed by good teaching and proper and appropriate handling of students by teachers and this may need a sympathetic, tender, and kind approach to students. The period of childhood terminates with the onset of puberty, which is about 11 years in the case of girls and 13 years in the case of boys respectively. This period is a period of transition from puberty to adult life and is called the period of adolescence.

Adolescence

Adolescence or teenager is a very turbulent period in one’s life. This is the period of rosy dreams, adventures, love, and romance. Teenagers usually strive for independence. They would not usually like very much parental control and authority. They become fully aware of social values and norms. Due to rapid physical growth, the period of adolescence soon merges forward to the attainment of adulthood; that is the age of 18 to 21 years. The period of adolescence is associated with an increased incidence of accidents, which in the majority of cases could be the cause of death. Homicide and suicide are also common at this time.

Personality Disorder

People with personality disorders generally are not aware of their problems and don’t have empathy with others. These people are known as psychopaths or sociopaths personalities having the following expressions: they may be excitable, unstable, eccentric, liars, swindlers, antisocial, and quarrelsome people.

Factors, which influence and determine the personality

Family influence and experiences of early life; Influence of academic community and society; Personal experiences; Illnesses, accidents, and disabilities; and Influences of social and cultural forces.

Family Influences

Family Influences: These are adequate love and affection; security, consistency, and close relationships; proper balance between stimulus and outlet. The basic personality formation starts within the family, right in childhood.

School, community, and society influences

These are effects of education and interpersonal relationships within the community, helping the development of personality and character. Experiences in early life can play an important role in determining personality; such as early deprivation of mother or both parents can have a disastrous effect on the formation of personality, right from childhood.

The reaction to illnesses; disability accidents or handicaps has a great influence on the development of personality. The social and cultural influences both play a very important part in determining the characteristics of a race or nation and to some extent, the individual’s personality differences.

Personality and the influence of Home

Origin

The origin of personality can be traced to the early training of the child within the environment of the home. The inherited innate tendencies are stimulated and developed in a particular direction and this depends very much on the initial influences of home life. Personality patterns are formed to a great extent during childhood.

Influence Of Family

During this period, the influences of parents, close relatives, and other family members within the home environment play a great role in the formation of a child’s personality and help the child grow into a strongly independent and self-reliant individual. The child’s care with tenderness, affection, love, sympathy, and overall support will principally guide and make the clear direction for the formation of patterns of personality.

Socio-Economic Condition

The socio-economic condition of the family at home, the social status of parents, the discipline of home life, etc. all are great factors to be counted for the formation of personality. In most cases, the parents are counted as models for their children, to follow in their lives for any kind of problem and solution.

Personality- Maladjustments

Personality- Maladjustments: These are-

Retreat

This type of personality- the person is unable to face the reality of life and instead of meeting the challenge, just runs away from the situation.

Day Dreaming

This type of personality-the person when failing to solve the problem through successful adjustment, may seek satisfaction in phantasy. The other type of maladjusted personality tries to justify his conduct, even after wrong-doing. Besides, there are other ways such as sublimation, projection, compensation, etc. all are reflected in individual personality adjustments and maladjustments in self-defense mechanisms.

The Human Defense Mechanisms In Different Personality Types And Structures

Rationalization

It is a less mature defense mechanism, in which an individual gives an acceptable explanation that is not the basic, underlying reason for an act or decision produced by an unconscious impulse. The individual in such a case or situation just tries to find excuses and tries to justify his behavior or actions in such situations. It is a face-saving device and an act of irrational feelings of behavior made to appear reasonable. Example: It is just like the cunning fox; declaring that the grapes are sour. Intellectualization is also a process to avoid unpleasant emotional experiences or expressions. This is a kind of Rationalization.

Projection

It is an unacceptable impulse that is attributed to others. It is like blaming others for their own mistakes or failures. It is a sort of an abrupt statement of a failed- student, who blames his teacher for his failure in the examination. Similarly, a bad workman quarrels with his tools.

Compensation

Compensation is meant to enhance the self-esteem and prestige of an individual, who is not good enough in one thing but distinguishes in another thing and thus compensates. Example: A boy with residual muscle damage from poliomyelitis, becomes an outstanding debate scholar. A glaring example is the late famous President of the USA Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was the victim of polio-myelitis.

Escape mechanism

Some individuals adopt means, what is known as an ‘escape mechanism’ to overcome failure or defeat. This is an escape phenomenon. Some students pretend illnesses and don’t appear for the examination. Some others take alcohol or drugs to solve their problems. This is a kind of escape phenomenon.

Displacement

In this defense mechanism, the emotional feelings are transferred from an unacceptable idea to an acceptable idea. It is also like a rebound phenomenon; trying to escape from one situation but blaming the other situation. Example: An angry office clerk being rebuked by his superior boss, cannot show it for fear of losing the job, may come home and start misbehaving with the family members. It is not uncommon in our society.

Regression

Regression is a less mature central defense mechanism, in which the people resort to childhood practices like weeping for something when it goes wrong, as a mode of adjustment, that is, child-like patterns of behavior which re-appear under stressful physical conditions.

Sublimation

It is a relatively mature defense. It is defined as channeling, unacceptable, and unconscious wishes into socially acceptable behaviors. It consists of a re-direction or a diversion of sexual impulses into socially valued activities and goals. Example: A writer may divert some of his/her libidos from sexual activities to the creation of a poem or novel, thus indirectly satisfying the same drives. Much of our literature, music, and art are the products of sublimation.

Denial

It is a less mature defense mechanism, in which persons disbelieve intolerable facts about the external world of reality.

Intellectualization

It is also a less mature defense mechanism, in which an individual mind is used to explain away frightening feelings or conflicts.

Splitting

It is a less mature defense mechanism, in which people or events are judged as being bad or good.

Clinical Personality

 Clinical Personalities are divided into the following heads.

General Instability: This type usually finds difficulties in adjustments at school, at home, at work, and in marriage or conjugal life. This type also shows signs of emotional immaturity and a psychopathic personality.

Timid Personality Type

This kind of person shows subnormal assertiveness. They become excessively submissive, ingratiating, apologetic, etc.

Sensitive Personality Type

They are very touchy, sensitive, emotional, and quite easily disturbed by trifling matter and have a tendency to get hurt easily.

Anxious Personality Type

This type is an unduly worried person. They are always very tense, apprehensive, and fearful about themselves, and they are constantly in need of assurances and re-assurances.

Obsessional Personality Type

This varies in degrees. Obsessional people are tidy, orderly, painstaking, persistent, and rigid in habits. Examples: Washing hands for longer periods for fear of contamination and infection; checking closed doors many a time because of failure to resist habits; fearing contracting a dreadful disease even after proper immunization like Tetanus.

Phobic Type Personality

They always encounter undue fear or apprehension for something dreadful to happen. This has been observed personally among the lower-ranking health professionals.

Hysterical Personality Type

This type of person always craves more attention. They are very demanding and dominating types of people; their emotions are superficial and they are generally unreliable people. Hysterical attacks usually clear up immediately after proper attention. Some of course will require strong sedation or tranquilizers. This phenomenon has been personally observed in hysterical personality types of patients.

Schizothymic/Introverted Personality Type  

This type of person is shy, reserved, and has difficulty in making social contacts and communicating with others. They prefer a solitary and silent life and tend to be awkward, tense, and rather inhibited.

Cyclothymic/Extroverted Personality Type

They are very social, friendly, and warm and can make contact easily. Sometimes their mood swings from depression to elation. They are quite the opposite of introverted personalities.

Personality Structure of Normal Persons

They are realistic towards life, prepared to face facts of life, whether pleasant or unpleasant; able to form an independent and reasoned opinion, and are also able to act on it, but at times seek advice from others as may be required suitable for the condition or situation; have the ability to love others.

Sometimes they are flexible and make suitable adjustments with others in the society, make decisions and have thorough discussions with knowledgeable persons on vital issues, accept healthy criticism about mistakes; react moderately to anger and hatred, can take long-range choices, accept responsibility, work well and enjoy holidays; and are well-balanced persons with good married, well-adjusted sex life, have respect for colleagues, have love and tolerance for children.

Integration of Personality

Human personality functions as a whole in any individual. Therefore, the integration of all qualities of a person is reflected in his/her behavior. The integrated personality is considered a balanced behavior. Human personality is in a way complex and the integration of all components of personality in a person is the desire of all of us, and such persons are called well-balanced persons in society; their performances are always in the positive direction of society.

Personality Assessment

Personality Assessment: There are two ways of evaluating personality assessment. They are:-

Subjective Method

This is usually done by a simple interview by a person or by a panel; as in the selection of a job by the interview Board.

Objective Methods

The most widely used objective personality test is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), which consists of 10 clinical scales. They are hypochondriasis, depression, hysteria, psychopathology, masculinity/femininity, paranoia, psychasthenia general measure of anxiety, schizophrenia, hypomania, and social distance. The lie scale, frequency scale, and correction scale of the MMPI are very important and they increase the validity of the test. The other additional scales may also be used for the interpretation of the valid condition of personality.

Evaluation of Freud’s Theory

Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalysis became a theory of personality and a method of psychotherapy in defining and treating an individual.

The Psychoanalytic Theory has three major parts:

A theory of the structure of personality, in which the ego, id, and superego are principal parts;

A theory of personality dynamics, in which  conscious and unconscious motivation and ego-defense mechanisms play a major role; and

A theory of psychosexual development, in which different motives and body regions influence the child at different stages of growth, with effects persisting in the form of adult personality traits.