Influences on the Development of Personality

Within the field of psychology, there is an ongoing debate about what factors influence the development of personality. Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory attempts to explain personality by focusing on unconscious determinants of behavior. The basic premise of Freud’s theory is that unconscious motives and experiences in early childhood govern the development of personality. John B. Watson studied the effects of environment on the overt behaviors of humans and animals. He and many other psychologists of the time believed only observable events could be studied scientifically. Watson believed the development of personality was closely correlated with an individual’s environment. Carl Rogers studied the unique aspects of human experience. His work was based on the belief that humans are free, rational beings with the potential for personal growth, and they are fundamentally different from animals. Rogers would say that human personality is governed by each individual’s sense of self, or self-concept. Freud, Watson, and Rogers had different opinions about what determined personality, but one perspective cannot fully explain how personality is developed.

I cannot possibly choose which perspective I think is the best because I believe they all explain a lot about human behavior, but, I agree most with the behavioral perspective. I believe an individual’s environment plays an extremely large role in determining his behavior and personality development. I believe my environment played an important role in determining my and behavior and guiding the development of my personality. I grew up in a home where sports were a major interest, therefore, now I am highly interested in sports. My father was a very quiet and relaxed man; therefore, because of my exposure to his behaviors, I am very quiet and relaxed. I find it very difficult to accredit a large portion of my personal development to anything other than the environment in which I grew up. Although I agree with the principles of the behavioral perspective, I also see viable points made in other perspectives. I believe the unconscious influences the behavior and development of personality in individuals. I also believe humans have free will; not all behavior is predetermined by environment and unconscious drives.

There are several themes that characterize psychology as a field of study. One theme is that psychology is empirical. To say that psychology is empirical means that its conclusions are based on direct observation rather than on reasoning, speculation, traditional beliefs, or common sense. Psychologists carry out research to test their ideas and hypotheses about behavior. In trying to understand the development of personality, it is important to realize that claims can only be made if behaviors are observed and tested many times. Another theme that is important is that psychology is theoretically diverse. While psychology is based on observation, psychologists cannot explain their observations without coming up with or adopting a theory to explain them. Many psychologists have come up with theories that have stood the test of time and are generally accepted in the field. Because no single theory can adequately explain everything, psychologists must accept multiple theories if they want to fully understand behavior. To better understand the development of personality, it should be realized that more than one theory will be needed to fully explain individuals behavior. Theoretical diversity is an increasingly recognized strength that characterizes the field of psychology.