An Introduction to Theories of Personality

For courses in personality psychology.

Explore personality with the theorists

An Introduction to Theories of Personality uses a unique theorist-by-theorist approach in introducing the basics of personality theory, ranging from Freud and other personality theory pioneers to modern theorists. Both the theorists and their theories are discussed – supported by a wealth of primary sources, biographical information, and additional research – in a way that urges students to consider not only psychology as a field but their own lives and relationships. The 9th Edition has been thoroughly updated; changes include chapter revisions and reorganizations based on student input, updated chapter introductions and Questions for Discussions, and more.

Matt Olson was born in Cuba, New Mexico in 1951, graduated from University of California (Davis) in 1973, and completed his PhD at the University of Michigan in 1977. He joined the faculty of Hamline University in 1977, where he began a 30-year textbook collaboration with B.R. Hergenhahn (1934—2007), chaired the psychology department for 25 years, and retired as Professor Emeritus in 2018 after a 41-year, undergraduate teaching career. After paying his dues in the Midwest, he and artist Marcia Söderman, married for more than 43 years, retired to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains in Santa Fe.

Domenica “Nicki” Favero has a Doctorate of Psychology and is licensed as a clinical psychologist in the state of Virginia. She is currently the department chair and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Lynchburg. She teaches courses in abnormal behavior, personality theories, and theories of psychotherapy. Dr. Favero spent several years conducting therapy and psychological assessments with children and adolescents before beginning her career in academia.

PART I: INTRODUCTION TO PERSONALITY
1. What is Personality?

PART II: THE PSYCHOANALYTIC PARADIGM
2. Sigmund Freud
3. Carl Jung

PART III: THE SOCIOCULTURAL PARADIGM

4. Alfred Adler
5. Karen Horney
6. Erik H. Erikson

PART IV: THE TRAIT PARADIGM
7. Gordon Allport
8. Raymond B. Cattell and Hans J. Eysenck

PART V: THE LEARNING PARADIGM
9. B.F. Skinner
10. John Dollard and Neal Miller
11. Albert Bandura and Walter Mischel

PART VI: THE EVOLUTIONARY PARADIGM
12. David M. Buss

PART VII: THE EXISTENTIAL-HUMANISTIC PARADIGM

13. George Kelly
14. Carl Rogers
15. Abraham Maslow
16. Rollo Reese May

PART VII: SUMMING UP AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
17. A Final Word