Theories of Personality

There are innumerable concepts and views on personality. Many psychologists and behaviorist have carried out research to each consensus on personality perspectives. Grouping of theories relating to personality are categorized on various themes. However the most logical grouping of personality theories is explained below:

1. Psychoanalytic theory
Psychoanalytic theory is based on the notion that man is motivated more by unseen forces than he is controlled by conscious and rational thought. Although Sigmund Freud is most closely related with this theory, others, such as Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, Karen Horney, and Eric Fromm, who all broke from Freud, made additional contributions. Clinical techniques were used primarily to develop psychoanalytic theory. Freud noted that his patient’s behaviour could not always be consciously explained. This clinical finding led him to conclude that major motivating force in man was unconscious framework. This framework contains three aspects, though interrelated but often conflicting. These are explained below:
i. The Id
ii. The Ego
iii. The Super Ego

i. The Id
It is the original and most basic system of human personality. It consists of everything psychologically that is inherited and present at the time of birth. At the base of the Freudian theory lies the id that is primitive, instinctual and governed by the principles of greed and pleasure. As individual matures, he learns to control the Id. Yet, it will remain as a driving force throughout life. Id is important source of thinking and behaving.

ii. The Ego
It is the logical and conscious part of the human personality. If Id represents unconscious part, ego represents conscious part. Thus ego keeps Id under check. Id wants immediate action and ego wants to postpone it to appropriate time. the Ego is how we view ourselves. Freud compared the id to a horse and the ego to the horse’s rider

iii. Super Ego
It represents noble thoughts acquired by a person from parents, teachers, friends, colleagues, organisation, religion, etc. From childhood, he absorbs cultural values and develops a superego. It determines whether the idea proposed by ‘ego’ is right or wrong. Thus superego acts as a sensor on the individuals. Freud says that ego mediates between Id and superego. A Personality becomes disorderly developed when either Id or superego becomes dominant. The superego’s reason for that decision is based more on moral values, while the ego’s decision is based more on what others will think or what the consequences of an action could be on the individual.