A REVIEW OF PERSONALITY THEORIES

Victor J. Drapela

184 pages

Personality theories are frameworks devised by professionals to interpret the interaction of dynamic forces operating in every person's life. This text explains in basic terms the following major theories: Psychoanalytic Theory, Analytic Theory, Individual Psychology, Interpersonal Theories, Psychosocial Theories, Learning Theory, Trait and Factor Theory, Field Theory, Phenomenology and Existentialism, Self-Theory, Holistic Theory, Logo-therapy, and Systemic Eclecticism. It is organized as a study guide to help the reader gain basic insights into various interpretations of the role that personality dynamics assume in human behavior. The author makes a conscious effort to keep the language clear and simple, avoiding unneeded technical terms. However, full recognition is given to the distinctive terminology developed by certain theorists. To lend a degree of concreteness to abstract ideas, explanatory drawings have been included wherever appropriate. This book will prove useful to students in counselor education and other applied psychology programs, particularly when reviewing personality theories for comprehensive or qualifying examinations. It is also a useful resource to practitioners preparing for certification or licensure tests. Additionally, the book may be of interest to persons of many walks of life who want to better understand the many and diverse interpretations of human behavior and of the dynamic forces within personality.