Theories of Personality Development
How do our personalities develop? There have been a number of theories developed by prominent psychologists to answer this question. Learn more about theories developed by Erikson, Freud, Kohler and others.
Characteristics of Self-Actualized People
Abraham Maslow proposed a hierarchy that represented various needs that motivate human behavior. The hierarchy is often displayed as a pyramid, with lowest levels representing basic needs and more complex needs located at the top of the pyramid.
At the peak of this hierarchy is self-actualization. The hierarchy suggests that when the other needs at the base of the pyramid have been met…
Trait Theory of Personality
Trait theory of personality suggests that personality is composed of a number of broad traits. Learn more about the trait theory of personality.
Trait theory of personality suggests that personality is composed of a number of broad traits. Learn more about the trait theory of personality.
Self-Efficacy
According to Albert Bandura, self-efficacy plays a critical role in how people think, feel, and behave. Learn more about what self-efficacy is and the role it plays.
According to Albert Bandura, self-efficacy plays a critical role in how people think, feel, and behave. Learn more about what self-efficacy is and the role it plays.
The "Big Five" Personality Dimensions
The "big five" personality dimensions are broad categories of personality traits. Learn more about these different types of personality and the characteristics of each.
The "big five" personality dimensions are broad categories of personality traits. Learn more about these different types of personality and the characteristics of each.
Murray's Theory of Psychogenic Needs
Psychologist Henry Murray proposed a theory of personality based upon a number of psychogenic needs. Learn more about these psychogenic needs and how Murray believed they relate to personality.
Psychologist Henry Murray proposed a theory of personality based upon a number of psychogenic needs. Learn more about these psychogenic needs and how Murray believed they relate to personality.
"Big Five" Personality Quiz
The "Big Five" personality dimensions describe five broad areas of personality. Learn how you rate on the big five dimensions in this personality quiz.
The "Big Five" personality dimensions describe five broad areas of personality. Learn how you rate on the big five dimensions in this personality quiz.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs emphasizes the importance of self-actualization and is often pictured as a pyramid. Learn more about the five levels in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs emphasizes the importance of self-actualization and is often pictured as a pyramid. Learn more about the five levels in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.