Personal Perspective on Personality Theory Essay

Personal Perspective on Personality Theory - Essay ExampleSome of the more well-known theorists in this battleground are Sigmund Freud, Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. Each of these men approached the question of personality from a completely unique angle, presenting models that attempted to explain the complex mechanisms that go into the gravelment of personality, however, Maslows speculation of self-actualization seems to take a predominant lead in explaining personality development.Maslow proposed personality was developed along a hierarchy of needs beginning with the most introductory needs of food, clothing and shelter. As these needs were being met, the individual could move on to obtaining the second level needs. These levels progressed through physiological, safety, belongingness/love, esteem and self-actualization. Self-actualization was the highest level need and equal that point in a persons personality development when they have met all lower needs and are now free t o keep abreast their true potential. A person who is satisfied at the previous four levels will feel bored unless she or he is engaged in self-actualization essay (Jazwinski, 1998). Within this conjecture, he goes on to enumerate 16 different major characteristics of a self-actualized person, 15 of which I can identify with. However, it is true that Maslows theory remains a little shallow with respect to how individual differences are formed with the only contributing factor being how well or seriously our needs have been realized (Pettifor, 1996).Freuds theory centers around the concepts of the id, the ego and the superego. According to this theory, the id is the unconscious mind that responds only to urges and gratification. As we mature, we begin to act upon those impulses and develop a conscious mind, the ego. However, the ego recognizes that some of the actions desired by the id are not appropriate within a given society, so it begins