Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Personality theories are frameworks that psychologists use to explain and understand the patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make up an individual's unique personality.
Trait theory suggests that personality is made up of a set of stable characteristics called traits. These traits influence how individuals think, feel, and behave.
Psychodynamic theory emphasizes the role of unconscious processes in shaping personality. It proposes that early childhood experiences and unconscious desires influence behavior.
Social-cognitive theory focuses on how cognitive processes (such as perception and interpretation) interact with social influences to shape personality. It highlights the importance of observational learning and self-efficacy in understanding behavior.