Question

Must be at least 150 words

the 8 personality perspectives are:

Psychoanalytic (Unconscious)

Neo-Analytic (Ego Forces)

Biological

Behaviorist

Cognitive (Conditioned and Shaped)

Traits

Humanistic (Spiritual)

Interactionist

Take some time to develop an opinion about the question posed in Chapter 15 - Can the eight persoanlity perspectives be merged? Should they be? Or is there a place for them all?

Answer 1

In my opinion, the eight perspectives that explain the origins and development of personalities cannot be merged into a single, holistic approach. Upon more extensive analysis, it would become apparent that some theories emerged because they directly opposed its preceding theories. For instance, humanistic psychology emerged as a ‘third force’ in psychology in contrast to the then dominant behaviouristic view, which was deemed to be highly mechanical. Furthermore, these perspectives attempt to describe and explain the same phenomenon, making it highly challenging to merge into one. Thus, I believe that Psychology, as a discipline, is capable of accommodating all these varied perspectives. The older models, such as the Freudian or the Neo-Freudian theories, not only have a historical value but have also set the foundation for the development of newer theories. On the other end of the spectrum, the newer models that are developing such as the cognitive or the interactionist perspective are based on empirical research. In that sense, they all can and should be accommodated in the understanding of personality.