Theories of Personality

Catalog description

This course examines specific theories of personality for the purpose of explaining normal and abnormal development and behavior. Psychoanalytic, trait, humanistic, existential, cognitive, behavioral, and social learning theories, among others, are reviewed and critiqued based on research evidence. Each theory or theoretical perspective is presented in terms of historical context, basic assumptions, and hypothetical constructs. Students explore behaviors and motivations from the perspective of different personality theories. The application of personality theories in helping-profession contexts is introduced.