Four Personality Theories

In the study of psychology there are four major theories of personality. They are Social Cognitive, Psychoanalytic, Humanistic, and Behavioral. Of course, they are all different and portray different types of behavioral patterns. Personality studies have been founded on the perception that all people are alike in some ways, but can be different in other ways. I have placed the four personality theories where I think they belong on the nature versus nurture continuum.

Nature – Social Cognitive – Behavioral – Psychoanalytic – Humanistic - Nurture

The first personality theory that I placed on the nature versus nurture continuum is Social Cognitive. Social Cognitive is defined as a cognitively oriented learning theory in which observational

Behavioral psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study and alteration of people's behaviors, including their actions, emotions and thoughts. ... Techniques that may be applied include cognitive restructuring, behavioral modeling and, most commonly, classical and operant conditioning. John B. Watson is known for establishing the psychological school of behaviorism. He along with B.F. Skinner suggested that environmental influences such as parental approval and social customs shape us into wanting certain things and not wanting others (Rathus, S. A.). Reinforcing good behavior and punishing bad behavior is common within society. Behaviorism studies behaviors that can be measured or observed (Y). Positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement are used in behaviorism. An example would be if a behavior has been good and tasks assigned have been completed, then positive reinforcement is rewarded. If behavior has been poor and tasks assigned have not been completed then negative reinforcement is rewarded, maybe by taking something of value from that person until they complete tasks. Behavioral was placed second because I felt it flowed well behind Social Cognitive in addressing positive and negative