Personality

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Understanding personality is important in counseling, and is the foundation for proper therapy, as a result of each person’s unique personality structure, processes, growth and development, psychopathology and behavior change. Comprehension of one’s self and other’s promotes effective communication; furthermore understanding and analysis of personality development remains significant since the development is influenced by a number of factors, such as cognitive development, social class, family, and culture. Understanding internal and external influences allows for positive approaches to assist individuals in attaining mental health wellness. In reading chapter one of Personality Theory and Research, by Cervone, and Pervin; personality is defined as psychological qualities that contribute to an individual’s enduring and distinctive patterns of feeling, thinking, and behaving. There are several theories and approaches in understanding personality. Fundamentally theorists must answer three simple questions what, how and why about personality structure, development, and change. In studying structure of personality one must identify enduring psychological qualities an individual has in order to differentiate one person from another. Process is a person’s ability to modify his or her personality, and motivational aspects over a short period of time. Growth and development of personality is the understanding of origin in relation to personality one could conclude either nature or nurture as to the personality type or trait one possesses. Psychopathology and behavior change according to the American psychiatrist William Glasser “most human misery is caused by people trying to control others, whereas, in fact, the only behavior con... ... middle of paper ... ...ttp://search.credoreference.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/content/entry/estpsyctheory/glasser_s_choice_theory/0 Heredity Versus Environment - Beyond Heritability - Development, Factors, Environmental, Human, Genetic, and Various. (2011) http://social.rank.org/pages/299/Heredity-Versus-Environment-Beyond-Heritability. Roy, J. (2006). Development of the ideas of William Glasser: A biographical study. (Order No. 3227052, La Sierra University). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, 236-236 p. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/304921549?accountid=458. (304921549) Smith, A. (2006). Cognitive processes. In The encyclopedia of aging. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com Sue D., Sue D. (2008). Foundations of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Evidence-Based Practices for a Diverse Society ISBN: 9780471433026 John Wiley & Sons Inc.

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