PSY405 Notes Lecture 43

The Grand Theory of Personality

(Big-picture map of personality psychology)

First, what is this lesson REALLY about?

This lesson is not teaching one theory. It’s teaching you how all personality theories are grouped. Think of it like this: Psychology had different “eras” or “mindsets” about what humans are and why they behave the way they do. These mindsets are called FORCES.

WHAT DOES “FORCE” MEAN IN PSYCHOLOGY?

A force = a major school of thought

(Meaning: a broad way psychologists explain human behavior and personality) So when teachers say: First force Second force Third force They’re saying: “Which lens are we using to understand humans?”

THE THREE FORCES OF PSYCHOLOGY · 🔴 FIRST FORCE: Psychoanalysis / Psychodynamic · Core idea (in plain English):

Your personality is shaped by unconscious forces, inner conflicts, instincts, and childhood experiences.

Humans are not fully aware of why they behave the way they do A lot is happening below consciousness Childhood matters A LOT

Also called:

Psychoanalysis Psychodynamic Intra-psychic (means inside the mind)

Freud Jung Adler Karen Horney Erikson

🔵 SECOND FORCE: Behaviorism

You are what you learn. Behavior is shaped by rewards, punishments, and observation.

Forget unconscious stuff Focus only on observable behavior Personality = habits + learning history

Pavlov Watson Thorndike Dollard & Miller Skinner Bandura Ellis (behavior-cognitive bridge)

🟢 THIRD FORCE: Humanistic / Phenomenology

Humans are not broken machines or animals. They are conscious, meaningmaking beings with free will and potential.

Humans are basically good Focus on growth, choice, self-understanding Personality = how you experience life

Maslow Rogers Kelly Murray Allport