1. ASSIGNMENT #1 EDIT JOURNAL ENTRIES
You have kept records of your daily reactions to challenging or
stressful situations, and connected those to theories of
personality with your journal entries. Now you must edit your
journals by using the theories in each chapter to describe and
explain individual experiences.
You can leave out material that seems irrelevant or too
personal, but be sure you demonstrate that you can use these
theories to describe and explain individual experience.
ASSIGNMENT #2 ESSAY
Use your journal notes in association with class readings to
create a smooth essay about your own personality as it would be
evaluated or described using three theories from the last two
weeks of class. In the essay, contrast these views against
the psychodynamic explanation of your personality, and explain
which perspective seems most accurate to you (and why).
****USE APA FORMAT AND FOLLOW THE JOURNAL
GRADING RUBRIC****
ESSAY SHOULD BE A MINIMUM OF 2-3 PAGES
At the end of the course your journal entries will be evaluated
on a 100-point scale using the journal rubric.
The journal will be graded as follows:
is graded on four criteria:
1. Degree of personal exploration: Use of Personal Experience
exercises, objective assessments and real-life examples. Insight
and learning evidenced in journal entries.
2. Application of theories from each chapter, using correct

2. terminology and concepts. Uses assessment and personal
experience exercises. Opinions are backed with evidence or
references.
3. Insight and Growth: Shows a pattern of realizations about
own personality stemming from application of theories and
assessments.
4. Good writing: Thorough and well-written with theory-
specific vocabulary. Flawless spelling and punctuation.
Thoughts are logically organized and easy to follow.
Running Head: PERSONALITY THEORIES
PERSONALITY THEORIES
5

3. Chapter 9: Social Learning Theories
This chapter is looking into the personality theories and is more
specific as it focuses on the social learning theories. The wider
topic in this book has been narrowed down to the social learning
theories concept. These theories mainly focus on the learning
process and the social behavior which an individual may acquire
by simply imitating what is going on in the society. The
personality more so when it comes to coming up with new
behaviors, may be acquired by basically imitating the people in
the society. These theories explain learning as a cognitive
process that takes place in the general social context. In our
daily lives these theories apply probably when it comes to
teaching the young children various concepts. We visit new
places daily and so we can apply the concept of imitating things
as it has been brought forth in the theory.
The social learning theories have basically been used to define
the personality of individuals at various places. It is being
applied to explain the various individual behavior and character
in criminology. This theory is important in trying to figure out
individual’s personality at the legal level and they help the
individuals come up with significant definition of the
individual’s personality.
Chapter 10: Traits and Person ology
Traits are basically the distinguishing characters that belong to
and are used to identify an individual at the various platforms.
In the personality theories, this concept is basically used to
identify the personality of the individual. At some point the
individual personality do not come out so clear and so it
requires the individual to come up with some solid explanation
of their characteristics.
Traits go hand in hand with what the personality of the person
is, the traits define the individual. Traits are the building blocks
of an individual personality; this is basically what makes these
two to appear to be significantly interrelated in the society. So
generally this chapter is focusing more on trying to elaborate

4. the various building blocks of an individual s personality in as
much as traits are concerned. I personally come across different
people that I cannot easily understand why they behave in some
manner so generally I use this to help derive some sense out of
their traits.
Chapter 11: Factors analytic, genetic and evolutionary theories
The big five personality traits.
The personality theory is quite adverse and what basically
happens is that there need to be some sort of analysis and
identification. Initial chapters were focusing on the general
traits including the general the big five personality traits. The
big five personality trait is basically the taxonomy for
personality description. The other concept that have been
brought about in this trait is basically the idea of evolutionary
theories. come in to completely. Evolutionary development
basically explains the idea behind the traits being passed in
terms of the genetics. The idea keeps on changing and they have
different definitions for the personality traits and theories. This
concept applies in the day to day life because at some point we
find some behavior that is common to a particular lineage it
may be good or bad. The concept of evolution in this case is
very applicable. (Cervone & Pervin, 2015).
This chapter was generally explaining the personality traits as it
relates to the general concepts of the language as it is used in
relation to the personality traits in the society. There has been
clear definition of how the type of the language that is being
used by a people will significantly influence the general traits
of an individual. There is some level of transformation that have
been outlined in this particular chapter.
Chapter 17 Zen Buddhism
Chapter 17 of this book is mainly focusing on a whole new
concept referred to as the Zen Buddhism. This is simply an idea
that seeks to provide some substantial explanation to the trait
where the individuals were quite keen on some issue of the
religion becoming one of the very concrete and the perception is
quite clear and tends to explain why the people in this religion

5. were acting.
The Chinese tend to have embraced the idea quite a long time
before the rise of other meals and idea has kept on changing.
There should be some significantly of the personality trait
theory. So basically the chapter has tried to be more practical
about the ideas. The concept is very evident in the day to day
life because we find people who are so keen on their religion
and it actually defines their character. An example is the
Muslim community who seem to be so serious when it comes to
the matters of religion.
References
Cervone, D., & Pervin, L. A. (2015). Personality, binder ready
version: theory and research. John Wiley & Sons.
Running head: PERSONALITY THEORY JOURNAL ENTRY
PERSONALITY THEORY JOURNAL ENTRY
3
Personal Theory Journal Entry

6. Name
Institution
Chapter 1: (Evaluating Personality Theories)
The term personality has no single definition. As a result,
various theorist defines the term personality differently. For
example, to Freud personality is hidden or unknown. The fact
that the book covers theories of personality there is a need to
understand the meaning of a theory. A theory is merely a
combination of abstract concepts held against a group or events
that explain them. From this perspective, personality theory is a
system of beliefs that help us contemplate human nature (Feist,
& Feist, 2009). Personality theory plays a significant role in
psychology because it attempts to answer the question “Who am
I.”
Basing my argument on the underlying philosophical
assumptions, the ideas can be related in real life. Concerning
freedom vs. determinism, some theorists believe that individuals
have authority over their behaviors and that they are aware of
the motive behind their actions. Hereditary vs. environment
asserts that environmental factors have influences on human
behaviors. Ideally, people try to address the question “Who am
I,” we gain a deeper insight into other aspects that directly or
indirectly influence our behaviors or actions.
Chapter 2: (Psychoanalysis: Sigmund Freud)
Sigmund, the founding Father of Psychoanalysis theory, worked
for many years trying to prove the correlation between
childhood experiences and its impacts on adult life. Freud
argued that people have hidden feelings. He, therefore, argued
that his main model purpose is to create awareness of hidden
emotions. Freud separated human mind into three significant

7. parts. Conscious is the part that most people are aware of.
Secondly, the preconscious part holds both thoughts and
feelings mostly hidden. Lastly, subconscious part holds feelings
that are entirely hidden.
Freud’s theory has made a remarkable contribution to
psychology. Sharing the same rationale as Freud, our childhood
can impact our adult life. From real life experience, an
individual who is brought up in a highly violent environment is
more likely to become violent. According to three parts of the
human mind, when people dream, they are accessing their
subconscious mind. However, when people are active during the
day, they obtain the conscious and subconscious mind (Feist, &
Feist, 2009). The theory has contributed significantly to
understanding other intrinsic subjects. Although the theory
barely informs on such complex things as why we dream, it has
guided numerous studies in dissecting the issue.
Chapter 3: (Analytical Psychology: Carl Jung)
Jung’s methods heavily rely on Freud’s concepts. For instance,
he agreed to Freud’s assertion that Libido is the driving force
behind all actions. Instead, he talks of the unconscious as being
part of the psyche. Unconscious is a very complex term that
scientists, philosophers, physicists struggle with up to date. The
term has no single definition. Similarly, researchers have only
been able to grasp with one side of consciousness that explain
the concept of anxiety, feelings or dreams among others.
However, Jung believes that people’s behavior influenced by
the constraints as well as expectations of society.
Its own unique culture identifies every society. Culture is
basically what informs or influences people’s perception. Jung
concepts can be used in various areas such as hospitals. His
perspective can help patients view their lives from different

8. point of views. He also emphasizes on the importance of
questing the norms rather than following rules blindly. In
society today, many people are slaves on norms and beliefs
unconsciously. We human beings have different perceptions
which make people see and act differently in certain situations.
For example, the extroverts are more comfortable with
relations. Jung's offers perspectives that every individual can
relate to.
References
Feist, J., & Feist, G. J. (2009). Theories of personality.
Running head: PERSONALITY JOURNAL
PERSONALITY JOURNAL
5
Chapter 4
Engler (2014) describes personality as a set of behaviors which
portray one's public image. Personality theories usually try to
examine and explain behaviors and how behaviors typically
arise. According to Adler, people are unique, and everyone feels
inferiority. He believed that people start being dependent on
their parents since they are born. Everyone tends typically to
feel like they cannot do anything without depending on another
person. According to his theory, individuals usually act to
achieve superiority and perfection (Engler, 2014). Those who
feel inferior tend to feel less motivated, and this blocks them
from striving for superiority. As for me, I have traits of
openness and conscientiousness. I usually tend to be creative in
my thinking, and I have good impulse control. Therefore, I
think that I am not de-motivated by the feeling of inferiority.
However, on some occasions, I am dependent on others for the
progress of my endeavors. This implies that some aspects of
Adler's theory apply to my personality traits whereas other

9. elements are not applicable.
Harry Stack Sullivan interpersonal theory is based on the idea
that individuals’ usually develop personality depending on
social context. This theory makes more emphasis on the
importance of developmental stages like childhood, early
adolescence, adulthood, etc. Personally, my personality traits
have been significantly shaped by my social systems and
developmental stages. I tend to be talkative, confident and
genuine on my issues and I have been brought up on a social
environment that supported and emphasized these aspects.
Chapter 5
One of my personality characteristics is agreeableness and
openness. I am open in that I tend to try having a broad range of
interests. These personality traits apply to Karen Horney's
theory. Karen Horney is one of the most reputable
psychoanalytic theorists in history. Karen Horney is best known
for her theory of neurotic needs. According to this theory, she
believes that neurosis is not a condition, but instead, it is a
process that occurs in an individual’s life (Engler, 2014). She
thinks that the cause of neurosis is anxiety which is generally
caused by interrelationships. The techniques that are usually
applied to deal with anxiety can be overused thus resulting in
the appearance of various needs. According to Karen Horney
neurotic need for prestige, more open people tend to fear the
loss of social status and embarrassments. This applies to my
case because I tend to avoid public embarrassments.
Erich Fromm is a philosopher and social psychologist who is
best known for his concept of freedom. He developed a concept
which indicates that democracy is a part of human nature. This
theory is based on the idea that an individual's personality is
based on the need for belonging and the need for freedom.

10. According to his theory, people typically develop some
personality traits or styles to deal with the feeling of anxiety
(Engler, 2014). To some extent, I think Fromm's theory defines
my personality. On some occasions, I usually have a low
tolerance for stress and moodiness, and as a result, I slowly
develop specific personality strategies and styles to deal with
the anxiety.
Chapter 6
According to Erik Erickson’s theory, personality is usually
developed in a series of steps. A person’s social experiences
usually significantly determine how a person develops and
grows (Engler, 2014). I wholeheartedly agree with Erickson's
idea regarding my personality traits. There are various
personality traits which have emerged as a result of my social
experiences. For instance, I have interacted with many
dedicated people, and this tends to influence me to be dedicated
and cooperative. On some occasions, I am also aggressive, and
this is; as a result, my past social experiences.
According to Dan McAdams personality theory, he focuses on
three levels of personality dispositional traits, characteristic
adaptations, and life stories (Engler, 2014). Personally, when I
meet with new people, I am friendly, and I tend to be reluctant
on being open to them especially about issues that appear to be
more private information.
Anna Freud idea is based on the importance of ego and its
integration into development. According to this theory, people
react to internal forces in a certain way and also interact with
others in a specific way depending on their ego which is a
significant component of personality. Personally, my decision
making is significantly influenced by my personality and
precisely my ego. Overall, I believe that all these theorists had
done a lot of research when coming up with their specific
theories. This is mainly because all these theories apply to
one’s life and precisely I have been able to examine the

11. applicability of these theories into my personality traits. After
the examination, I found out that they apply to my own
personality.
Reference
Engler, B. (2014). Personality theories: an introduction.
Australia Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.