Explain How Psychology Has Approached the Study of Personality.

Psychology

"Explain how psychology has approached the study of Personality."

The purpose of the essay at hand will be to explain how psychology has approached the study of Personality, by firstly looking at the concepts of person and identity in psychology and analysing the meanings of these terms.   Secondly, explain the main elements of three psychological approaches to personal identity, in this case trait theories, psychoanalytical theories and humanistic theories.   And lastly, evaluate the validity of different approaches to the question of concept of personal identity.  
Personality is derived from the Latin word 'Persona' which means mask.   Therefore 'personality' stands for the way we present ourselves to others or the way others view us.   It is generally considered as a dynamic system of all the attitudes, habits and motives of a person which helps in adjusting to the environment.   It is the total behaviour of the individual and is relatively consistent over time and across situations.  
So it can be defined as an individual's relatively stable and enduring pattern of thoughts, feelings and actions.   In other words our personality defines us as a person, how we are different from others, or what behaviour patterns are typical of a person.   For instance, a person may be called an extrovert if he likes meeting people and is outgoing most of the time or an introvert if he is quiet and reserved.
One of the most crucial and fundamental characteristics of personality is consistency, which proclaims that there is generally a recognisable order and regularity to behaviours.   Essentially people act in the same ways or similar ways in a variety of situations.   Another important characteristic of personality is psychological and physiological.   Personality is a psychological construct, but research suggests that it is also influenced by biological processes and needs.  
Impact behaviours and actions is another characteristic of personality, which claims...