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Block 3 Unit 1 Gordon Allport: A Dispositional Theory of Personality

1. Define Personality in terms of Allport’s theory.

Allport defined personality as “the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his unique adjustment to his environment.”.

2. What are the 7 functions of self? Describe with examples.

These include bodily self, self-identity, self-esteem, extension of self, self-image, sense of self as rational and propriate striving.

3. Define functional autonomy of motives and elucidate the concept.

Functional autonomy refers to the idea that motives may become independent from their original purpose. Allport said that a motive that originally was instrumental to something else, may become an end in itself.

4. What do you understand by “traits”?

Understanding Traits According to Allport

A trait is a neuropsychic structure that has the capacity to render many stimuli functionally equivalent and to initiate and guide consistent forms of adaptive and expressive behaviour. In simpler terms, a trait is a predisposition to act in the same way in a wide range of situations.

5. What are the basic characteristics of traits?

Basic Characteristics of Traits:

• Real Existence: Traits are a real and vital part of an individual's existence.
• Generality: Traits are generalised action tendencies that are not specific to one situation.
• Motivation: Traits can be a source of motivation.
• Interdependence: Traits are relatively independent of each other, overlapping and not rigidly separated.
• Not Moral Judgements: A trait is not synonymous with a moral or social judgement.
• Uniqueness and Universality: A trait may be viewed in light of the personality that contains it or its distribution in the population at large.
• Inconsistency: Acts inconsistent with a trait do not disprove the trait’s existence.

6. What are the various types of traits?

Types of Traits:

• Cardinal Traits: A cardinal trait is extremely pervasive, influencing almost all of a person's activities. These traits are so dominant that the person becomes well known for them. For example, Mahatma Gandhi’s peace-loving nature is considered a cardinal trait.
• Central Traits: These are less pervasive but still generalised dispositions. They are the building blocks of personality and are readily discernible by those who know the person. Examples include being outgoing or sociable.
• Secondary Traits: These are less conspicuous, less consistent, and less relevant to the definition of personality. Examples include food preferences and specific attitudes.

7. Define common traits.

Common traits, also called dimensional or nomothetic traits, are generalised dispositions that most people within a given culture can be reasonably compared to. Examples include social attitudes, anxiety, and values.

8. Define individual traits.

Individual traits, also called personal dispositions or morphological traits, are unique to the person and do not permit comparisons among individuals. They are specific to the individual, operating in unique ways and pinpointing the individual's personality structure. They can be obtained from personal documents like case histories, diaries, and letters.

9. How does one differentiate between common and individual traits?

Differentiating Common and Individual Traits

• Common traits allow for comparisons among individuals within a culture.
• Individual traits focus on the unique characteristics of a person and do not allow for comparison with others.

10. Define Proprium and describe the same.

Allport's Concept of the Proprium The proprium, according to Allport, is his term for the self. It is the core of the individual’s personality and unifies the traits and provides direction for the person’s life. Allport considered the proprium from phenomenological and functional viewpoints.

Phenomenological View of Proprium Phenomenologically, the proprium is viewed in terms of what it experiences. It encompasses what the person sees as most essential, important, warm, and central, distinguishing it from the incidental and peripheral aspects of self.

Functional View of Proprium Functionally, the proprium has seven functions:

1. Sense of body
2. Self-identity
3. Self-esteem
4. Self-extension
5. Self-image
6. Rational coping
7. Propriate striving

11. What are the various stages of development of the proprium?

Stages of Proprium Development Allport proposed that the proprium develops through various stages:

1. Sense of Bodily Self: Awareness of bodily sensations.
2. Self-Identity: Recognition of self as a distinct and constant entity.
3. Self-Esteem: Developing feelings of pride in accomplishments.
4. Self-Extension: Recognition of objects and people that are central to one's existence.
5. Self-Image: Development of a sense of who one should be.
6. Sense of Self as Rational: Realisation of the ability to solve problems and cope with life.
7. Propriate Striving: Unified sense of self and planning for long-range goals.

12. What is meant by propriate functioning?

Propriate Functioning Propriate functioning is a type of motivation related to the expression of the unique self. It is proactive, future-oriented and psychological, and motivates people to do things that express who they really are. It is about doing things in keeping with one’s true self.

13. How is propriate functioning different from propriate striving? Explain

Propriate Functioning vs. Propriate Striving

• Propriate functioning encompasses actions that are expressive of one’s unique self.
• Propriate striving is a later stage where individuals seek long-range goals that are essential to the self. It requires a unified sense of selfhood.

14. Discuss the different types of functional autonomy and highlight the differences.

Functional Autonomy Functional autonomy of motives is the idea that the motives for certain behaviours today are independent of their origins. Adult motives are not related to past motives; the reasons why an adult engages in some behaviour are independent of what originally caused that behaviour.

Types of Functional Autonomy

• Preservative Functional Autonomy: This refers to habits and behaviours that continue due to feedback mechanisms in the nervous system.
• Propriate Functional Autonomy: This involves acquired interests, values, attitudes, and intentions that become important to the self and provide motivation.

15. How important is Allport’s concept of “propium” in describing the total personality?

Proprium: Allport’s concept of the proprium is important because it is the central point of one’s personality. It encompasses all aspects of a person that make them unique and is a creative and forward-moving part of human nature.

16. What do you think of Allport’s concept of “functional autonomy?”

Functional Autonomy: Allport believed that past motives are not as important to understand the present; functional autonomy explains how a person’s current motives are independent of their origins.

17. How well do Allport’s six characteristics of a mature personality fit your own idea of what constitutes a healthy personality?

Mature Personality Allport believed that the emergence of personal maturity is a lifelong process. A mature person is characterised by six attributes:

1. Widely Extended Sense of Self: Mature people actively participate in various relationships, hobbies and social issues.
2. Capacity for Warm Social Interactions: They have the ability to be intimate, compassionate, and tolerant.
3. Emotional Security: They can accept and be secure in their emotions.
4. Realistic Perception: Mature people have a realistic perception of the world around them.
5. Self Insight and Humour: Mature people have an understanding of themselves and a good sense of humour.
6. Unifying Philosophy of Life: They have basic convictions about what is important in life.

18. What are the various values put forward by Allport?