Levels of Personality
Cambridge University Press
Edition: 3, 12/6/2012
EAN 9781107021044, ISBN10: 1107021049
Hardcover, 488 pages, 24.6 x 18.9 x 2.7 cm
Language: English
A completely revised and updated edition of a much-acclaimed textbook providing a critical introduction to human personality for psychology students. Levels of Personality carefully avoids the traditional 'catalogue of theories' approach. Instead it relates theories to each other within a conceptual framework of different levels of behaviour, moving inwards and downwards from 'surface level' explanations. Analytic case studies then apply these levels of understanding to areas of special interest such as aggression and sexuality. The author adopts a deep analytical and critical approach and questions whether personality theory and research have really addressed important questions, or produced useful answers. This new edition incorporates two new chapters on personality disorders and on personality in the workplace, as well as improved pedagogical features including statistics boxes, assessment boxes, relevant websites and key references for each chapter.
1. Gideon's army
the study of individual differences
Part I. The Surface
2. A rather dull person
personality as traits and factors
3. Working for the Peace Corps
criticisms of traits and factors
Part II. Below the Surface 1
The Biological Line
4. Brave new world
learning and habit models
5. Eysenck's demon
biological accounts of personality
Part III. Below the Surface 2
The Phenomenal Line
6. Tumbleweed or boulder? The phenomenal approach to personality
7. I didn't get where I am today by reading stuff like this
explaining personality by the self-concept
Part IV. Below the Surface 3
The Motivational Line
8. The ancient Greek export drive
motives and instincts
9. The man who collects Bradshaws
psychodynamic accounts of personality
Part V. Examples
10. The school bully
aspects of aggression
11. Does peace prevent homosexuality? Theories of sexual orientation
12. Bouncing back
resilience
13. Is Hitler mad? Personality disorders
14. Square pegs and round holes
personality in the workplace
15. The line ahead
the future of personality research.
'Interesting and informative ... illustrates the uses of psychology in the real world providing relevance and validity for students.' Kate Bullen, Aberystwyth University