The word personality is derived from the Latin word 'Persona' which means the mask. It means it represents the outward expression such as expression, movements, manners, physique, gestures etc. of an individual's inner self.
It is said that personality is the total integration of physical, emotional, social, and cognitive traits. All these traits determine the role and status of a person in the society.
According to Woodworth, "Personality is the total quality of individual's behaviour".
According to Kurt Lewin, "Personality is the dynamic totality of systems."
According to Munn, "Personality is the most characteristic integration of an individual's structure, mode of interests, attitudes, behaviour, capacities, abilities and attitudes.
Factors Affecting Personality
There are many factors which influence the personality development. These are Biological factors, Psychological factors, Social and Environmental factors, Cultural factors, and Economic factors.
Biological factors
Biological factors include the following:
1. Physical appearance
It is one of many factors that contribute to personality development. How a person perceives their physique can impact self-image and self-esteem. For example, someone who has a good physique might feel more confident while someone who is overweight might feel more insecure.
2. Health conditions
A person who has good health might have good energy and generally develop an emotionally balanced attitude towards life. On the other hand, a person who is physically inferior might be more lethargic and develop an unbalanced personality.
3. Nervous system
The brain, Spinal cords and Nerves are three major parts of the nervous system. These three play an important role in the formation of personality. These influence the behaviour, emotions, motor ability and cognitive processes of an individual.
4. Role of glands
Glands play an important role in developing the personality of an individual. There are two types of glands: Endocrine glands and Exocrine glands.
Endocrine glands are the important ones. These glands secrete hormones. Any malfunctioning of these glands can have an adverse effect on development. The main endocrine glands are: Adrenal glands, Pituitary glands, Thyroid glands, Parathyroid glands and Gonads.
Psychological factors
1. Intelligence
Intelligence can influence various aspects of personality. It can impact how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. For example, an individual with higher intelligence often exhibits traits like curiosity, creativity and a greater capacity for problem solving.
2. Interest
Interests often drive our actions, decisions and overall outlook on life. When we are interested in doing something, we put more time and energy into that thing. Exploring new interests can help in developing new skills.
3. Attitude
It plays a crucial role in shaping one’s personality. A positive attitude can lead to a more optimistic personality while a negative personality may result in a more pessimistic personality. Attitude can shape an individual’s behaviour, perception, emotional response etc.
4. Behaviour
Behaviour and personality are closely intertwined. These serve as building blocks that form our personality. These can influence self-perception, cognitive processes and habit formation.
Social and Environmental factors
1. Home/Family
The development pattern of an individual is always initiated and directed by home life. A healthy and supportive environment in the family is often associated with positive personality outcomes and a child is likely to exhibit traits such as empathy, resilience and confidence while a poor environment can lead to maladjusted personality.
2. School
In school, not only do the traits of a teacher, peer, and principal influence the personality of an individual but the values and ideals hold by the educational institutions also play an equal role. The interactions and challenges faced at school greatly influence how an individual perceives himself and others.
Co-curricular activities also play an important role in the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and moral development of personality.
3. Gender
Both girls and boys exhibit different personality traits. For example, boys are more assertive, independent and competitive while girls are more nurturing, socialised and cooperative. By understanding these traits of gender, we can create more inclusive and diverse environments.
4. Mass media
Mass media including television, music, cinemas, and social media can influence personality development in several ways. For example, exposure to educational and knowledgeable media can enhance creative and cognitive skills while exposure to violent and hateful media can influence aggressive behavior.
5. Religious institutions
Various religious institutions such as temples, churches, gurudwaras and mosques can influence individual's different personality traits such as values, beliefs and behaviours.
Cultural factors
Different cultures have different customs, traditions, norms, beliefs, values and fashions. All these collectively shape the individual’s personality. For example, in cultures where more value is given to expressive communication may produce individuals who are extroverts while in cultures where more value is given to reserved communication may produce individuals who are introverts.
Economic factors
Economic factor affects our attitude and perception and thus our personality. For example, individuals who grow up in financially stable households may develop a sense of security and confidence, and leading to a more optimistic personality. On the other hand, those raised in economically disadvantaged environments may develop a sense of resilience and adaptability.
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