Definition and Development of Personality

Concept of normal personality and its stability over time.

Personality can be defined as the fundamental psychological architecture that gives us a distinctive identity.

It is not an ephemeral phenomenon that fluctuates arbitrarily with the tides of day-to-day life; on the contrary, experts in human behavior agree that it is a robust structure, characterized by remarkable stability and predictability throughout the life cycle.

Although it is natural for us to modulate our behavior according to the context, for example, showing greater formality before a court than in a family celebration, there is a common thread of continuity that makes us recognizable to ourselves and to others.

It is a hypothetical construct, inferred through the observation of behavioral patterns, which brings together thoughts, emotions and actions, whose ultimate goal is to facilitate a successful adaptation to the environment.

Type theories vs. trait theories

In the study of the psyche, theoretical perspectives have evolved significantly.

Older approaches, known as "type theories," suggested a limited catalog of human categories, often deterministically linked to biology, as if each individual came preconfigured in a rigid mold. In contrast, modern psychology leans toward "trait theories."

These conceive of personality not as a static label, but as a constellation of internal characteristics (traits) that, while possessing a genetic basis, are dynamic.

This approach recognizes that the environment plays a crucial role in how these traits are expressed or inhibited, offering a more nuanced and flexible view of the human being.

The biopsychosocial model: Interaction between nature and nurture

The historical debate about whether we are the product of our heredity or our upbringing has become obsolete.

Current science embraces the biopsychosocial model, understanding human development as a complex dance between biology and environment.

It is not a simple sum, but a bidirectional interaction: our genetic makeup may predispose us to a certain emotional sensitivity, but it is the environment; affective nurturing, physical security, educational opportunities; that will determine whether that seed germinates into a resilient personality or a vulnerable structure.

Imagine a tree: its genetics determine whether it is an oak or a pine, but the quality of the soil and the climate (the environment) will dictate whether it grows robust or atrophies.

Summary

Personality is defined as a robust and stable psychological architecture that gives distinctive identity to the individual. Although behavior is modulated by context, there is a predictable continuity that seeks to facilitate adaptation to the environment.

Psychological theories have evolved from rigid "type" approaches to dynamic "trait" theories. These constellations of internal characteristics have a genetic basis, but their expression varies according to the influence of the environment, offering a flexible view.

The biopsychosocial model, which understands development as a complex interaction between biology and environment, is now accepted. Genetic load predisposes to certain sensitivities, but affective nurture and upbringing will determine whether the personality is resilient.