Dispositional Evolutionary and the Big five Personality Test Theories

Document Type:Article

Subject Area:Psychology

Document 1

While many theories have been developed to explain the concept of personality two theories stand out in the provision of an insight into personality through a dispositional and evolutionary approach as well as focusing on the distinctiveness and individualism of the individual’s personality. Unlike the other theories that focus on specific traits and then attributes them to a general group or population, these two theories address the physiological and biological nature of personality. Taking the example of a therapist who is providing treatment, he/she will provide treatment to the specific individual; therefore, this means that an individual’s distinct personality is of great significance to the therapist than generalized personality traits that are spread across a group or population.

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In addition to the distinctiveness of an individual, knowledge of the evolutionary background of an individual is very important in the generation of a customized therapeutic approach that is specific to the individual. The therapeutic example mentioned above describes the dispositional and the evolutionary or biological personality theories. Thus, Buss views personality traits to be of strategic benefits to the individual who displays them. The main difference between the dispositional and biological theories can be obtained on the basis of these two theories. While dispositional theorists claim that traits are consistent structural bases of personality, biological theorists argue that the basic structure of personality is built from genetic structures that evolve and adapt over time. Furthermore, Dispositional theorists believe individuals behave at a conscious level whereas according to biological theorists behaviors occur at an unconscious level (Olivas, 2013).

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Strengths and Weaknesses of Dispositional and Evolutionary or Biological Theories Dispositional theories have several strengths and weaknesses. In addition, the theory simplifies many complex concepts because of its parsimonious approach. However, despite the theories effectiveness in the organization of knowledge, the theory does not offer guidelines for its pragmatic application. For instance, while the theory explains why humans are the way they are, it does not help parents in raising their children by providing definitive guidelines on how children should be taught and how deviations in normal mental order should be addressed. This theory also has problems when it comes to its internal consistency because it does not specify a common ground for all individuals on what to be considered as an adaptation.

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While these strengths and weaknesses give an insight into the advantages and limitations of these theories and influence their relation to personality, additional methods and theories such as the Big five theory have been developed to address the additional strengths and weaknesses of these theories and provide further understanding of personality. These factors are believed to be adapted throughout the evolution of humanity but they are universal to all humans. The Big Five theory provides an empirical approach to personality and explains the generality of personality. These factors have a great influence on interpersonal relationships in that they determine the kind of relationship an individual will create. For example, a person who indicates high levels of openness and extroversion may establish strong and lasting relationships whereas a person who is highly neurotic and conscientious may experience difficulties in developing relationships with others (Olivas, 2013).

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