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Personality Theory
Sydney Kincanon
Liberty University
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Abstract
Personality theory is an in-depth topic which has been taken from psychologists from all over the
world, from all different times. Focusing, today, on the six main sub-topics of personality theory
will give a broad understanding of this theory. Starting with the foundations of personality
including nature versus nurture, the unconscious, and view of self; and onto progressions of
personality including development, motivation, and maturation. Understanding the foundations
and progressions of personality is crucial to comprehending this theory. With the help of well-
established psychologists like Freud, let us understand the ins and outs of personality theory.
Personality theory is an elaborate topic that contains many different ideas from a lot of areas in
psychology all put together to form the personality theory. Combining the six main sub-topics of
this theory with biblical influence creates a broad understanding of not only personality theory,
but personality theory in relation to Christian counseling.
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Personality Theory
Personality theory is complicated topic which stems from six underlying main points.
Going into Christian counseling, understanding personality theory is important to be able to
know where people came from and how they are growing. Discussing the foundations and
progressions of personality will help do that. Each underlying main point will be defined,
discussed, and integrated with a biblical simile. Addressing personality theory through focus on
the six main points of foundation and progression and relating those points with biblical
knowledge will give an insightful view on personality theory.
Foundations of Personality
Nature versus Nurture
The debate between the effects on personality of nature versus nurture is still a highly
two-sided view. Berger (2011) explained that nature refers to the genetic influence that effects
people, while nurture refers to the environmental influence that effects people (p. 5). Many
scientists believe that putting a measurement on how much is nature and how much is nurture is
not relevant. Berger (2011) said that some scientists think that the ongoing interaction between
genes and experiences is so varied, explosive and profound that even “how much” is an outdated
concept (p. 5). The bible seems to validate that the influence of nurture is prevalent; Proverbs
13:20 says, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer
harm.”
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The Unconscious
Most people think that unconscious means being passed out or in a coma. King (2013)
tells us that Sigmund thought of the unconscious totally differently. Freud saw the unconscious
as a place in our minds full of disgusting wishes, feelings, and thoughts; and storage for un-
wanted impulses (p. 131). What fills our unconscious minds every day, even being unaware, can
affect our personalities and the way we live. The Bible warns us about our thoughts and the
serious effects they have; Matthew 9:4 tells us, “But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why
do you think evil in your hearts?”
Progression of Personality
Development
Understanding the development of personality is important comprehend the different
stages of life and how it relates to our personalities. Kandler (2014) tells us, that both genetic
and environmental factors have provided influences on the changes in our personalities (p. 3).
This refers back to the concept between nature versus nurture, genetics versus environment.
Kandler (2014) continues with, genetic influences seem to be the main reason for continuity in
personality differences, but genetics and environment both influence singular changes in our
personalities (p. 3). 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages us to change, “Therefore, my beloved
brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in
the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
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Motivation
Motivation has been examined by a lot of different people in a lot of different ways. Dr.
Larry Crabb, a Christian Counselor, came up with five basic propositions to define motivation.
Crabb (2006) states, Proposition 1 is that we are motivated by our needs, Proposition 2 says that
I believe in my mind will meet whatever needs, Proposition 3 says that I will believe that
something specific will meet my needs, Proposition 4 explains that when our goals are not meant
we immerse ourselves into and state of anxiety, and finally Proposition 5 says that all behavior,
good or bad, is motivated somehow (p. 78). Colossians 3:23 tells us that even when we are not
motivated, we should try our best. Colossians 3:23 states, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as
for the Lord and not for men.”
Maturation
Understanding the process of maturation within our personalities is important to fully
understand the progression of personality. Specht (2012) explains the Big Five personality traits
as extraversion, emotional stability, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness (p. 181).
Focusing only on agreeableness, emotional stability, and conscientiousness; these three are
closest related to maturation in our personalities. Specht (2012) states that in relation to
maturation in personality, agreeableness helps maintain healthier relationships, emotional
stability has been paired with better marriages, and conscientiousness has links towards career
success (p. 182). Ephesians 4:15 states, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in
every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
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In conclusion, after looking at the personality theory through the six main points, nature
versus nurture, the unconscious, view of self, development, motivation, and maturation; the
points above have given a more in-depth understanding of this theory as a whole. Also, by
applying biblical knowledge, in comparison with the six main points, there is a clear connection
between personality theory and what God has written for us all in his Word. Understanding the
six main points is vital to comprehending the personality theory fully.
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References
Berger, K. (2011). The Developing Person Through The Life Span. New York: Worth Publishers.
Clinton, T. (2005). Caring For People God’s Way. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, INC.
Crabb, L. (2006). Motivation: Why Do We Do What We Do? Effective Biblical Counseling
(pp.76-87). Grand Rapids: Yates and Yates.
Kandler, C. (2014). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. doi: 10.1037/pspp0000028
King, L. (2013). Experience Psychology. Missouri: McGraw Hill Education.
Specht, J. (2012). Examining Mechanisms of Personality Maturation: The Impact of Life
Satisfaction on the Development of the Big Five Personality Traits. 4(2), 181-189. doi:
10.1177/1948550612448197
