Personality Theories: Development, Growth, and Diversity Hardcover - 2005

From the rear cover

"This comprehensive text," organized by individual theorists, examines the major movements in the field of personality through a historic and humanistic approach. "Personality Theories" provides a comprehensive introduction to key personality theorists by combining their biographical information with their contributions to the field and their ranking among the world's most respected psychologists. In addition, Allen provides a tabular format, a running comparison between the major theorists, which allows students to analyze new theories with respect to theories learned in previous chapters. The unique style of Allen's book is strengthened through his conversational tone, allowing students to easily become familiar with the key people and movements in the field of personality.

FeaturesOffers an abundance of case studies and examples of real human functioning to help deepen students' understanding of the concepts. Highlights diversity issues as part of Allen's humanistic approach to psychology. Includes the latest information on subtle forms of racism; happiness and positive psychology; extraversion; Freud's meetings with other psychologists; Jung's dabbling in parapsychology; the worldwide practical impact of Bandura's ideas; rejection sensitivity; impulse control; the relationship between IQ, genes, and race; the neurophysiology of personality (in plain language); and many other thought-provoking topics. Explores controversial topics, including evolutionary theory applied to jealousy, whether races exist, and the "repressed memories" controversy. Reviews and analyzes one of the most famous therapy sessions in psychology's history--Rogers's interaction with Gloria. Contains chapter opening questions that frame the material and are later reinforced through summary points as well as essay/critical thinking questions at the end of each chapter.

New To This EditionIncludes a new chapter that synthesizes the entire book by comparing theorists on several philosophical, empirical, and methodological aspects, as well as a summary table that compares all the theorists at a glance. Provides each theorist's current ranking among today's most prominent psychologists in the evaluation section of his or her chapter. Examines the statuses of two new factors affecting the field--the Big 5 Personality Trait Theory and locating genes underlying personality traits. Features the research results of many international personologists as well as an extensive reference list, which includes more than 150 new references to state of the art personality research.