Trait/Dispositional Theory
Kimberly Granderson
Trevis Killen
Definition
A trait is any readily-identifiable, stable quality that characterizes an individual from other individuals
Traits serve three major functions:
To summarize, predict, and explain a person’s conduct


Basic Assumptions
Traits present specific ideas about a person’s disposition (the way a person is likely to behave across situations as well as over time)
Human behavior and personality traits can be placed on a continuum or organized into a hierarchy

Theorists
Gordon Allport (1897-1967)

Raymond B. Cattell (1905-1998)

Hans J. Eyesnck (1916-1997)
Allport’s Disposition Theory
Allport suggested that each individual has a unique set of personality traits
He called these personal dispositions

Allport divided traits into three categories:
Cardinal, Central, and Secondary

Allport’s Theory (con’t)
Cardinal Traits
A trait so dominant a person’s entire life revolves around it.
Most people do not have one.
Secondary Traits
Characteristics that are exhibited in specific situations

Secondary traits are more easily modified than central traits

Allport’s Theory (con’t)
Allport claimed that all people are unique, because everyone has a different combination of traits

Allport recommended an in-depth study of the individual, through analyzing diaries and use of interviews

Secondary traits are more easily modified than central traits

Most people have many more secondary traits than central traits

Cattell’s Trait Theory
Three broad sources of data are required for any analysis that aims to uncover all the major dimensions of personality.
These three sources are L-data, Q-data, and T-data.
These three sources of data must be integrated to capture the full complexity of human personality.

Cattell’s Theory (con’t)
L-Data
Gathered from one’s life records
T-Data
Information obtained from objective testing situations
Cattell’s Theory (con’t)
Cattell used factor analysis to discover which traits tend to cluster together
Cattell termed obvious, day-to-day traits, “surface traits

He called higher-order, “deep” traits, source traits

Hans J. Eysenck
Focused on higher levels of trait organization called types

Types incorporate lower-level elements (traits)

Each trait incorporates even lower-order qualities (habits)

Eysenck argues that all personality traits can be grouped under three bipolar dimensions: Extraversion-Introversion (E), Neuroticism-Stability (N), Psychoticism-Superego Function (P)


Eysenck’s Theory (con’t)
Extraversion charatcterizes people based on their orientation toward external sources of stimulations from the environment versus an orientation inward at the opposite extreme.
Psychotism includes a disposition toward psychosis and a degree of sociopathy.
Neuroticism is basically a measure of emotional stability-instability.

Five Factor Model
Many theorists agree there are five broad categories of traits:

Extraversion-introversion

Agreeableness-antagonism

Conscientiousness-undirectedness

Neuroticism-stability

Openness to experience

Belief Regarding Basic Nature
A result of a biological basis and neuropsychological functioning within the environment.
Eysenck’s research found that introverts are more easily aroused by events and learn social prohibitions more easily than extroverts. Therefore, introverts are more restrained and inhibited. Thus, Eysenck hypothesized that individual differences along this dimension have both hereditary and environmental origins.

Choice vs. Determinism
The defining assumptions of the Dispositional Strategy is that personality is the set of enduring characteristics innate to the person. These characteristics influence people’s interactions with others and their environment. Dispositions are presumed to be relatively enduring and stable, producing some degree of consistency in behaviors across times and circumstances. However, dispositional psychologist often caution this assumption, because it has to be understood in light of several further distinctions.
Most dispositional psychologist conceptualize an individual’s enduring dispositions as permanent, inherent elements of personality and distinguish them from temporary conditions, or states. States result from transient situations or conditions like illness, fatigue, or sudden changes in life circumstances
For example, trait anxiety is only a predisposition to be anxious. People high in trait anxiety will not necessarily be anxious all the time, but they will be more anxious more often and more readily than a similar person who is low in trait anxiety. A person low in trait anxiety may exhibit state anxiety only under highly stressful conditions.
Key Structures
Biological
Genetic
Neuropsychological
Etiology of Healthy Perspective
Maintained through psychological factors that relate to, and maintain health (or disease) status, through a variety of direct and indirect means. Seeking medical attention when necessary is on (indirect) means through which behavior affects health.
Etiology of Unhealthy Perspective
High-risk behaviors such as drug use, smoking, or drinking heavily throughout the course of one’s life can be quite harmful in the end. Furthermore, certain types of stress including chronic and acute short-term demands also contribute to an unhealthy personality.
Characteristics of a Healthy Perspective
Positive/Constructive Behavior
Successful Coping Techniques
Achievement Striving
Characteristics of a Unhealthy Perspective
Tend to be risk takers
Likely to smoke and drink heavily
Anxiety
Depression
Neuroticism
Heart Attacks (Cardiovascular Disease)
Sleep Deprivation
Guidelines for Assessing Personality
Interviews
Projection Tests
Situational Tests
Self Reports
Reputational Reports
Guidelines for Interventions
Many interventions arise from the biological approach to personality. Although, personality traits and dispositions are assumed to be stable over time, understanding their relationship with health variables can lead to identification of individuals at risk for development of specific problems
Biologically Based Treatments
Psychopharmacology
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Psychosurgery
Photo Therapy
Assets and Limitations
Evidence of stability in personality functioning.
Recognizes that human behavior is complex and generally determined by many traits.
Gains have been made in research on genetics contributions to personality and physiological aspects of trait characteristics.
Evidence of the predictive utility of traits.
Today important research programs are investigating the relationship of traits to interpersonal behavior and psychopathology.
What is to be included in a definition of traits is not “self-evident.”
The trait concept and five-factor model neglects to provide us with a comprehensive model of personality.
Trait theory lacks to explain the theory of personality change.
Dispositions do not provide any explanation of behavior and are therefore little more than common observations.
Underestimation of the importance of Situational Factors.
Failure to specify when dispositions will be manifested in other behavior.
Premature Acceptance of the Five Factor Model.
Dispositional Assessment has not yet confronted the social desirability problem in self reports.
Case Studies
A 69-Year Old Man
The Case of Jim
References
Costa, P. & McCrae, R. (2003). Personality in Adulthood.NewYork: Guildford Press.

Lahey, B. (2001). Psychology an Introduction (8th Edition). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Lawrence, P. & Oliver, J. (2001). Personality Theory and Research (8th Edition). United States: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Liebert, L. & Libert, R. (1998). Personality Strategies & Issues (8th Edition). Pacific grove, Publishing Company: Brooks/Cole.
Crayons

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