Personality

Development
SABA WALAYAT
Introduction to Factors Affecting Personality

• Personality is influenced by a wide range of factors

throughout life. Genetics, family dynamics, culture,
education, trauma, peer influence, biological factors,
and even media exposure all contribute to the formation
and evolution of personality traits. Understanding these
influences allows for a deeper appreciation of the
complexity and uniqueness seen across individuals.
1. Genetics and Heredity

• Intrinsic Factor.
•
The role of genetics in personality development is significant, as it
lays the foundation for many personality traits. Numerous studies
have explored the genetic basis of personality traits such as
extraversion, neuroticism, and openness to experience, suggesting
that heredity accounts for a substantial portion of individual
differences in personality. Bouchard (2004) emphasized that twin
studies have shown a strong genetic component to personality, with
identical twins often displaying more similar personality traits than
fraternal twins or siblings raised together. Genetic predispositions
influence the potential for certain personality traits, but
environmental factors modify and shape these tendencies over time.
• The interaction between genes and the environment is
crucial in understanding personality development. While
some genetic traits are inherited, their expression can
be significantly influenced by life experiences and the
surrounding environment. Genetic studies in psychology
have illuminated the interplay between nature and
nurture, providing a framework for understanding how
intrinsic factors contribute to individual personality
differences.
2. Family Environment and
Upbringing
• Extrinsic Factor.
The family environment plays an equally important role
in shaping personality. From early childhood, family
dynamics and parental interactions form the bedrock of
personality development. According to
Bowlby’s attachment theory (1969), early relationships
with primary caregivers significantly influence
emotional development and attachment styles. A secure
attachment in childhood fosters positive personality
traits such as confidence and resilience, while insecure
attachment may lead to anxiety, dependence, or
avoidance in later life.
• Parenting styles, ranging from authoritative to
permissive, also Mold the personality of the child. An
authoritative parenting style, which combines warmth
with clear boundaries, is often associated with well-
adjusted and confident personalities. In contrast,
neglectful or authoritarian parenting may lead to the
development of maladaptive traits, such as aggression
or low self-esteem. The impact of family environment on
personality development is profound and can be seen
throughout an individual’s life, shaping their worldview
and interpersonal relationships.
3. Culture and Society

• Culture provides the external framework in which personality is expressed

and developed. Cross-cultural psychology has shown that cultural norms,
values, and societal expectations significantly shape personality (Triandis &
Suh, 2002).

• For example, collectivist cultures, which emphasize group harmony and

interdependence, may foster personality traits such as cooperation, humility,
and a strong sense of community. In Japan, for instance, individuals often
prioritize group consensus and avoid open conflict to maintain social
harmony. Conversely, individualistic cultures, which emphasize personal
achievement and autonomy, may promote traits such as assertiveness, self-
reliance, and competitiveness. In the United States, a highly individualistic
society, success is often measured by personal accomplishments, with traits
like assertiveness and independence being highly valued.
• Lev Vygotsky’s theory further supports the idea that culture affects
personality development. According to Vygotsky, cognitive
development is deeply rooted in social interaction and the
transmission of cultural knowledge. For example, in cultures where
respect for elders is paramount, such as in many Indigenous
communities, children learn to develop deference and humility early
on through interaction with older generations. Similarly, in Western
cultures where individual rights and self-expression are emphasized,
children are often encouraged to think critically and assert their own
opinions. Cultural values, transmitted through language, education,
and social interactions, influence not only what individuals think but
also how they think and behave within a societal context, shaping
their personalities in accordance with cultural expectations.
4. Education and Learning

• The educational system and learning experiences profoundly influence

cognitive and social development, which in turn affect personality traits.
Schools are social institutions where individuals interact with peers and
authority figures, fostering the development of social skills, self-
discipline, and resilience. Educational psychology examines how these
interactions shape not just intellectual growth but also emotional and
personality development (Ormrod, 2011).
• Formal education teaches problem-solving, critical thinking, and
adaptability—skills that are closely tied to personality traits such as
openness and conscientiousness. Furthermore, teachers and mentors
can serve as role models, providing guidance that shapes values, self-
concept, and overall personality. Learning experiences, both in
structured educational settings and in everyday life, contribute to the
ongoing development and refinement of personality traits.
5. Peer Influence

• Extrinsic Factor.
Peer influence is especially pronounced during adolescence, a critical
period for personality development. As adolescents seek acceptance
and social belonging, peer groups can significantly shape their
attitudes, behaviours, and personality traits. The desire to fit in with
peers may lead to the adoption of certain behaviours and values, a
phenomenon well-documented in social psychology (Asch, 1955). Peer
pressure can encourage conformity, risk-taking, or rebellion,
depending on the dynamics of the group.
• While peer influence can have both positive and negative effects, it is
an undeniable factor in shaping social behaviours and personality
development. Individuals learn about social roles, communication, and
cooperation within their peer groups, all of which contribute to their
evolving personality.
6. Life Experiences and Trauma

• Life events, particularly those involving trauma, can have lasting

effects on personality. Trauma, such as abuse, loss, or violence,
can fundamentally alter how an individual interacts with the world
and others.

• Van der Kolk et al. (1996) examined the profound impact of trauma
on personality development, highlighting how trauma can lead to
dissociation, emotional dysregulation, and the development of
specific coping mechanisms. Traumatic experiences can contribute
to the emergence of disorders such as post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) or result in more resilient personality traits,
depending on the individual’s support system and coping
strategies.
7. Biological and Neurological
Factors
• Personality is closely linked to biological and neurological factors. Research
in neuroscience has identified the brain structures and neurotransmitters
that influence personality traits. For example, DeYoung (2015) explored how
the dopaminergic system relates to openness and exploration, while the
serotonin system is linked to emotional stability and conscientiousness.
Brain injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, and hormonal imbalances can
also lead to significant changes in personality, demonstrating the
importance of neurological health in maintaining personality stability.
• Additionally, variations in brain structure have been associated with
different personality traits. For example, studies have shown that
individuals with larger prefrontal cortices tend to exhibit higher levels of
self-control and conscientiousness. This growing body of research highlights
the biological underpinnings of personality and how neurological processes
contribute to individual differences.
8. Environmental Stressors

• Environmental stressors such as poverty, discrimination, and

chronic stress can significantly impact personality development.
Health psychology has shown that prolonged exposure to stress can
lead to the development of anxiety, depression, and maladaptive
personality traits (Cohen et al., 2007). Chronic stress affects both
mental and physical health, which can, in turn, influence
personality traits such as neuroticism and pessimism.
• For individuals living in high-stress environments, adaptive coping
mechanisms may develop, leading to traits like resilience and
perseverance. However, chronic stress without adequate support
can lead to the development of negative personality traits and
mental health disorders, illustrating the importance of
environmental conditions in shaping personality.
9. Birth Order

• Birth order has long been considered a factor in

personality development, although its influence remains
a topic of debate. Some theories suggest that firstborn
children may develop leadership qualities and a sense
of responsibility, while middle children may become
more adaptable and diplomatic, and youngest children
may exhibit rebellious or attention-seeking behaviors.
While these patterns are not universally applicable,
birth order can influence personality by shaping the
dynamics of sibling relationships and parental
expectations.
• Alfred Adler, a prominent psychologist, expanded on this
idea, suggesting that firstborns often feel a sense of
dethronement when siblings arrive, which may lead to a
greater need for achievement.
• Middle children, he believed, may feel overlooked, driving
them to become peacemakers or highly competitive,
• while youngest children might develop a need for attention
or display more carefree traits due to the indulgence they
receive from family. These dynamics, Adler argued,
contribute to the development of distinct personality traits
within each birth order position.
10. Personal Choices and Free
Will
• Intrinsic Factor.
Personal agency and the choices individuals make throughout their
lives play a critical role in shaping personality. Positive psychology
emphasizes the importance of personal values, goals, and the
pursuit of self-improvement in personality development (Seligman,
2002). Individuals who take active control over their lives, setting
goals and striving for personal growth, are more likely to develop
traits such as optimism, resilience, and conscientiousness.
• The exercise of free will allows individuals to break free from
limiting circumstances or negative influences, leading to the
development of a more authentic and self-determined personality.
Personal choices, in combination with external factors, continuously
shape personality throughout life.
11. Media and Technology
• In the digital age, media and technology have become powerful
forces in shaping personality. The consumption of media—whether
through television, social media, or the internet—can influence
individuals’ values, beliefs, and behaviours. For example,
exposure to certain media content can reinforce stereotypes,
shape attitudes, and even affect self-esteem. Social media
platforms, in particular, have been shown to impact personality
traits such as self-consciousness and narcissism, as individuals
curate their online personas to align with social expectations.
• Furthermore, the constant influx of information and media stimuli
can affect cognitive processes and emotional regulation,
highlighting the role of media in the development and expression
of personality traits.
12. Biological Aging and Developmental Stages

• Personality is not static but evolves over time as

individuals pass through different developmental
stages. Maturation, hormonal changes, and life
transitions contribute to personality shifts. Research
suggests that certain traits, such as conscientiousness
and emotional stability, tend to increase with age, while
traits such as openness may decline (Roberts &
Mroczek, 2008). Biological aging and life experiences
contribute to the natural progression of personality
traits, with older individuals often displaying greater
emotional regulation and wisdom.