Gordon Allport's Trait Theory

Trait Theory

• Gordon Allport's trait theory proposes that personality is composed of multiple traits, which are relatively stable and enduring patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion.
• Traits are organized into three levels:
  1. Cardinal traits: dominant, ruling traits that influence most of an individual's behavior.
  2. Central traits: general traits that are present in most situations, but not as dominant as cardinal traits.
  3. Secondary traits: less influential traits that appear only in specific situations.
• Traits are not mutually exclusive, and individuals can possess multiple traits that interact with each other.

Personality Structure

• Allport's personality structure consists of three components:
  1. Psychological systems: organized patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion that are relatively stable and enduring.
  2. Proprium: the unique, individual aspects of personality that make up one's sense of self.
  3. Functional autonomy: the idea that personality traits are motivated by internal forces, rather than external stimuli.
• Allport's structure emphasizes the unique, dynamic, and organized nature of personality, and suggests that personality is shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.