According to Allport’s trait theory, all people are unique, with personalities that grow and differ. To demonstrate this, he designated personality traits into three tiers: cardinal, central, and secondary.
Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:
- Select a notable or well-known public figure (past or present) and construct a profile of the individual by illustrating how they embody the three tiers of personality traits.
- Cardinal traits: What are the passions, goals, or obsessions that are most dominant in this person? How have they contributed to this person’s motivations or accomplishments?
- Central traits: If you were to write a letter of recommendation for this person, which traits would you emphasize?
- Secondary traits: Describe traits the public maybe aware of, but that are not fundamental to understanding this person’s impact.
- Do you agree or disagree with Allport’s belief that psychoanalysis and/or behavioral theories are not enough to describe this person’s personality? Why or why not?
Please reply with a minimum of 200 words. Please attach at least one reference.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Allport’s trait theory suggests that individuals possess unique personalities that grow and differ. This theory comprises three tiers of personality traits, including cardinal, central, and secondary, which help to define and explain an individual’s personality. In this response, a notable public figure will be selected, and a profile will be constructed to illustrate how they embody the three tiers of personality traits.
Answer:
Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, is a public figure who embodies the three tiers of personality traits. Starting with cardinal traits, Mandela’s most dominant passion was to fight against apartheid, the system of racial segregation that oppressed black South Africans. This struggle was his lifelong motivation that led him to achieve significant accomplishments, such as becoming the first black President of South Africa and receiving a Nobel Peace Prize.
Moving on to central traits, Mandela’s most notable traits were honesty, courage, and forgiveness. These traits were evident in his fight against apartheid, where Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years but never gave up his cause. Later, when he became the President of South Africa, Mandela demonstrated his courage by pursuing a policy of reconciliation and forgiveness.
Regarding secondary traits, the public may be aware that Mandela was a skilled public speaker, charismatic, and had a sense of humor. However, these traits are not fundamental to understanding his impact and personality.
To answer the last question, I agree with Allport’s belief that psychoanalysis and/or behavioral theories are not enough to describe Mandela’s personality, as he possessed unique traits and characteristics that only a personal analysis could unveil. In conclusion, Nelson Mandela was a rare individual who embodied the three tiers of personality traits described by Allport.
Reference:
Feist, J., & Feist, G. J. (2009). Theories of Personality (7th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
