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Theories of Personality: Understanding Persons, 7th edition

Published by Pearson (May 8, 2018) © 2019

  • Susan C. Cloninger Russell Sage College

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For courses in Personality Psychology.

Provide a fresh look into personality theory through clear explanations and the most current research

Theories of Personality provides an overview of the major theories of personality, classic and current. Encouraging students to think critically, author Susan Cloninger shows how understanding other people can benefit us both academically and practically. Real-life examples foster readers' interest and illustrate the major concepts of personality theory.

The 7th Edition offers discussions of relevant topics such as bullying, epigenetics and more.

Hallmark features of this title

  • A clear and informative writing style helps students understand complex topics.
  • The text has been organized around the 6 theoretical perspectives. The author explains how each perspective is distinctive and why it is beneficial.
  • The author encourages critical thinking through coverage of conflict, synchronicity, cultural change, religion and values, free will, and self-beliefs.
  • The positive value of various theories is presented in a balanced and respectful ways.

New and updated features of this title

  • UPDATED: The 7th Edition digs deeper into various theorists' lives. Fresh topics include the controversy over perceived racism in the theories of Cattell and Jung, and the abusive behavior of Maslow's mother.
  • UPDATED: Discussions of contemporary thinking have been integrated into the coverage of theoretical concepts. These include:
    • the replacement child and bullying in Adler's theory
    • epigenetics, gender identity and sexual orientation in Erikson's theory
    • the effects of both nature and nurture in the 5-Factor Model
  • UPDATED: Current research literature appears throughout the text. For example, coverage of neuroscience research is found in the biological chapter, as well as within the sections on the theories of Freud, Jung and more.

Features of Revel for the 7th Edition

  • Illustrative biographies presented through video vignettes help students understand individual people from a theoretical perspective.
    • NEW: The 7th Edition includes biographies of 3 new public figures: Malala Yousafzai, Serena Williams and George Harrison.
    • UPDATED: Previous illustrative biographies on Mother Teresa, Sonia Sotomayor, Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama have been expanded with additional information.

1. Introduction to Personality Theory
2. Freud's Classical Psychoanalysis
3. Jung's Analytical Psychology
4. Adler's Individual Psychology
5. Erikson's Psychosocial Development
6. Horney, Relational Theory, and the Interpersonal Psychoanalytic Approach
7. Allport's Personological Trait Theory
8. Two Factor Analytic Trait Theories
9. Biological Theories
10. Behavioral Theories
11. Kelly's Personal Construct Theory
12. Mischel's Traits in Cognitive Social Learning Theory
13. Bandura's Theory on Performance in Cognitive Social Learning
14. Rogers's Person-Centered Theory
15. Maslow's Need Hierarchy Theory and Positive Psychology
16. Buddhist Psychology
17. Concluding Remarks

About our authors

Susan C. Cloninger, PhD, is a professor emerita from The Sage Colleges, at Troy and Albany, New York, where she taught psychology for 36 years. Her graduate study was at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she earned a PhD in psychology with specialization in personality, particularly social motivation. In addition to Theories of Personality: Understanding Persons, she has contributed to the Cambridge Handbook of Personality Psychology.

In retirement, Sue is active as a volunteer in a supportive housing unit for persons with a history of homelessness and mental illness; in her Unitarian Universalist church; as an amateur gardener; and with her grandchildren. Her professional curiosity is a quest for understanding that bridges issues from biological to social-political understanding.

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