Personality is an individual’s unique combination of preteens that influence behavior,
thoughts, motivation, and emotional traits one showcases in a given context. The psychology of
personality analyses the difference and similarities of behavioral patterns among different
individuals (Eysenck, 1990). Personality is influenced by philosophical roots, which identify the
components exhibited by an individual; personality traits can thus be out of a free will,
hereditary, or rather universal. The patterns of behavior derive one to think, feel or behave in a
particular way, resulting in an individual’s perceptions, expectations, values, attitudes, and
perception. In some cases, an individual’s personality can change depending on their
surroundings and exposition.
Biological approach
Looking at personality from a biological perspective, personality is caused by social
aspects; it is more genetic and brain-related. The biological perspective relates that personality
traits manifest through a biological function of an individual. Thus there is a strong link between
DNA and brain function. According to personality psychology, an individual exhibits unique
personality tendencies at birth, and these traits are referred to as temperament. After which, the
environmental factors and human interaction shapes their personality. However, the traits are
entirely dependent on the brain, hormones, and neurotransmitters associated with how
personality is developed. With this knowledge, personality traits can be traced back to the brain
structure and neural mechanism, such as dopamine and serotonin pathways (Eysenck et al.,
2020). Personality from a neurobiological perspective analysis the biochemistry of behavioral
system that and individuals tend to reward, punish or motivate their actions in 1951. Eysenck
attempted to study the genetics of human personality. The investigation tested the neuroticism ad
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factors that contribute to the inheritance to personality as a biological unit. Several theories
explain personality traits shown by individuals.
Psychoanalytic approach
This is a personality theory introduces by Sigmund Freud; the theory examines the
conscious and the subconscious mind of an individual. The theory suggests that that personality
is shaped from past experiences. Personality is built on needs, desires, control, and moral
standards that people have and what is socially acceptable. In my case, this theory gives an
understanding of my introvert and conscientious personality (Matthews & Gilliland, 2020). My
actions mostly subconscious; however, the conscious behaviors are influenced by norms I have
been raised to believe in. my society requires people to be hardworking and explore new
opportunities; otherwise, it is believed that these people are likely to suffer. Therefore I
consciously or subconsciously try to achieve what is expected of me by the community.
Personality Analysis during Covid-19
I believe that my y personality trait is conscientious; often, I feel efficient performing
various tasks that sometimes might not be my responsibility. Conscientiousness personality is a
trait in which a person wishes to do another person’s work or duty well. Thorough people with
this personality have difficulties following socially prescribed norms to control their impulses.
However, such individuals are likely to exhibit healthy living, lower criminal activity better
economic, interpersonal, and workplace results (Jackson, Wood & Roberts, 2010). Conscientious
personalities are dominant and can perform several tasks regardless. However, y personality
shifted during the Covid-19 pandemic during this period; the lockdown limited my movement
and ability to perform tasks.
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I am also extravert in nature, and Extraversion traits are divergent behavior in which I
actively participate in many activities within my society. The research reveals that the extrovert
personality is perceived to be healthy and outgoing; however, their ability to participate in
activities reduces as individuals grow older (Lai & Qin, 2018). This personality was also
challenged during the covid-19 pandemic due to the necessity for an individual to maintain social
distance. I actively participate in marathons, something that was shut down to contain the spread
of the virus.
Initially, I was a student who would take extra courses and even jobs to keep myself busy
and occupied. At the onset of the pandemic, societal life changed drastically. I could not get a
physical engagement to utilize overtime. I could say that I experience boredom when I lack a
variety of activities to do. According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, personality is built from
childhood when they behave unconsciously and consciously from the interaction. The behavior
gradually changes as I grow older, and also, my behavior is adaptive to the situation, for
instance, covid-19 pandemic. Other than fluctuation in mood and attitude, personality is bound to
change depending on medical or mental state. Usually, a constant hearing of devastating news
can change one's behaviors, during the pandemic reports and deaths and new infection of
coronavirus were depressing to me.
My personality change resulted from the pandemic; from an extravert and conscientious
personality, I become a person with a Neuroticism personality. The shift in personality made me
lose my sense of positivity in life since I saw many individuals die of the virus. I developed
negative emotions, and from time to time, I would experience irritable bowel syndrome, anger,
and anxiety. Among other symptoms experienced by people with neuroticism are heart disorder,
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poor immune, post-traumatic disorder, bipolar disorder, and a higher risk of mortality motility
(Widiger & Oltmanns 2017).
Personality inconsistency is something to be always considered. Consistency across all
personalities contributes to the predictive validity of personality measures (Sosnowska et al.,
2018). When predicting change, there are two types of change to consider: rank-order change;
these are changes that occur relative to the personality of another person’s trait; this change,
however, is not very common among individuals. On the other hand, mean-level change is an
absolute change of an individual’s traits based on their level in a lifetime. This refers to the
change in personality that may occur during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and the
changes result from a change of the biological system. These changes are more common. Even
though the natural personality traits such as politeness, extravert, and open mindfulness remain,
they can only be altered by an individual's old age or mental illness.
Conclusively, personality is an interesting characterization that helps to create the identity
of an individual. From the moment a child is born, they become their person by expressing
behaviors consciously or subconsciously, and the traits continue to develop as an individual
grows. Thus, making a unique personality that constructs one's identity makes it important to
understand that personality is not only environmental but also biological because personality
traits are psychological. Personality is bound to change in any given situation, especially when
the body experiences certain occurrences such as trauma and the biological development of the
human body; these activities impact the man's brain, which is a major determinant factor in
creating and exhibiting personality.
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References
Eysensk, H. J.(1990). Biological dimensions of personalities. In L. A. Pervin (ed). Handbook of
personality: theory and research. The Guilford Press.
Jackson, J. J., Wood, D., and Roberts, W. B. (2010). What do unconscious people do?
Development and Validation of behavioral indicators of conscientiousness. Journal of
research I personally. HHS.
Lai, D. W, L. and Qin, N. (2018). Extraversion personalities perceived health and activity
participation among communities- dwelling aging adults in Hong Kong. University of
Florence, Italy.
Matthews, G. and Gilliland, K. (2020). The personality theories of Eysenck, J. H, and Gray, A. J.
A Comparative Review: personality and individual difference. ReseseachGate.
Sosnowska et al, (2018) Assessing personality dynamics in personnel selection. Handbook of
personal dynamics and processes:1-38.
Widiger, A. T. and Oltmanns, R. J. (2017). Neuroticism is a fundamental domain of personality
with enormous public health implications: the world of psychiatry.