Allport’s Trait theory

Allport’s theory
·        Gordon W. Allport (1897-1967)
·        According to Allport trait is the basic unit of the personality
·        Each of us develops a unique set of such organized tendencies termed as traits in the course of our continues and gradual development.
·        Allport distinguish three types of traits

Cardinal traits:
·        It refers to the single trait that dominates an individual’s entire personality.
·        It appears most of the individuals
·        Dominate an individual’s whole life.
·        People with such personalities often become so known for these traits that their names are often synonymous with these qualities.
·        Ex: Gandhiji’s simplicity

Central traits:
·        It represents those few characteristic tendencies which can be ordinarily used to describe a person.
·        The general characteristics that form the basic foundations of personality.
·        Not as dominating as cardinal traits
·        Ex: intelligent, honest, shy and anxious

Secondary traits:
·        Often appear only in certain situations or under specific circumstances.
·        Not as dominant as the cardinal or central trait.
·        They appear only a relatively small range of situations.

v Cardinal traits are thus central to the description of the personality.
v These traits combined with a few central traits from the core characteristics traits responsible for giving uniqueness to one’s personality.
v Remaining traits not so generalized, that common to all persons.
v According to Allport 4541 psychological traits from describing human personality
v His theory emphasis on functional autonomy also.

v Individualized approach is the study of the personality.
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