Elements of Personality. Discovering Connections

The captivating field of personality psychology not only helps us understand human behavior and mental life, but also provides an essential perspective for understanding ourselves in ways we never have before.

In his concise and timely textbook, Dr. Robert F. Bornstein offers a fresh and engaging approach to personality theory and research that integrates personality into the broader intellectual landscape of modern psychology. Elements of Personality focuses on the four primary theoretical approaches to understanding personality: psychodynamic, behavioral and cognitive-behavioral, trait/interpersonal, and humanistic/existential. The author presents these four core perspectives in detail while bypassing the tangential mini-theories covered in other textbooks; as a result, he delivers complex material in an accessible, reader-friendly format. The chapters build upon one another, demonstrating how these four perspectives differ alongside their various points of convergence.

Drawing further on the theme of connections, Dr. Robert F. Bornstein utilizes feature boxes to illustrate how the study of personality intersects with work in related psychological disciplines (social, cognitive, developmental, and neuropsychology), with fields outside psychology, and with real-life applications. Rich and relevant examples cover contemporary topics such as social media and the online self, personality and politics, forming and maintaining friendships, self-actualization and activism, and more. The book concludes by synthesizing ideas and findings into a holistic understanding of personality psychology, with a forward-looking view on the future of personality theory and research.

To enhance comprehension and promote flexible learning, each chapter concludes with a review of key concepts and principles, critical thinking and discussion questions, key terms, as well as suggested further readings and resources.