Theories of Personality A Zonal Perspective

by Berecz, John M.

• ISBN13: 9780205439164
• ISBN10: 0205439160
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-04-29
• Publisher: Pearson

Summary

Theories of Personality or Personality Psychology. In place of the historical, categorical, and research methods of teaching personality, Berecz maps theories and research onto agridthat allows readers to analyze and compare. Instead of learning theoretical terms or analyzing research findings related to a particular theory, students will evaluate and compare personality constructs in differentzonesof interdisciplinary research. This approach facilitates both comprehension and retention, making sense of an encyclopedic volume of theories and research.

Author Biography

John M. Berecz received an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from American University in Washington, D.C., and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Indiana University, Bloomington. His doctoral research on smoking cessation won recognition in a nationwide competition conducted by the American Institutes for Research. Following his graduate studies, Dr. Berecz interned as a United States Public Health Fellow at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Boston, Subsequently, he pursued a professional career for over thirty years that has spanned both the classroom and the clinic. He taught Theories of Personality courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Additionally he taught Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Behavior Modification, Research Methods, and Human Sexuality. In his clinical practice he has worked with children, couples, and families.

 

Dr. Berecz has published five books and nearly three dozen articles in professional journals. His research and writing have covered a broad range of topics, including: addictions, stuttering, Tourette Syndrome, sexual dysfunction, as well as the role of forgiveness in psychotherapy and counseling.

 

He is married to Deborah Bennett Berecz, who obtained her law degree at Notre Dame and uses Collaborative practice and mediation to ease the stress of divorce for families in transition. They have four grown sons and–at last count–five grandchildren. They make their home among the orchards and vineyards of southwestern Michigan. Dr. Berecz attenuates the stresses in his life with biking, skiing, swimming, racquetball, and spiritual meditation.

 

With this text, Professor Berecz, hopes to share his love of psychology and enthusiasm for Theories of Personality with new generations of student seekers.

Table of Contents

Introduction: A Zonal Perspective

A Zonal Approach to the Study of Personality

Ancient and Modern Compositional Theories of Personality

Conditioning/Learning Theories of Personality Person as Trained Animal

Trait Theories and Evolutionary Psychology

Person as Processor Computer and Cognitive Models of Mind

Encapsulated Self (Ego) of Freud's Psychoanalysis

From the Absorbent Self of Object-Relations Theory to the Mutually-Regulated Self of Object Relations and Ego Psychology

Social Self in Cultural Context

From Object-Relations to Dyadic Theories of Personality

Constructivism in Personality Theories

Constructing Personality from Rhythms and Reflexes

Constructing Personality from Perceptions

Constructing Personality from Cognition

Humanistic Psychology (The Third Force)

Existential Theories of Personality

Transpersonal Theories of Personality

Putting Personality All Together or at least synthesizing some of it!

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