Title: Introduction to Personality | Boundless Psychology
Headings: Introduction to Personality
Introduction to Personality
Defining Personality
Learning Objectives
Key Takeaways
Key Points
Key Terms
Early Philosophical Roots
Approaches to Studying Personality
Genetics, the Brain, and Personality
Learning Objectives
Key Takeaways
Key Points
Key Terms
The Biological Perspective on Personality
Temperament
Genetics and Personality
The Brain and Personality
Phineas Gage: A Case Study
Strengths of the Biological Perspective
Limitations of the Biological Perspective
Influences of Culture and Gender on Personality
Learning Objectives
Key Takeaways
Key Points
Key Terms
Culture and Personality
Gender and Personality
Approaches to Studying Personality in a Cultural Context

Content: Western ideas about personality are not necessarily applicable to other cultures, and there is evidence that the strength of personality traits varies across cultures. Genetics, the Brain, and Personality
The biological perspective on personality emphasizes the influence of the brain and genetic factors on personality. Learning Objectives
Discuss the relationship between genetics and personality development
Key Takeaways
Key Points
The biological perspective on personality focuses on why or how personality traits manifest through biology and investigates the links between personality, DNA, and processes in the brain. In psychology, ” temperament ” refers to the personality tendencies that we show at birth (and that are therefore biologically determined). After birth, environmental factors and maturation interact with a child’s temperament to shape their personality. The field of behavioral genetics focuses on the relationship between genes and behavior. Research from twin studies suggests that some aspects of our personalities are largely controlled by genetics. The biological approach to personality has also identified areas and pathways within the brain, as well as various hormones and neurotransmitters, that are associated with the development of personality. One of the first documented cases that demonstrated the link between personality and the brain was that of Phineas Gage, who underwent a drastic personality change after a brain injury. Key Terms
temperament: