Reflection on Personality Development

I found the reading interesting in that Cervone and Pervin (2016)  observed that Freud’s theory of the mind encompasses the idea related to the body and mind being interrelated in the sense that the mind as an energy system, as Freud termed it, draws upon the body  to sustain its energies and vice versa. Both Freud and Erickson proposed  several stages of development.

For example, as the researchers noted, psychoanalytic theory  focused  on the impact of early events  in life as playing a significant role in the unfolding of personality development later in one’s life. On the other hand, Erickson placed emphasis on psychosocial aspects in addition to an instinctual focus towards personality development.

A great number of researchers have suggested the potential towards the growth process and development as encompassing the whole lifespan of an individual. As the researchers noted, development can follow varied trajectories. The case study  the researchers presented concerning the infant, Jenny who had endured abuse at the hand of her father and also had a weak attachment to her mother, serves to illustrate as the researchers asserted, that isolated  traumatic events appear to have less significance  than continual experiences that are more adaptive and consistent in nature.

For example, Jenny was eventually placed in a warm, loving environment. Hence, she became more responsive where previously she appeared to be sad and lethargic. While she still experienced difficulty in relating to her mother, her life had markedly improved and she began to demonstrate more adaptive behavior.

It is interesting to note that  Berk (2010) pointed out   since the 1960’s researchers  focused exclusively  on child development,  but eventually began exploring the process of development that explored  the whole life span. In their investigations, the researchers noticed social, physical, and mental changes.  

References 

Cervone, D. & Pervin, L.A. (2016). Personality theory and research. (13th ed.). New York , N.Y.: Wiley, John & Sons, Inc.