A Psychological and Biblical Look at
the Six Foundational Pillars of an Individual’s Personality: Becoming
Spiritually Fit
Personality Theory
attempts to recognize, understand, and help others become healthy, productive
and fulfilled individuals throughout every stage of life. The 6 foundational
pillars of an individual’s personality are nature versus nurture, the
unconscious, view of self, a person’s development, motivation, and maturation.
Understanding an individual’s personality will help not only in the counseling room
but will also help individuals strive to become mature, healthy members of
their society. This paper will look into the genetic disposition of a person,
their environment, past experiences, and how their self-esteem helps or hinders
their developmental advances through each stage of life. Fulfillment in life is
impossible if an individual does not react appropriately in each of the 6
foundation pillars. At the end of the paper, a biblical perspective will also be
included. Wisdom from God’s Word is always relevant to the study and understanding
of maturity in a person’s life.
Personality Theory
The
six pillars of Personality Theory takes a person through every stage of the
complexities of life. This paper will detail every pillar through scholarly and
biblical resources. The goal is to help understand, not only the foundations of
personality, but the healthy progression through each stage of life as well. Through
psychological research and biblical truths, a closer look at each pillar will
give everyone the insight he or she needs to grow and mature at any given
stage, with fulfillment and joy as his or her prize.
Foundations of Personality
The foundations of an individual’s personality are nature
versus nurture, the unconscious, and the view of self. To study the behavior of
an individual, researchers have to consider a person’s genetics along with the
way they were and are nurtured. A person’s unconscious will help a person to
respond to situations they have faced in the past, helping them to make the right
decision in the present. Self-esteem is also critical when considering the
health and well-being of an individual. If a person has been nurtured properly
and have the cognitive ability to respond correctly through their unconscious
to circumstances they are facing, their self-esteem will be healthy. They will
live a productive, healthy life.
Nature
Versus Nurture
Osip
Mandelstam, in his book, Lamarck, wrote that Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck believed
that individual’s behavior stems from their nature (genetics) and how they have
been nurtured and/or is nurturing themselves (environment, as cited in Gadjev,
2015, p. 243). It is impossible to estimate the contributions of nature and
nurture separately (Fotaki, 2011, p. 640). Putting too much emphasis on
genetics will cause a researcher to believe in random mutations. Focusing too
heavily on nurturing will cause a researcher not to take into account a
client’s genetic disposition. A person’s nurturing (environment) can change,
but their genetics (nature) cannot. Focusing too heavily on genetics has caused
controversies within the medical field.
Assumptions
were made that the efficacy of different drugs responds differently among
various races. These presumptions have never been verified (Fotaki, 2011, p.
641). Others also surmised that genetics holds the key to better health.
However, Wilkinson, in his study in 1996, found that genetics is not the key.
Wilkinson concluded that public health has everything to do with social
inequality, not genetics. The rich tend to get the best medical attention,
whereas the poor rarely receive the latest technologies, best doctors, nor the
newest medications (as cited in Fotaki, 2011, p. 641). There is a disparity of
medical treatment that need to be addressed in society. These disparities do not
mean genetics should not be studied. Understanding genetic variations can be
beneficial. However, predicting consequences of welfare and setting policies
concerning treatments based on genetic makeup of an individual is a slippery
slope that should not be pursued (Fotaki, 2011, p. 641). Until proper research is
conducted in the genetic makeup of different races, a focus on the way people
respond to their environment must be evaluated and applied to better help them
in their psychological and physical needs.
The
Unconscious
The
unconscious is not something that can be described; only explained (White,
2013, p. 58). A person’s deeper motives come from a source outside of the
conscious. These motives come from the unconscious. The unconscious brings back
memories of past experiences that may or may not enter into play on any given
circumstance (White, 2013, p. 59). The unconscious can also cause responses
that are not entirely understood. A person washing his or her hands continually
could symbolize a need to purify oneself from sin. A researcher or psychologist
can assume the symbolism of hand washing. However, the person always washing
his or her hands may not cognitively know why. The unconscious sometimes
controls actions, whether the person understands the reasoning behind it or not.
Researchers have concluded that an individual's conduct is often not based on
the conscious, but the unconscious instead (White, 2013, p. 59).
Consciousness
comes into play when something new enters into the equation. Suppose a group
was walking through the woods, enjoying the spring air. The unconscious flows
through the environment as the senses take over. In other words, a person’s
attention to the surroundings is out of focus. However, if there is a choice
between two paths, the conscious kicks in, helping an individual adapt and
adjust to the environment (White, 2013, p. 60). Adapting to one’s environment
is how growth and advancement occurs. When decisions are made, a person learns
from the experience, whether the decision was favorable or not. Through the
experience of trial and error, the unconscious stores the memories and responds
to the environment when necessary (White, 2013, pp. 61-65).
Therefore,
results from the decisions made through the conscious will dictate the
psychological and physical health of an individual. When a similar situation
arises, the unconscious will respond to past experiences, revealing the
maturity level of a person through each stage of life. In a sense, the
unconscious is the memory bank, allowing a person to respond to the day to day routine
activities of life.
View
of Self
Self-esteem
can be a positive or a negative attitude, depending on a person’s self-worth.
Self-worth is measured by how people see their life and how they perceive
others feel about them. An individual's view of self has three dimensions:
their self-worth, self-efficacy, and their authenticity of who they are (Stets
& Burke, 2014, p. 409). Self-worth is when people feel good about
themselves, seeing value in who they are (Stets & Burke, 2014, p. 410).
Self-efficacy is when a person feels he or she is are competent, capable of
adding something positive to society (Stets & Burke, 2014, p. 409).
Authenticity is where people strive to find their identity, understanding their
uniqueness in life (Stets & Burke, 2014, p. 411). An individual’s view of
self is the foundation of whom they will become in life. It becomes the
identity they establish for their worth in life.
A
person’s identity is measured by “a set of meanings that defines individuals in
terms of the roles they occupy, the social categories or groups they belong to,
and the individual characteristics that define them as unique persons” (Stets
& Burke, 2014, p. 412). Gecas, Swann, and Bosson found that a healthy view
of self includes the value a person places on his or her self. If a person does
not feel accepted or worthwhile in life, he or she will never grow into
maturity. The person will be stifled by their negative view of self. A person has
to be motivated to grow in maturity. He or she has to strive to find their
meaning in life (Stets & Burke, 2014, pp. 409-410). If an individual does not
have a healthy view of self, his or her maturity level will never rise to the occasion.
They will never reach the healthy maturation level necessary to succeed in
every stage of life.
Progression of Personality
The foundations of a personality help researchers
understand an individual’s genetics, the way they were and are nurtured, how
the unconscious helps them respond to circumstances they face, and how healthy
their self-image is. Progression of a personality, on the other hand, is the
maturation process a person goes through in every stage of life. The
progression of personality consists of an individual's development, motivation,
and maturation. Healthy adaption helps an individual make right decisions. Through
healthy motivation, they take control of their circumstances through values
they have developed. Only through a healthy development in every stage of a
person’s personality, can someone become a healthy, mature, properly motivated
individual.
Development
A
healthy personality is developed when a person can control, not be controlled
by their environment (Neyer, Mund, Zimmermann, & Wrzus, 2014, p. 539).
Through the stages of life, a person can adapt, becoming a responsible part of
their environment. In order to develop through the stages of life, a person has
to be able to make the necessary changes to succeed. They have to conform to
the expectations of their family, workplace, neighbors, and organizations they
are involved with (Neyer et al., 2014, p. 541). The most important key to
developing a healthy personality is to develop a healthy self. If a person is
not maturing in the stages of their life, their relationships, and their health
will fail (Neyer et al., 2014, pp. 544-546).
A
healthy personality will help in establishing strong relationships with others.
If a person’s self-worth, ability to learn from past experiences, and ability
to adapt to their environment is healthy, they will establish the strong
relationships needed to live a successful, and satisfying life. To build a
healthy relationship, one must also focus on the needs of others. In marriage,
when an individual exhibits a selfless caring attitude, their partner will be
drawn to them, creating a healthier relationship. Over time, when selflessness is
exhibited, couples tend to resemble one another’s emotional responses. They
will become one in purpose, desiring to be the person the other desires and
deserves (Dijkstray & Barelds, 2008, pp. 1507-1509). Striving to be what a
partner desire and deserves plays a significant role in how well the partner responds
to changes in their relationship. Their partner can be the source of help or
hindrance in dealing with struggles in life (Markey & Markey, 2014, p.
470). They must work together to have the healthy relationship they both desire
and need.
However,
it must be understood that a healthy relationship begins with the individual. A
person cannot rely solely on their spouse to give them satisfaction and
fulfillment in life. Each person must strive to mature and develop through
every stage of life. Maturity and development through every stage of life must
be everyone’s motivational factor.
Motivation
A
person’s motives are found within their conscious and their unconscious (Parks
& Guay, 2009, p. 679). Indirectly or not, emotional stability stems from a
person’s motives (Parks & Guay, 2009, p. 679). Healthy motives are only
possible when a person is emotionally stable and is conscientious in their life
(Parks & Guay, 2009, p. 680). When a person has healthy motives, they can
mature through all stages of life.
An
individual’s motives are developed and understood by their personality and the
values they set for themselves. Once again, it is crucial in the successful
maturation of an individual to grow in their personality, understanding who
they are. Values will naturally develop in healthy individuals. Values will help
to set the right goals in life to become mature, successful individuals in all
areas and stages of life (Parks & Guay, 2009, pp. 681-682).
It
is the entirety of an individual where motivation rests. Maslow stated that the
first of the five basic assumptions of a person is the holistic approach. It is
not just one part of the individual that is the motivational factor in making a
decision (as cited in Feist, Feist, & Roberts, 2013, p. 255). Only a
healthy, well-adjusted individual is capable of having the right motives when
making necessary decisions in life. Through pure and healthy motives, maturity
will blossom, creating a healthy individual.
Maturation
Maturity
is only possible when a person can function properly in all stages of life. A
healthy mature individual is respected, not only for his or her accomplishments,
but also for how he or she treat others. Mature individuals are consistent with
their personalities and work ethics, always contributing to society. Healthy
mature individuals are supportive, emotionally stable, and conscientious. Though
age is seen as an indicator of maturity, how individuals respond to the
challenges of life will dictate their maturity level (Wille, Hofmans, Feys,
& De Fruyt, 2013, pp. 509-510).
However,
a person’s community he or she has established around his or her self is
crucial in the development of maturity. Pargament, in 1997, stated that
spiritual groups can be a valuable tool in the maturation process. If a
person’s spiritual community is not a heavy-handed group, dictating individuals
conform only to the “social norms and insular prejudice” of the group, it can
become an active, crucial and healthy process to maturity (as cited in Kass,
2015). Unconditional love is the key. “Unconditional love and trustworthy
relationship can be experienced in the transpersonal domain: in relationship with
the ‘spirit of life’/God” (Kass, 2015).
In
order to better prepare someone through the process of maturity in their life,
it is important to understand age and gender appropriate maturity levels as
well. Adolescents cannot expect to have the same maturity level of someone who
is older and has more years of experience under their belt. Gender plays a role
in adolescents. Teenage girls mature earlier in adolescents. However, by the
end of adolescents, teenage boys have caught up to the maturity level of girls.
Understanding
the maturity levels of teenagers will help parents, teachers and others who
deal with them on a regular basis. They should not expect the same maturity
level during the earlier stages of adolescents between teenage boys and girls. Positive,
informed influences will help direct adolescents through their age and gendered
maturity level, preparing them for their next stage in life (Klimstra, Hale,
Raaijmakers, Branje, & Meeus, 2009, p. 909).
Biblical Integration
In
every stage of life, God has a plan. He created mankind in His image, giving
them everything they need in life to succeed. Through the Fall, the
relationship God had with His creation was broken. However, God made a way for them
to be restored to their pre-fallen nature. Through the Cross of Calvary, God
gave His creation the opportunity to become not only His Children, but the
person He has called them to be as well. Apart from God, humans are drawn to a
destructive life, never becoming healthy and complete in any stage of life.
Through the drawing of the Holy Spirit, mankind can make the right choices in
life, leaving behind them disappointment and regret. They can become healthy,
productive and fulfilled individuals in every stage of life (Genesis 1:27;
Romans 7:18; Colossians 3:5; Romans 6:6; Galatians 5:16-19).
The ability to make
the right decision within one’s environment has nothing to do with the situation
they find themselves. Devotion to nurturing one’s soul with what is good and
pleasing is the foundation of right choices. Hiding the truth of God’s Word in
a person’s heart will lead to a healthy fulfilled life. God has also given His
children the responsibility to share His truths with others, helping them also
to live a life filled with joy and fulfillment. (Genesis 2:18; Deuteronomy 4:9;
Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:16, 21; Psalm 119:11).
Though the Bible does not specifically mention the
unconscious, its subtleties flow through the pages, giving insight to those who
strive to live a life filled with joy and gratification. If people want to live
a life of maturity, a life of fulfillment, they need to guard what is allowed
to come into their heart. They need to protect their mind from the things that
are not beneficial, fixing their eyes on what is constructive to their lives,
instead. If they seek God in their lives, He will reveal to them their
shortcomings, leading them to a life that leads to His glory. When a person
seeks God’s wisdom, the Holy Spirit will help them recall the truth they need
for the circumstances they face. He will never leave them alone (Proverbs 4:23;
Philippians 4:8; John 16:13; Psalm 139:23-24; Deuteronomy 31:8).
A child of God’s self-image is found in Jesus Christ. Not
only did God create them uniquely, but He also created them for a purpose. His
plans for them will lead them through the stages of life through wisdom, purpose,
satisfaction, and hope. God has called His children to live a life filled with
goodness, for darkness is no longer their path. Their self-image is not based
on who they were, nor how others see them, for God looks at their heart, delighting
in whom they have become. He loves His children so much that He sings songs of
joy over them. They are precious in His sight (Psalm 139:13-14; Jeremiah 29:11;
1 Peter 2:9; 1 Samuel 16:7; Zephaniah 3:17; Isaiah 43:4).
Being
faithful to God’s teachings will lead to developing a life filled with joy, and
not regret. God uses His Word to lay down the foundation for a healthy
productive life. When struggles come, a healthy and faithful servant of God
will endure, never giving up. Their hope rests in Him, knowing their struggles
will never be for nothing. Maturity in every stage of life comes when hope
reigns (2 Timothy 3:14-17; 1 Corinthians 15:58).
The
motivational factor for all of God’s children should be their identity in
Christ. Because of Jesus, God sees His children as a masterpiece. Before they were
born, God knew them. He created them to do good works. Through Jesus, they have
become a new creation, a new person. If a child of God trusts in Jesus, nothing
will keep them from accomplishing the desires God has for them. Even when it
feels they are accomplishing nothing in their lives, they rest in the promise
that their works for God is never in vain. Their life will become a reflection
of God’s Son, filling all of Heaven with the praises God deserves (Ephesians
2:10; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Matthew 5:14-16).
Children
of God should be motivated primarily to please their Heavenly Father. If this
is their motivation, they will know and understand God’s perfect plan for them.
They will know and understand that His will for their lives will be good and
pleasing. They will also become selfless, knowing everything they have comes from
their Father in Heaven. Their maturity in God will reflect their maturity at
every stage of life. No longer will they live a life filled with hate and
resentment. No longer will they see others as worthless or an enemy. Instead,
they will see them the same way God does. Hate and resentment will be stripped
from their lives. They will become love toward others instead because Christ
had first loved them. They will become what God had created and called them to
be in every stage of life. Their life will be complete, filled with
satisfaction and joy (Romans 12:1-2; Romans 11:36; Matthew 5:43-48; 1 John 4:19).
Conclusion
This paper considered the six foundational pillars of an
individual’s personality. Every pillar is critical for a researcher to study
and evaluate, a counselor to discern, and a client to use to become a better
person. This paper also evaluated the biblical perspective on each of these pillars
and have concluded that nothing researchers are discovering today, are new. God,
through His Word, has prepared His creation to live a life of fulfillment and
joy. The importance of researcher’s work is not being undervalued in this
paper. The more they understand how individuals grow and mature, the better
counselors can help their clients. However, the spiritual aspect cannot be
undervalued as well. Together, the complexities of individuals can be understood
and properly evaluated. Through the benefits of research and God’s Word, people
can become whole.
References
Feist, J., Feist, G.,
& Roberts, T. (2013). Theories of personality (8th ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill
Co., Inc.
Fotaki, M. (2011). Agency
versus structure or nature versus nurture: When the new twist on an old debate
is not that new after all. A commentary on Angel. Social Science & Medicine,
73(5), 639-642. doi:10.1016/ j.socscimed.2011.06.044
Gadjev, I. (2015). Nature
and nurture: Lamarck’s legacy. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 114(1),
242-247. doi:10.1111/bij.12439
Kass, J. (2015).
Person-centered spiritual maturation: A multidimensional model. Journal of Humanistic
Psychology, 55(1), 53-76. doi:10.1177/ 0022167814525261
Klimstra, T., Hale, W.,
Raaijmakers, Q., Branje, S., & Meeus, W. (2009). Maturation of personality
in adolescence. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 96 (4), 898-912.
doi:10.1037/a0014746
Markey, C., & Markey,
P. (2014). Personality, relationships, and health. Journal of Personality, 82(6),
467-471. doi:10.1111/jopy.12080
Neyer, F., Mund, M.,
Zimmermann, J., & Wrzus, C. (2014). Personality-relationship transactions revisited.
Journal of Personality, 82(6), 539-550. doi:10.1111/jopy.12063
Parks, L., & Guay, R.
(2009). Personality, values, and motivation. Personality and Individual Differences,
4, 675-684. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2009.06.002
Stets, J. E., &
Burke, P. J. (2014). Self-esteem and identities. Sociological Perspectives,
57(4), 409-433. doi:10.1177//0731121414536141
White, W. (2013). The
unconscious. Psychoanalytic Review, 100(1), 57-72. doi:10.1521/prev.2013.100.1.57
Wille, B., Hofmans, J.,
Feys, M., & De Fruyt, F. (2013). Maturation of work attitudes: Correlated
change with big five personality traits and reciprocal effects over 15 years. Journal
of Organizational Behavior, 35, 507-529. doi:10.1002/job.1905
No comments:
Post a Comment