Theories of Chapter 4: Trait Approach and Current Trends

personality
4.1 Trait Approach: History, G Allport, Raymond Cattell (Refer to 1.4 of Chapter 1)
4.2 4.2 Hans. J. Eysenck, Five Factor Model-Costa & McCrae (Refer to 1.4 of Chapter 1)
4.1 Trait A trait is a personality characteristic that meets three criteria: it must be consistent, stable and vary
from person to person. Based on this definition, a trait can be thought of as a relatively stable
characteristic that causes individuals to behave in certain ways.
Characteristics of 1. A trait has more than nominal existence and it helps in predicting behaviour.
trait 2. It is generalized than habits. Habits are situation specific but traits are consistent.
3. Traits are determinant of behavior; traits are observable through the behavior.
4. Trait existence may be established empirically.
5. Trait is relatively independent of other traits.
6. Acts or habits that are inconsistent of a trait are not proof of nonexistence of trait.
7. Traits are not synonymous with social and moral judgements. Trait is not the criteria to judge
anyone at the social and moral ground.

Theories of Chapter 4: Trait Approach and Current Trends

personality
4.3. 4.3. Indian perspective to personality
Swabhaava: a way Three categories of Swabhaava:
of behaving/ human a. Purushottama: Basic characteristics of the spirit and nature. Purushottama is the supreme truth
nature/one’s own into which we have to grow, the Self and the Jiva. What one wants to become.
nature b. Self: Present awareness about oneself and what one is right now. It may change across life. It
develops to reach the stage of Purushottama.
c. Jiva: Past life memories and future life in here, helps to drive and achieve the Purushottama.

Levels of mind Four dimensions of mind:

1. Manas: It is the sensory-motor mind, which receives and interprets information from the five
senses and five action organs. Manas is the mind’s lowest level and is frequently distracted by
sensory and bodily inputs. The higher level of the mind, buddhi, must govern and discipline
Manas.
2. Buddhi: Buddhi is the intellect that discerns, analyses and makes decisions. It is the ability of
logic, reasoning and judgement. Buddhi is the highest level of consciousness and is frequently
impacted by rajas (activity, passion, and desire). It can tell the difference between good and
bad, truth and false, self and non self. Buddhi requires purifications and sharpening by Chitta,
the deeper level of the intellect.
3. Chitta: Chitta is the storehouse of impressions that records and preserves all of the individual’s
experiences. It gives rise to memory, imagination, and creativity. Chitta is the mind’s deeper
level and is impacted by Sattva (purity, harmony, and knowledge). Pure cosmic intelligence.
Bridge between conscious and unconscious. Ahamkara, the false level of the mind, must cleanse
and soothe Chitta.
4. Ahamkara: The ego sense that identifies with the body, mind, and personality is known as
Ahamkara. Attachment and detachment are caused by an “I” and “mine” mentality. Yoga which
leads to self-realization, must disintegrate and transcend Ahamkara.
The Kosha System This is mentioned in the Upanishada: Five layers of being.
1. Annamaya Kosha: It is related to physical needs. Anna means ‘food’ or ‘physical matter’ and
maya means ‘made of’. Outmost layer of the existence. It is the physical body.
2. Pranamaya Kosha: it is related to living which is determined by breathing. Getting plenty of
fresh air and sunlight is essential for maintaining the health of the vital force.
3. Manomaya Kosha: It means body made of thought processes. Includes all the desires, and
abilities. It acts as a messenger, bringing experiences and sensations from the outer world
into your intuitive body.
4. Vijnanamaya Kosha: The interaction between self and senses intellect. Aware of the senses,
utilizing that info to fulfill desires. It allows you to develop a deeper awareness and see
reality for what it is.

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 5. Anandamaya Kosha: Related to spiritual fulfillment, it is referred to as a bliss body. This
level of consciousness relates to the essence of your true self or nature, which is
perfection. Ways to reach this will be different for each individual.

Level 3, 4, 5 will contribute more to the development of psychology.

The Trigunas Triguna are 3 qualities of nature. Basic attributes of human personality.
Sattva Guna: It is the balance between activity and inertia. Sattva state is happiness, calm, kindness,
content, caring and self-control.
Rajas Guna: Rajas is the activity state which is overactive. The characteristic is restless, workaholic,
restlessness and ambitious.
Tamas Guna: Tamas is underactive state which is the lowest. It is laziness attribute.
Sattvic Personality Arsa: They are engaged in sacrifices, vow attribute.
Aindra: They are extrovert, outgoing and brave.
Yamya: They are detached personality, work oriented, ready for action.
Varuna: They have conservative attribute, prefer things neat and clean.
Kauvera: They like pleasure and luxurious things.
Gandharva: They are fond of dancing, music and drama.
Rishi: Stable personality with self-control.
Rajas Personality Asura: They are violent, and tough minded.
Raksasa: They are intolerant, overeating, and indulging in sleep.
Paisaca: They have fondness for women and cowardice disposition.
Sarpa: Ability to threaten others, sharp reactions.
Praita: They have excessive desire for food and have greediness.
Sakuni: Group dependent, tense and attachment with passion.

Tamasic Personality Pasava: Traits like animals. They are less intelligent, sleep and indulge in sex excessively.
Matsya: Very unstable personality. They are passionate and have wrathful disposition.
Vanaspati: Lack of self-control - more self - centered person.

The Tridosha Tridosha defines the three fundamental energies or principles which govern the function of our bodies
on the physical and emotional level. Panchamahabhutas are the basic elements in the human body.
Imbalance of these elements can cause different types of illnesses.

Vata Dosha: The vata dosha is said to be made up of the air and other elements. Those with a vata
nature tend to be talkative, enthusiastic, creative, flexible, and energetic.

Pitta Dosha: The pitta dosha is said to be made up of the fire and water elements. Pitta people tend to
be highly focused, competitive, capable, courageous, energetic, and clear communicators who get right
to the point.

Kapha Dosha: The kapha dosha there is a predominance of the water and earth elements.
Stable nature personalities who handle stress well but often not even noticing that it exists.
Purushottama Purushottama is the divine being which is determined by Prakriti. Prakriti is an inherent nature of an
individual determined at the time of your birth which cannot be changed during your lifetime.

Buddhi is a part of Prakriti. Buddhi or the awakened intelligence.

Trigunas will help in being aware about oneself. Triguna represents essential energies of the mind.

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