question_answer

Describe the type approach to personality.                                                                             (Delhi Board 2008)

Answer:

Ans.     Type theories assume that people can be classified into a few categories or types on the basis of certain characteristics they possess. These categories do not overlap and represent a class of individuals said to share a common collection of characteristics.

Following are the main type theories:

1.         Theory of Tridoshas: Charak Samhita of Ayurveda or the Indian science of medicine classifies people on the basis of three elements called ‘Dashas’ i.e., vata, pitta and kapha—each of these refer to a type of temperament of the person.

(a) Kapha (Water) Element: It is produced by the joint action of Jala (water) and Prithvi (earth).

(b) Vata (Air) Element: Vata is produced by an interaction of Akasha (ether) and Vayu (air).

(c) Pitta (Fire) Element: Pitta emerges out of an interaction of Vayu and Agni.

2.         Theory of Trigunas: According to Upnishad there are three types of personalities based on virtues (gunas)

(a) Sattva: Sattva Guna includes virtues like truthfulness, detachment, discipline, sharp intelligence, self-control and spirituality.

(b) Rajas: Rajas Guna includes some worldly attributes, like desire for sense gratification, and materialistic mentality etc. They are creative and jealous.

(c) Tamas: Tamas Guna consists of all the vices of the world, mental imbalance, anger, arrogance, lazyness, etc.

3.         Hippocrates, a Greek physician known as ‘father of modern medicine’ classified personality on the basis of humours, fluids, temperament which are as follows:

(a) Sanguine: cheerful, active and optimistic.

(b) Phlegmatic: touchy, sluggish, calm and apathetic.

(c) Melancholic: sad, brooding and morose.

(d) Choleric: irritable, hot-tempered and excitable,

4.         Sheldon has classified personality on the basis of body constitution.

(a) Endomorphic: They are fat, soft and round and are relaxed and sociable, fond of eating and pleasure-loving.

(b) Mesomorphic: They have strong muscular structure, have rectangular and strong body built. They are energetic and courageous, outgoing, assertive and dominating.

(c) Ectomorphic: They are thin, long and fragile in body built. They are brainy, artistic, introvert and are fond of solitude and inward-looking.

5.         Carl Jung grouped all people into:

(a) Introverts: They are socially withdrawn, passive, quiet cautious and reserved.

(b) Extroverts: Socially outgoing, talkative, impulsive and thrill-seeking.

6.         Meyer Friedman and Ray Rosenman (1974) identified psychological variables related to heart disease and suggested that individuals can be grouped into two personality types:

(a) Type-A: Type-A, coronary-prone behaviour pattern, is characterized by high motivation, impatience and hyperactivity. They are always in hurry, overburdened with work, competitive and never satisfied.

(b) Type-B: Type B, neutral behaviour pattern, is characterized by an easy-going, non-competitive and relaxed life-style.

7.         More recently researches by Moris have suggested “Type-C” and “Type-D” personality.

(a) Type-C personalities are cancer-prone and characterized by unassertiveness, suppression of anger and compliance with external authorities just to avoid confrontation.

(b) Type-D personalities are mostly pessimist and prone to develop depression.