Personality theories are frameworks devised by professionals to interpret the interaction of dynamic forces operating in every person's life. This text explains in basic terms the following major theories: Psychoanalytic Theory, Analytic Theory, Individual Psychology, Interpersonal Theories, Psychosocial Theories, Learning Theory, Trait and Factor Theory, Field Theory, Phenomenology and Existentialism, Self-Theory, Holistic Theory, Logo-therapy, and Systemic Eclecticism. It is organized as a study guide to help the reader gain basic insights into various interpretations of the role that personality dynamics assume in human behavior. The author makes a conscious effort to keep the language clear and simple, avoiding unneeded technical terms. However, full recognition is given to the distinctive terminology developed by certain theorists. To lend a degree of concreteness to abstract ideas, explanatory drawings have been included wherever appropriate. This book will prove useful to students in counselor education and other applied psychology programs, particularly when reviewing personality theories for comprehensive or qualifying examinations. It is also a useful resource to practitioners preparing for certification or licensure tests. Additionally, the book may be of interest to persons of many walks of life who want to better understand the many and diverse interpretations of human behavior and of the dynamic forces within personality.

[The book] is designed both to explain the major personality theories and to stimulate critical thinking about them. [The author] has pursued four main objectives. To present a clear and concise picture of the major features of each important personality theory ... To focus on significant ideas and themes that structure the content of the different personality theories ... To provide criteria to guide the evaluation of each theory ... To present activities, informed by the tenets of each theory, that will provide growth in critical thinking skills. -Pref.

This revision of the Schultz's popular text surveys the field, presenting theory-by-theory coverage of the major theorists who represent the psychoanalytic, neopsychoanalytic, life-span, trait, humanistic, cognitive, behavioral, and social-learning approaches, as well as clinical and experimental work. Where warranted, the authors show how the development of certain theories was influenced by events in a theorist's personal and professional life. This thoroughly revised Seventh Edition now incorporates more examples, tables, and figures to help bring the material to life for students. The new content in this edition reflects the dynamism in the field. The text explores how race, gender, and culture issues figure in the study of personality and in personality assessment. In addition, a final integrative chapter looks at the study of personality theories and suggests conclusions that can be drawn from the many theorists' work.