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.

Personality Theory is a lively and accessible introduction to the major theoretical perspectives that inform contemporary research on personality. Tracing the work of individual theorists within the context of the eight overarching paradigms used to explain the origins and organization of human behavior, author Douglas Crowne provides an even-handed overview of each theorist's contributions to the field. Students are encouraged to think critically by assessing the theorists' strengths and weaknesses, while pointing to what remains valuable and groundbreaking in their work. This second edition has been thoroughly updated and boasts new pedagogy, a new chapter on personality disorders, and new part divisions reflecting the basic paradigms. Engaging with a lucid narrative, Personality Theory is an exceptionally fascinating and readable text.

This volume brings under one cover the principal theories of personality disorder, including cognitive, psychoanalytic, interpersonal, evolutionary, and neurobiological models. Chapters are written by such preeminent authorities as Aaron T. Beck, Otto F. Kernberg, Lorna Smith Benjamin, Theodore Millon, and Richard Depue. Providing valuable insight into the growing body of data on the personality disorders, the volume also lays a strong foundation for the next wave of empirical research.

[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 authoritative work comprehensively reviews what is known about personality disorders, including vital information to guide clinical decision making. Leading experts synthesize contemporary thinking about the classification, etiologies, and development of these complex disorders. Diagnostic issues are explored, and available assessment instruments are discussed. The Handbook provides in-depth coverage of all commonly used psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments, with particular attention to the empirical evidence for each approach. Also addressed are special treatment modalities, such as day programs and group therapy, and forensic issues"--