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1. The scientific approach to the study of personality is based on various theories, methods and
other resources. Discuss the “cognitive and social cognitive theories” as well as the
“occupation-oriented personality theories” of theoretical approaches to individual differences
and personality.
The scientific study of personality seeks to understand the unique patterns of thoughts, feelings, and
behaviours that shape individuals. Different theoretical frameworks have been developed to explain
these variations, ranging from cognitive and social cognitive theories to occupation-oriented
approaches. Each perspective offers valuable insights into the ways personality develops, manifests,
and influences individual differences.
Cognitive Theories of Personality
Cognitive theories emphasise the role of internal mental processes in shaping personality. They
argue that individuals actively interpret, evaluate, and respond to their environments through
cognitive structures and processes. George Kelly’s Personal Construct Theory is central here,
proposing that people use personal constructs—mental frameworks or templates—to interpret and
predict events (Kelly, 1955/1991). Personality is therefore viewed as the unique system of constructs
individuals develop to make sense of their experiences. These theories underline that personality
differences emerge from the ways individuals perceive and organise information, rather than from
innate drives or unconscious forces. This approach shifts the focus from behaviour as a product of
external stimuli to behaviour as a reflection of subjective meaning-making processes.
Social Cognitive Theories of Personality
Building on cognitive perspectives, social cognitive theories emphasise the interaction between
cognitive processes and the social environment. Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory is
especially influential, introducing the concept of reciprocal determinism, where behaviour, cognition,
and environment influence one another in a dynamic interplay (Bandura, 1986).
Key mechanisms in this framework include observational learning and self-efficacy. Observational
learning highlights that individuals can acquire behaviours and attitudes by watching others, without
direct experience. Self-efficacy refers to beliefs in one’s capabilities to achieve desired outcomes,
shaping motivation and resilience (Bandura, 1997). This approach highlights that personality is
neither fixed nor solely internally determined but is shaped by the interaction of thought processes,
environmental influences, and personal agency.
Occupation-Oriented Personality Theories
Occupation-oriented theories explore personality in relation to career development and vocational
choices. One of the most well-known frameworks is John Holland’s Theory of Vocational
Personalities and Work Environments, which categorises individuals and work environments into six
types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional (Holland, 1997).
Personality-job congruence is seen as central to job satisfaction, stability, and performance.
Similarly, the Theory of Work Adjustment (TWA) by Dawis and Lofquist (1984) posits that
personality traits interact with work environments to produce satisfaction and adjustment. When
personal abilities align with job requirements, and workplace reinforcements meet individual needs,
greater work satisfaction is achieved. These theories demonstrate the practical implications of
personality research in career counselling, organisational behaviour, and human resource
management.
1. The scientific approach to the study of personality is based on various theories, methods and
other resources. Discuss the “cognitive and social cognitive theories” as well as the
“occupation-oriented personality theories” of theoretical approaches to individual differences
and personality.
The scientific study of personality seeks to understand the unique patterns of thoughts, feelings, and
behaviours that shape individuals. Different theoretical frameworks have been developed to explain
these variations, ranging from cognitive and social cognitive theories to occupation-oriented
approaches. Each perspective offers valuable insights into the ways personality develops, manifests,
and influences individual differences.
Cognitive Theories of Personality
Cognitive theories emphasise the role of internal mental processes in shaping personality. They
argue that individuals actively interpret, evaluate, and respond to their environments through
cognitive structures and processes. George Kelly’s Personal Construct Theory is central here,
proposing that people use personal constructs—mental frameworks or templates—to interpret and
predict events (Kelly, 1955/1991). Personality is therefore viewed as the unique system of constructs
individuals develop to make sense of their experiences. These theories underline that personality
differences emerge from the ways individuals perceive and organise information, rather than from
innate drives or unconscious forces. This approach shifts the focus from behaviour as a product of
external stimuli to behaviour as a reflection of subjective meaning-making processes.
Social Cognitive Theories of Personality
Building on cognitive perspectives, social cognitive theories emphasise the interaction between
cognitive processes and the social environment. Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory is
especially influential, introducing the concept of reciprocal determinism, where behaviour, cognition,
and environment influence one another in a dynamic interplay (Bandura, 1986).
Key mechanisms in this framework include observational learning and self-efficacy. Observational
learning highlights that individuals can acquire behaviours and attitudes by watching others, without
direct experience. Self-efficacy refers to beliefs in one’s capabilities to achieve desired outcomes,
shaping motivation and resilience (Bandura, 1997). This approach highlights that personality is
neither fixed nor solely internally determined but is shaped by the interaction of thought processes,
environmental influences, and personal agency.
Occupation-Oriented Personality Theories
Occupation-oriented theories explore personality in relation to career development and vocational
choices. One of the most well-known frameworks is John Holland’s Theory of Vocational
Personalities and Work Environments, which categorises individuals and work environments into six
types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional (Holland, 1997).
Personality-job congruence is seen as central to job satisfaction, stability, and performance.
Similarly, the Theory of Work Adjustment (TWA) by Dawis and Lofquist (1984) posits that
personality traits interact with work environments to produce satisfaction and adjustment. When
personal abilities align with job requirements, and workplace reinforcements meet individual needs,
greater work satisfaction is achieved. These theories demonstrate the practical implications of
personality research in career counselling, organisational behaviour, and human resource
management.
