Personality Psychology: Domains of Knowledge About Human Nature, 4th Edition

Using a novel organizational framework, one that emphasizes domains of knowledge about human nature, this trusted text presents the field of contemporary personality psychology as a collection of interrelated topics and themes. The emphasis, as always, is on the scientific basis of understanding human nature. The fourth edition continues to answer the needs of instructors by covering topics that do not fit into the framework of theory-based texts. It features updates on cutting edge trends in personality psychology in relation to culture, gender, evolution, genetics, emotion, self, health psychology, and personality disorders, while providing a solid foundation in the more traditional areas of trait psychology, psychoanalysis, and cognitive and social approaches to personality. Presented in a colorful and accessible format, the provides exercises, personality questionnaires, "Closer Look" boxes, current news boxes, and many charts, graphs, and photos to engage students in the material. Content: Introduction to personality psychology -- Personality assessment, measurement, and research design -- Traits and trait taxonomies -- Theoretical and measurement issues in trait psychology -- Personality dispositions over time : stability, coherence, and change -- Genetics and personality -- Physiological approaches to personality -- Evolutionary perspectives on personality -- Psychoanalytic approaches to personality -- Psychoanalytic approaches : contemporary issues -- Motives and personality -- Cognitive topics in personality -- Emotion and personality -- Approaches to the self -- Personality and social interaction -- Sex, gender, and personality -- Culture and personality -- Stress, coping, adjustment, and health -- Disorders of personality. By uniquely organizing coverage into six domains of personality functioning (biological, intrapsychic, dispositional, cognitive/experiential, social and cultural, and the adjustment domain) Personality Psychology interweaves contemporary research with classic and modern theories within the context of each of the domains. By adopting this unique framework, authors Randy Larsen and David Buss encourage students to view the “whole person” as the sum of influences and effects of each of the domains of personality functioning. The newest and most unique option for a personality course, this text brings the subject to life with a vivid, colorful layout - the first personality textbook to incorporate a four-color design Using an organizational framework, one that emphasizes domains of knowledge about human nature, this text presents the field of contemporary personality psychology as a collection of interrelated topics and themes. It emphasises on the scientific basis of understanding human nature. "Randy Larsen and David Buss demonstrate how scientists approach the study of personality."--Back cover