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Psychology

Analysis of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) in Comparison to Major Theories of Personality
The study of personality has been an important part of the field of psychology for hundreds of years. Over the years, many psychological professionals have proposed theories to help explain personality; what personality is, how personality is developed, and how to measure the various components of personality. A complete understanding of personality theory is necessary for psychological professionals to properly analyze their patients and to aid the professionals in choosing accurate assessment tools that will produce accurate, reliable, and valid results.
Theories of Personality
Over the years multiple theories of personality have been developed. Some of these theories have had a huge impact on the study of personality. These theories have not only defined what personality is, they have helped to define methods used to aid in the assessment of personality. Below is a brief look at three of the most influential theories of personality.
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud, one of the best-known personality theorists, proposed a theory of personality development that consisted of three components: the id, ego, and super ego. Under Freud’s theory the id, which is present at birth, is responsible for fulfilling our basic needs and is the selfish part of our personality. The id works on what is known as the pleasure principle. The ego, which develops when individuals are roughly three years old, helps individuals to realize that others also have needs. The ego works on what is known as the reality principle. Finally under Freud’s theory, when individuals are about five years of age the final part of their personality develops, the super ego (Boeree, 2006).   The super ego is the moral compass of personality and is formed based on the input that we receive from caregivers. The super ego is what helps individuals determine right from wrong. According to...