Trait-and-Factor Theories

In chapter 2 of Brown (2012), she cites Holland, (1997, p 19) who postulates six “pure” personality types, which he states, rarely occur in “pure” form implying that the majority of individuals are a mix or combination of at least 2 or more. While reading this part of the chapter, I thought it might be interesting to discuss in my blog post for this week, the traits that I most identify with and my reasoning behind why I believe so and give some examples.  I’ll start off by defining each of the types I most identify with, which are:

Investigative: “individuals who deal with the environment by using intellect—manipulating ideas, words, and symbols. They prefer scientific vocations, theoretical tasks, reading, collecting, algebra, foreign languages, and such creative activities as art, music, and sculpture.”  The definition provided by Holland (1997) goes on to say something I believe contradicts me as a person and also the profession that I chose as a clinician. It mentions how individuals who identify as investigative “avoid social situations and see themselves as unsociable, masculine, persistent, scholarly, and introverted. They achieve primarily in academic and scientific areas and usually do poorly as leaders.”  I do not agree at all with this later part of the definition. I am definitely sociable, and generally enjoy the company of people. I have never thought of myself as introverted. I always seek others out and am very outgoing. This is perhaps why most people are hybrids of these different traits.  I agree with all of the first part of the definition though, psychology is a scientific profession and it is why I do partially identify with this trait.

Artistic:  “individuals that deal with the environment by creating art forms and products. They rely on subjective impressions and fantasies in seeking solutions to problems. They prefer musical, artistic, literary, and dramatic vocations and activities that are creative in nature.” The definition goes on to say something that I again do not agree with. It mentions how individuals who identify as artistic dislike masculine activities and roles, such as auto repair and athletics. They see themselves as unsociable, feminine, submissive, introspective, sensitive, impulsive, and flexible.  While I do agree with the beginning part of this definition and the part that states artistic individuals see themselves as “sensitive and flexible” the real reason, that I identify with this trait is that often I feel that am very creative in trying to solve a problem. I’ve always had a very creative thought process (or so I’m told). I won some art competitions when I was younger, and danced for 18 years , but I feel that I am able to apply some of that creative energy to different things that have come up in my training and schooling. It’s come in handy quite a few times!

Social: People deal with the environment by using skills to interact with and relate to others. They are typified by social skills and the need for social interaction. They prefer educational, therapeutic, and religious vocations and activities, such as church, government, community services, music, reading, and dramatics. They see themselves as sociable, nurturing, cheerful, conservative, responsible, achieving, and self-accepting.  This is the trait that I identify with 100%.  Everything was right on, and it even mentions therapeutic in the definition!  I think collectively, these three traits help me to be a well-balanced individual with many different strengths and positive assets in the areas of social, creative thinking, and investigating; which in my opinion is everything you need to be a therapist! J

Resources:

Brown, D., & Brown, D. (2012). Career information, career counseling, and career development. Boston: Pearson.

Holland, J.L. (1997). Making vocational choices (3rd ed.).Englewood Cliffs, NJ:Prentice-Hall.