The first perspective is the cognitive one, which can impact personality. It claims that one’s cognitive process determines the development of key personality traits. This process can involve judging and thinking as core drivers of the changes. In other words, it is the cognition of a person, which directs the course of personality development. For example, an individual with high levels of attention can be more focused and concentrated, which affects his or her development. A person with exceptional reasoning and memory can exhibit certain favorable personality traits.
The second perspective is sociocultural, which is about the environment. It claims that one’s culture and social surroundings determine the personality. If a person is surrounded by people with specific personalities, he or she might adopt these features. In other words, it is the social environment, which directs a person’s development of personality. For example, a child born in a conservative, traditional, and religious family is more likely to become as such. Therefore, social factors include socioeconomic status, religious orientation, gender, ethnicity, race, and other elements.
The third perspective is neuropsychology and behavior genetics, which focuses on the genes. It claims that personality is primarily the result of genetic factors. In other words, parental genes play a critical role in the process of personality development. For example, a person might be more vulnerable to depression if his or her parents carry such a gene. The perspective is the opposite of the sociocultural one since it emphasizes the nature part over the nurture one. The extreme examples include mental illnesses, which are carried by genes, such as autism.
The sociocultural perspective is the most accurate because it has more applicability and feasibility than the other two. Although some factors might be genetic and cognitive, social surrounding is the most impactful (Abbott, 2021). Genes and cognition alter the development, but the context and information for development come from external factors (Abbott, 2021).
Reference
Abbott, T. (2021). Social and personality development. Routledge.