The Optimal Personality

An Empirical and Theoretical Analysis

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Applied Psychology
Cover of the book The Optimal Personality by Richard W. Coan, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Richard W. Coan ISBN: 9780429656675
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: March 4, 2019
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Richard W. Coan
ISBN: 9780429656675
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: March 4, 2019
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The terms mental health, maturity, personality integration, self-actualization have been used by psychologists to represent the realm of the ideal or optimal personality. Originally published in 1974, Professor Richard Coan here describes a method of analysing this domain, and examines the important theoretical implications of his findings. He developed instruments to measure various characteristics, including personal consistency, the experience of control and openness to experience, which are associated with current concepts of sound psychological functioning. A battery containing these instruments was administered to several hundred subjects and analysed. The results, reported here, are enlightening. It was found, for example, that the different characteristics viewed by psychologists as traits of the ideal person do not constitute a unitary pattern. There is no evidence of a general dimension of personality integration or mental health. A number of independent components or factors of sound functioning were isolated. Some desirable traits were discovered to be inversely related to each other, many of these relationships appearing to involve a choice between an open or spontaneous orientation and a more ordered and controlled orientation. The author’s view, fully supported by his findings, is that if people are to achieve maximal realization of their potentials, a clear requisite is the flexible utilization of various modes of experiencing and acting.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The terms mental health, maturity, personality integration, self-actualization have been used by psychologists to represent the realm of the ideal or optimal personality. Originally published in 1974, Professor Richard Coan here describes a method of analysing this domain, and examines the important theoretical implications of his findings. He developed instruments to measure various characteristics, including personal consistency, the experience of control and openness to experience, which are associated with current concepts of sound psychological functioning. A battery containing these instruments was administered to several hundred subjects and analysed. The results, reported here, are enlightening. It was found, for example, that the different characteristics viewed by psychologists as traits of the ideal person do not constitute a unitary pattern. There is no evidence of a general dimension of personality integration or mental health. A number of independent components or factors of sound functioning were isolated. Some desirable traits were discovered to be inversely related to each other, many of these relationships appearing to involve a choice between an open or spontaneous orientation and a more ordered and controlled orientation. The author’s view, fully supported by his findings, is that if people are to achieve maximal realization of their potentials, a clear requisite is the flexible utilization of various modes of experiencing and acting.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Play Better Games by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book Solution-Focused Substance Abuse Treatment by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book World Cinemas, Transnational Perspectives by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with Families by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book Re-engaging Young People in Education by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book Art Therapy with Military Populations by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book The Common Core Grammar Toolkit by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book Green Cultural Criminology by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book Technology-Assisted Delivery of School Based Mental Health Services by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book Encouraging Learning by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book Charles Dickens and China, 1895-1915 by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book A Bibliography of Articles on Armenian Studies in Western Journals, 1869-1995 by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book Professions and Professional Service Firms by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book Feminist Perspectives on Law and Theory by Richard W. Coan
Cover of the book Literacy in the New Media Age by Richard W. Coan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy