Date of this Version

1-1-2008

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Details

Submitted Version.

Boyle, G. J., Matthews, G., & Saklofske, D. H. (2008). Personality theories and models: An overview. In G. J. Boyle, G. Matthews & D. H. Saklofske (Eds.), The Sage handbook of personality theory and assessment: Vol. 1 personality theories and models (pp. 1-29). Los Angeles, United States: Sage Publications. ISBN: 9781412946513

Access the publisher's website.

2008 HERDC submission.

Chapter 1 Introduction and editorial arrangement © Copyright Gregory J. Boyle, Gerald Matthews and Donald H. Saklofske, 2008.

Abstract

Extract:

The thesis of these volumes is that the study of personality traits has advanced towards 'normal science' in the sense of a Kuhnian paradigm (cf. Eysenck, 1981; Kuhn, 1962). That is, most researchers in this area share a set of common core beliefs supported by empirical evidence. These include the relative stability of traits over time, a significant genetic and biological influence on personality, and relevance of traits to many areas of everyday life.