Search:

Product Information All Elsevier Sites   Advanced Product Search
SiteStat.jsp
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES AND PERSONALITY
Individual Differences and Personality
To order this title, and for more information, click here

By
Michael Ashton, Brock University, Ontario, Canada

Description
How do we come to be who we are? Why do we differ in our personalities? How do these differences matter in life? This textbook on Individual Differences and Personality aims to describe how and why personality varies between one person and the next. Unlike books that focus on individual theorists, this book focuses on current research and theory on the nature of personality and related individual differences. The book begins by discussing how personality is measured, the concept of a personality trait, and the basic dimensions of personality. This leads to a discussion of the origins of personality, with descriptions of its developmental course, its biological causes, its genetic and environmental influences, and its evolutionary function. The concept of a personality disorder is then described, followed by a discussion of the influence of personality on life outcomes in relationships, work, and health. Finally, the book examines in detail the important differences between individuals in the realms of mental abilities, of beliefs and attitudes, and of sexuality. Intended for courses in personality and individual differences, this book may also serve as a useful overview of personality research for academics in related fields. Singly authored for consistency of breadth, depth, and presentation, Individual Differences and Personality will engage students with its interesting boxed asides. Sample boxes describe a wide variety of topics, including such issues as cross-generational differences, personality in animals, personality and occupational choice, the role of the womb environment, and many others. In addition to covering the Big Five and HEXACO models of personality structure, the book also includes topics often left out of other personality books, including individual differences in mental abilities, religion, politics, and sexuality. There is also deep coverage of the biological bases of personality, including discussions of neurotransmitters, brain structures, and hormones. The explanation of genetic and environmental influences is made clear and straightforward, and the discussion of evolutionary function is unique among personality texts. Table of Contents: Introduction; Basic Concepts in Psychological Measurement; Personality Traits and the Inventories That Measure Them; Personality Structure: Classifying Traits; Developmental Change and Stability of Personality; Biological Bases of Personality; Genetic and Environmental Influences on Personality; The Evolutionary Function of Personality; Personality Disorders; Personality and Life Outcomes; Mental Ability; Religion and Politics; Sexuality; Conclusion.

Audience
Undergraduate and graduate level courses in personality.

Contents
Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: Basic Concepts in Psychological Measurement Chapter 2: Personality Traits and the Inventories That Measure Them Chapter 3: Personality Structure: Classifying Traits Chapter 4: Developmental Change and Stability of Personality Traits Chapter 5: Biological Bases of Personality Chapter 6: Genetic and Environmental Influences on Personality Chapter 7: The Evolution of Personality Variation Chapter 8: Personality Disorders Chapter 9: Personality and Life Outcomes Chapter 10: Mental Ability Chapter 11: Religion and Politics Chapter 12: Sexuality Conclusion References

Bibliographic details
Hardbound, 368 pages, publication date: JUL-2007
ISBN-13: 978-0-12-374129-5
ISBN-10: 0-12-374129-7
Imprint: ACADEMIC PRESS

Price and Ordering
Price:
USD 69.95
EUR 53.95
GBP 46
order now
Books and book related electronic products are priced in US dollars (USD), euro (EUR), and Great Britain Pounds (GBP). USD prices apply to the Americas and Asia Pacific. EUR prices apply in Europe and the Middle East. GBP prices apply to the UK and all other countries.
See also information about conditions of sale & ordering procedures, and links to our regional sales offices.

095/953
Last update: 5 Sep 2009
Book contents
Table of contents
Reviews
View other people's reviews
Submit your review
Bookmark this page
Recommend this publication
Overview of all books
Printer-friendly version   Printer-friendly version