Human Variation: Personality Differences Across Humans
From the time we are born, we learn how to interact with other people and the world around us. We often approach these interactions in different ways based on our upbringing, culture, and unique personality. Exploring the human personality can help you understand why people might approach and handle situations differently.
What is personality?
The term personality is used to describe the way that an individual interacts with the world at large. There are different theories of personality development and characteristics people might have. Personality is generally understood to be fairly fixed in a person at a young age and represents what makes us "who we are," not what we do.
Human variation in personality
The following description of personality differences is based heavily on the research of Carl Jung and expanded by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers. They posit that there are four main categories of preference that make up a faceted personality "type." According to their theory, there are two qualities on opposite sides of a continuum for each of those four preferences, and each person fits somewhere on that continuum. A combination of those preferences makes up a person's main personality "type." One can take the test that Myers and Briggs developed, called the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which is still used widely in different settings, such as the workplace.
Perception versus judgment
Introversion versus extroversion
Another personality preference is introversion versus extroversion. According to the test, people who are more introverted tend to gather higher amounts of information and energy from their internal worlds, paying more attention to their own thoughts and emotions than people who are more extroverted do. Extroverted people tend to pay greater attention to what is going on outside themselves, like with other people and events, and they tend to be more energized from being involved with others.
Sensing versus intuitive processing
A third personality category in this model has to do with how someone processes information. The preference defines whether one tends to be more sensing or more intuitive. A person who is more intuitive may prefer to process information that is more "big picture" based. They tend to be less detail-oriented and more creative than people high in sensing.
Thinking and feeling in decision-making
The fourth and final main facet of personality according to Myers Briggs is the difference between thinking and feeling. This involves one's preference for making decisions. According to this model, thinkers prefer to take an analytical approach to problem-solving or planning, and feelers prefer to make decisions based on their values or underlying beliefs. Both approaches can lead to effective decision-making.
Not one of these eight facets is necessarily better or worse than another. They all come with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The goal is not to evaluate someone's personality based on these factors but to understand them more in-depth.
Human needs, genetic variation, and personality
Human beings have certain categories of needs to be fulfilled, such as the need for safety, development, belonging, and acceptance. Sometimes people may feel torn between the struggle to survive and the desire for fulfillment and meaning. Our unique personality traits can sometimes lead us to approach these needs in different ways than others might. Aside from our personality, the cultural and societal systems in which someone is raised can also have a great influence on how they try to meet these needs and how they react to life events.
What shapes personality? The role of genetic variation
While our personality can influence how we approach our needs, what actually shapes our personality? Research is still ongoing into the exact factors that influence personality, but there is evidence that some personality traits are “moderately heritable,” highlighting the role that genetics can play in shaping personality. In addition, researchers have estimated that between 20% and 60% of temperament is determined by genetics.
The value of human variation in personality
When it comes to personality, it may be helpful to remember that there is no "best" personality type. However, learning about the different types of personalities may provide insight into yourself and others. Additionally, uncovering and understanding our potential weaknesses might help us to identify areas where we can challenge ourselves to grow as people.
Appreciating differences across the human race
By working to understand and appreciate differences between how you and others approach life, you may find a powerful catalyst for personal development. When we make an effort to understand someone else, we engage in perspective-taking. When we seek to understand something from a perspective other than our own, our mindset may become more open, and we might find greater capability for appreciating and respecting ourselves and others.
Online therapy with BetterHelp
Sometimes, you may need others to give you a new perspective on your struggles or push you outside your own comfort zone so that you can grow. For some people, this confidence can come in the form of a trusted friend, a family, or a teacher, but it can also be helpful to consult a trained professional.
Understanding yourself through online therapy
BetterHelp is a resource aimed at matching people with licensed mental health professionals trained in the various theories of personality types. If you would like to better understand yourself and the ways that you tend to interact with others, you might consider online therapy. Online counseling platforms have thousands of licensed professionals ready to offer support. No matter what your personality type is, you can find someone to support you in the ways you need.
How effective is online therapy?
Online therapy can be an effective resource for managing a variety of mental health concerns. Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for disorders like anxiety and depression. In fact, in-person therapy often requires 7.8 times as much time with a therapist than online-based interventions for the same results. These results show how powerful online therapy can be for addressing problems with greater speed and effectiveness.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
What are some sayings about seeing things differently?
Sayings about seeing things differently can give you motivation and help you gain perspective. We all go through things differently, and it is often helpful to remember that one point of view is rarely enough to capture every facet of a situation.
Here are some sayings about seeing things differently that may help you:
“When you feel that others are lacking and failing, first assess the skill, style, quality, results, mindset, support, professionalism, and spirit with which you yourself play the game.”
-Rasheed Ogunlaru
“Sometimes, a problem isn’t really a problem, but the solution in disguise.”
-Richelle E. Goodrich
“By looking at only one place, you miss everything in all the other places! Look everywhere to see everything!”
-Mehmet Murat Ildan
What is a good quote for uniqueness?
A person’s uniqueness is what sets them apart from others and makes them special. Every person is unique, but it can sometimes seem like uniqueness isn’t a good thing. The inspirational quotes about uniqueness below might help you remember that you are a special, one-of-a-kind person who deserves to embrace yourself.
“You are a human being are allowed to be imperfect, and you are allowed to be flawed. There is beauty in your imperfections, in your uniqueness.”
-Ileana D’Cruz
“I believe that every person has uniqueness, something nobody else has.”
-Michael Schenker
“Our uniqueness, our individuality, and our life experience mold us into fascinating beings. I pray we may all challenge ourselves to delve into the deepest resources of our hearts to cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance, tolerance, and compassion. We are all in this life together.”
-Linda Thompson
What is a quote about the differences across the human race?
Celebrating the differences in people is an important part of acceptance and compassion. Here are some brief words about the differences in people:
“The only way we will love our neighbor as ourselves is by getting to know our neighbors, even in the midst of our differences.”
-Eric Overby
“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.”
-Jane Goodall
“We cannot safely assume that other people’s minds work on the same principles as our own. All too often, others with whom we come in contact do not reason as we reason, or do not value the things we value, or are not interested in what interests us.”
-Isabel Briggs Meyers
What is the best quote for changing your life?
Making changes in your life can be challenging but is often very rewarding. Here are some quotes about making changes in your life that you might find insightful:
“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”
-Winston Churchill
“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”
-John D. Rockefeller
“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.”
-Oprah Winfrey
What are the sayings about doing the same thing over and over?
The most common saying about doing the same thing over and over is likely: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” The quote is often misattributed to Albert Einstein but was actually first written by novelist Rita Mae Brown.
The quote is often used to describe the futility of repeating patterns that have failed in the past. It can be tempting to stick to the familiar in life, but growth requires change and stepping outside of your comfort zone. If you keep doing the same things in life, and they keep making you unhappy, it might be time to try something new.
What is a common saying about change?
Here are a few common sayings about change that might make a hard start to your day a little easier:
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
-Barack Obama
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
-Mother Teresa
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
-Maya Angelou
What does the quote “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change” mean?
The quote “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change” refers to the power of new perspectives. Our attitudes often keep us from seeing every angle of a situation and taking a new perspective can change how the situation appears. It is not possible to change everything we want in life, but we can always introduce hope and positivity. Adopting a positive attitude is part of choosing to be happy, and that often means being willing to shift your perspective when necessary.
Why is uniqueness important for Homo sapiens?
Sociologists developed the theory of uniqueness to explain why people feel a strong desire to differentiate themselves from others. The theory asserts that most people try to find a balance between similarity and uniqueness; they want to fit in with a group but don’t want to conform so much they lose their own identity.
The drive to be unique as humans
Social science researchers believe that the drive to be unique is innate in most people and is an important part of maintaining a sense of calm and well-being. Evidence suggests that a drive for uniqueness helps people maintain individuality and resist persuasion. It is likely that being unique enough to feel yourself but conforming enough to fit in with the group is an important part of socialization. It also means that you can feel confident embracing your uniqueness; people who let their individuality shine tend to feel better about themselves than those who do not.
How do we embrace our uniqueness as humans?
Embracing your uniqueness may seem daunting, but it is likely to be beneficial. The journey often begins by accepting who you are. You can’t embrace your uniqueness without knowing and accepting your identity, and if you struggle with some aspects of who you are, it may be worth investigating why that is. Sometimes people’s images of themselves become distorted when they are a child, and sometimes later in life.
Once you have an understanding of what makes you unique, it’s time to stop compromising on who you are. If the people around you don’t like your true self, find people who do. Search for your crowd and those with similar interests, it’s likely you’ll find people who accept you as you are. Embrace your talents and skills and accept them with your people; you have value to offer the universe in your uniqueness.
It is also likely worthwhile to consider your beliefs and values. Know what your core values are, and don’t compromise them for the benefit of others. At the same time, listen to feedback from others, and use it to update your perspective. It’s okay to change as long as you are changing in a way that resonates with you.
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