Personality Theories for the 21st Century

Abstract

Classic personality theories, although intriguing, are outdated. The five-factor model of personality traits reinvigorated personality research, and the resulting findings spurred a new generation of personality theories. These theories assign a central place to traits and acknowledge the crucial role of evolved biology in shaping human psychology; they also address the modifying influences of the social and cultural environment. Teachers can and should teach “personality theories” as a science course, not a history course.