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Chapter 2 Your Growth and Development
area of their lives. Maybe they are too concerned
about what others say and do. By focusing on just
one part of their personality, they may miss the
chance to see other areas that could benefit from
change.
How can you develop or change parts of your
personality? You can start by looking at yourself.
Are there things you can change about the way
you look or act? Are there skills that you would
like to develop? Would these changes help you
think more of yourself? Would they increase your
self-concept and self-esteem?
Think about your temperament—how you
express your personality to other people. Would
you prefer not to be shy in a group of your peers?
Does feeling angry when you are criticized by
someone bother you? Would you like to be a
better listener? If you answer yes, you are ready to
begin the change. Make a plan for improving that
behavior and find a supportive family member or
friend to check your progress.
Personality development continues
throughout your life. Your self-concept, patterns
of interacting, responses to your needs—all these
can change. Knowing how personality is formed
and how to change it will help you develop a
healthier personality.
Review Section 2:2
1. How can personality be defined?
2. Explain how self-concept is affected by physical
traits and personal skills.
3. Give an example of a temperament trait in each
of the four areas of development: physical,
intellectual, social, and emotional.
4. List four human needs that could make a
difference in the way a person responds to the
environment.