Final answer:
The humanistic approach, particularly the work of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, focuses on personal growth and self-concept as key components in how thoughts, perceptions, and feelings shape our personalities. Erikson's psychosocial theory and trait theory also provide relevant insights into personality development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Personality Formation
The theory that focuses on how our thoughts perceptions and feelings shape our personalities is rooted in the humanistic approach to psychology. This perspective emphasizes individual growth, free will, and the human potential for self-actualization. Two prominent figures in humanistic psychology are Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. Rogers introduced the concept of self-concept, which is central to his theory. According to Rogers, the self-concept is influenced by our feelings about ourselves, which in turn shapes our personality. He proposed that congruence between our ideal self (who we would like to be) and our real self (who we actually are) leads to self-worth and a productive life
Another perspective comes from trait theory, which explains personality through consistent behavioral patterns and the concept of the Five Factor Model. On the other hand, Erikson’s psychosocial development theory suggests that personality is not only shaped in childhood, as Freud's psychodynamic theory posits, but throughout an individual's lifespan. Additionally, Biological approaches acknowledge the genetic influence while also considering environmental factors in shaping personality.