Personality has always been a fascinating unit for students. Teens are intensely curious about who they are and what boxes they fit into and personality psychology seems to offer the ever elusive answers to those big questions of identity.
It's also the unit where textbooks and teachers tend to dive the deepest into the seemingly taboo topics explored by Freud. It ends up being an intriguing peak into the controversial history of psychology coupled with modern approaches to understanding ourselves through more scientific methods. A juxtaposition that keeps it interesting, but also keeps us teachers on our toes, trying to have both a broad and deep understanding so we can expertly guide our students through.
Here's a few good reads to prepare you to teach this behemoth of a unit:
What's Your Type?: The Strange History of Myers Briggs and the Birth of Personality Testing* by Merve Emre
In this book, Emre gives a fascinating history of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and other personality tests, exploring their impact on society and culture. She delves into the lives of the mother and daughter team who created the MBTI and chronicles their development of the test. She also explores the criticisms and controversies surrounding the MBTI and other personality tests, including questions about their validity and reliability. Throughout, Emre keeps returning to the tension between the desire to understand and classify human personality, and the complexity and diversity of human experience, which I can absolutely relate to!
"To many people, the test offers a tantalizing glimpse into their inner selves, a way of unlocking hidden potentials and understanding the mysteries of their own minds."
She examines the cultural and historical context in which personality testing emerged, and the ways that it's been used and misused in areas including education, employment, and healthcare. Overall, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the history and impact of personality testing. It encourages us to consider the broader social and cultural implications of attempting to categorize and quantify human personality.
*This book was also published under the title The Personality Brokers: The Strange History of Myers-Briggs and the Birth of Personality Testing, so pick up which ever one is available. Same book, different titles. This second title is the one you'll find on Audible, and if you're a listener, this one's great for that!
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
As a (most of the time) introvert, this is a great read! But I also very much support extroverts diving into this one as well. It explores the power of introverts and challenges the cultural bias towards extroversion. Cain starts by discussing the extroverted ideal that has become so ingrained in Western culture, where outgoing and sociable personalities are often associated with success, leadership, and happiness.
"Personality can be seen as a complex interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental influences, with neither one fully determining the outcome."
She argues that this cultural bias has led to undervaluing and underutilizing the strengths of introverts, who are often overlooked or forced to conform to an extroverted ideal in schools, work environments, and social settings. Cain provides numerous examples of successful introverts and highlights the unique strengths and qualities of we have, such as creativity, critical thinking skills, and empathy. She also discusses biological and psychological differences between the two types and offers practical advice for introverts and extroverts alike on navigating differences and working together more effectively. This book challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about personality and success, and to embrace the strengths and qualities of both introverts and extroverts.
Personal Intelligence: The Power of Personality and How it Shapes our Lives by John D. Mayer
Mayer explores the concept of personal intelligence and argues it's just as important as other types of intelligence, like cognitive and emotional intelligence, and it can have a profound impact on our lives.
"By developing our personal intelligence, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, and make better decisions about our lives and relationships. It is a crucial skill for success in both personal and professional realms, and one that can be cultivated and enhanced over time."
Mayer explores the various aspects of personality that can be measured and assessed, including traits, motives, values, and goals. He also discusses how personal intelligence can be applied in various settings, such as at work, in school, and in our relationships. Overall, Mayer offers a compelling argument for the importance of understanding and developing our personal intelligence, and provides practical advice for doing so. This book is a great way to take your teaching of personality a step further and explore ways that students can improve their own personal intelligence with the knowledge they gain in a psychology class.
The Cult of Personality Testing by Annie Murphy Paul
Paul explores the history and use of personality tests, arguing that they have become over-relied upon and even "cult-like" in some contexts. She examines the flaws and limitations of personality tests, including their potential for bias and the challenges of measuring complex constructs like personality.
"In today's world, personality tests are ubiquitous, appearing not only in the workplace but also in schools, churches, and even dating services...these tests purport to reveal the innermost workings of our minds and offer insights into our deepest selves."
She contends that personality tests have become pervasive in a variety of settings, including work, school, and even the military, despite questions about their validity and reliability. She also discusses the potential harm that can be caused by over-reliance on these tests, such as stereotyping and discrimination. Paul also discusses alternative approaches to understanding personality, such as narrative and experiential methods. Overall, this book offers a critical perspective on the use of personality tests in contemporary society, and raises important questions about their impact on individuals and institutions.
Have you read any of these, or any other books about personality?
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