Personality psychology is the study of personality types, whether certain traits are fixed or fluid, and how they contribute to mental disorders as well as life choices like career and relationships. Individuals studying personality psychology attempt to answer such questions as what makes a person unique and different from others, as well as what personality traits are common across different people. Psychologists might then study why these certain traits are common. Studying personality also helps mental health professionals to understand certain thoughts and behaviors that a person might exhibit, which might be instrumental in treating certain mental disorders.
The study of personality psychology is continuously evolving based on new research and developments in the field. Psychologists are often especially interested in studying whether or not a person is born with a certain personality, or can change it over his or her lifetime. This information is related to studies of genetics as well, as psychologists attempt to determine whether personality traits are genetically determined or are based more on life experience, or are a combination of both. Studying an individual's personality can help a psychologist determine unique traits, such as extroversion, optimism, or high self-esteem, that may influence his or her behaviors in certain situations.
Determining these certain behaviors through personality psychology tests can sometimes indicate where a person might be successful in a certain career. For instance, a person who is more sensitive and introverted might prefer work behind the scenes in a certain field, whereas a more outgoing, extroverted might do well in a more public career such as sales. Though these personality tests are not always 100 percent correct, some people find that they can provide helpful ideas or guidelines for future career ideas. They are often given in schools or at career development seminars, and may even be found for free online.
A psychologist focused on personality psychology might also study certain personality types. A type-A personality, for example, tends to be a more driven, stressed personality, whereas type-B personalities tend to be more laid back. These types can give clues about how a person might react in a certain situation, relationship, or again, the type of job that he or she is most suited for. Some psychologists focus more on overall personality types rather than individual traits for the purposes of studying thought patterns and behavior. Either type of study can offer answers and help for people suffering from certain mental disorders.
