DEFINITION

The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character. The free dictionary

Relatively stable, consistent, and distinctive set of mental and emotional characteristics a person exhibits when alone, or when interacting with people and his or her external environment. Business dictionary.com

Components of personality
Consistency - There is generally a recognizable order and regularity to behaviors. Essentially, people act in the same ways or similar ways in a variety of situations. Psychological and physiological - Personality is a psychological construct, but research suggests that it is also influenced by biological processes and needs. It impacts behaviors and actions - Personality does not just influence how we move and respond in our environment; it also causes us to act in certain ways. Multiple expressions - Personality is displayed in more than just behavior. It can also be seen in our thoughts, feelings, close relationships and other social interactions.

THEORIES
Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory and Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory are two well-known theories of development. While he was influenced by Freud's ideas, Erikson's theory differed in a number of important ways. Unlike Freuds theory of psychosexual stages, Eriksons theory describes the impact of social experience across the whole lifespan.

Freuds Theory
Birth to 1 year Oral stage A child's primary source of pleasure is through the mouth, via sucking, eating and tasting 1-3 years Anal stage Children gain a sense of mastery and competence by controlling bladder and bowel movements.

3-6 years The Phallic stage The libido's energy is focused on the genitals. Children begin to identify with their same-sex parent.

7-11 years
Latent period The libido's energy is suppressed and children are focused on other activities such as school, friends and hobbies.

Adolescence
Genital stage Children begin to explore romantic relationships.

Adulthood According to Freud, the genital stage lasts throughout adulthood. He believed the goal is to develop a balance between all areas of life.

Eriksons theory
Birth to 1 year Trust vs mistrust Children learn to either trust or mistrust their caregivers.

1-3 years
Autonomy vs doubt Children develop self-sufficiency by controlling activities such as eating, toilet training and talking.

3-6 years

Initiative vs Guilt Children begin to take more control over their environment.
7-11 years Industry vs Inferiority Children develop a sense of competence by mastering new skills.

Adolescence
Identity vs Role confusion Children develop a personal identify and sense of self.

Adulthood

Intimacy vs Isolation Young adults seek out romantic love and companionship.
Generativity vs Stagnation Middle-aged adults nurture others and contribute to society. Integrity vs Despair Older adults reflect on their lives, looking back with a sense of fulfilment or bitterness.

THATS ALL FROM BON THE ADVENTURE BOY

and LEX LUTHER!!!

REFERENCES
http://psychology.about.com/od/overviewofpersonality/a/persondef.htm