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Abstract

The objective of this article is to consider the changes that have taken place in the status of personality since the mid-1940s and to provide an overview of the current status of personality theory and research in the context of its history and challenge, and of likely future developments. During the last several decades the status and salience of personality study relative to other areas of psychological research has undergone a decline, although there have been some important advances during this period. In addition, there are a number of signs suggesting that a revitalization of the area of personality is taking place, and that we can anticipate a resurgence of research addressed to central problems of personality structure, dynamics, and development. The title chosen for this article is intended to convey the idea that I will draw upon the field of personality itself for concepts to describe its status. I do not intend to belabor the metaphor and restrict my analysis to personality terminology. However, I do believe the metaphor will help communicate the status of the field of personality.

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The "Personality" of Personality Theory and Research

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