Arnold H. Buss

This innovative study focuses on seven inherent personality traits humans share with primates; activity, fearfulness, impulsivity, sociability, altruism, aggressiveness, and dominance. The author discusses these traits from the dual perspective of our evolutionary history and our human uniqueness.

Originally published in 1984, this title looks at the development of temperament in early life. At the time of publication there were three major perspectives of temperament: paediatrics, individual differences in infants and inherited personality traits that appear in early life. Whatever the diversity of these perspectives, they converge on personality traits that develop early in life, hence the title of this book. The authors start by looking at the main research in this field, then go on to discuss their own approach to temperament, building on their original theory from 1975.

The fields of social behaviour and personality had for the most part been studied separately, originally published in 1986, this title was one of the first to consider them together. Social behaviours and contexts are analysed and distinctions are suggested. Social behaviours not previously seen as similar are linked. This a great opportunity to rediscover the work of Arnold Buss one of the greats in Social Psychology.

The fields of social behaviour and personality had for the most part been studied separately, originally published in 1986, this title was one of the first to consider them together. Social behaviours and contexts are analysed and distinctions are suggested. Social behaviours not previously seen as similar are linked. This a great opportunity to rediscover the work of Arnold Buss one of the greats in Social Psychology.

Originally published in 1984, this title looks at the development of temperament in early life. At the time of publication there were three major perspectives on temperament: paediatrics, individual differences in infants, and inherited personality traits that appear in early life. Whatever the diversity of these perspectives, they converge on personality traits that develop early in life, hence the title of this book. The authors start by looking at the main research in this field, then go on to discuss their own approach to temperament, building on their original theory from 1975.

In Pathways to Individuality, Arnold H. Buss examines the personality traits we share with other animals and the traits that set us apart and make us distinctly human. Buss explains that within those general traits there is much variability, and those traits become distinct during the crucial periods of human development. This is what makes us individuals. Compared with other species, humans enjoy an extended period of childhood, during which personality traits become ingrained and differentiated: Our early interactions with our social environment influence and sharpen the behavioral pathways that distinguish our individuality. In turn, we seek to manipulate those environments we are drawn to and that help shape our individuality. Drawing from over a half-century of teaching and writing on personality, Buss masterfully summarizes key theories and recent advances in the study of temperament, the self, and abnormal behavior and style, which are critical dimensions in understanding personality and individual differences.

This innovative study focuses on seven inherent personality traits humans share with primates; activity, fearfulness, impulsivity, sociability, altruism, aggressiveness, and dominance. The author discusses these traits from the dual perspective of our evolutionary history and our human uniqueness.