Intended as an introduction to the challenging field of personality theory, this work's major goals are:
* to stimulate enthusiasm for this important and provocative area
* to provide a solid foundation for further study
* to promote interest in the primary sources on which this secondary one is based.
A prologue introduces each of the five major sections of the text, and comparisons are made among the various theories where appropriate. Other special features include; integration of numerous first?hand quotations into the text, capsule summaries of important concepts throughout to help students learn the many definitions presented in each chapter, and introductions to such theoretical applications as dream interpretation, psychopathology, psychotherapy, work, religion, education, and literature.
New to the fourth edition are individual chapter study questions designed to stimulate thought, discussion, and debate; and appendices offering case histories plus practical and personal examples to illustrate and clarify the study questions.