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Personality Papers

Table of Contents Papers 2005 2004 2003 1997-1998 Home

This on-line repository provides a publication outlet for 47 theoretical and review papers on the science of personality. Some papers present original theories that take account of existing research and have testable consequences; other papers describe and evaluate an existing personality research program.

Unless agreed upon in advance, all contributors should be students taking a course with the editor. Readers should remember that these are papers by students, not psychologists, and they are not meant to replace sound clinical advice. Submission guidelines are available. Submitted manuscripts are subjected to peer review by undergraduate students; final decisions regarding publication are made by the editor. Accepted manuscripts are circulated for peer commentary, also by students; these commentaries are published with the target paper and author's response. The papers herein should reward reading by anyone interested in theory and research in personality.

Also available, for contributors, is advice on Writing Articles. Also available, for visitors, are the Personality Tests.
 

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2005

"Effects of Achievement Motivation on Behavior," Scott T. Rabideau

Peer Commentaries
"Expanding Achievement Motivation Theory: How Motivational Psychology Relates To Other Fields," Marc B. Charbonneau
"Benefits of Avoiding," Fernando D. Segovia
"What's My Motivation? It May Not Be Yours," Jeremy M. Swerdlow

Author Response
"Motivational Theory From a Different Perspective," Scott T. Rabideau

 

"Heredity Versus Environment: Twin, Adoption, and Family Studies," Avi G. Haimowitz

Peer Commentaries
"Nature Versus Nurture: Are We Really Born That Way?" Heather A. Blout
"How Identical Twins Grow Up To Be Different" Caitlin M. Jones
"Nature or Nurture: The Inexhaustible Debate," EmilyAnn A. O'Coin

Author Response
"Drawing Conclusions From Behavior Genetics," Avi G. Haimowitz

 

"Social Causes of Depression," Gregory S. Beattie

Peer Commentaries
"Nonshared Environment Overpowers the Shared Environment," Avi G. Haimowitz
"Marital Problems: Do They Cause Depression?" Dessislav M. Ivanov
"Social Support Networks and Their Role in Depression," Nathanial C. Lowe
"Positive Effects of Others on Those Who Are Depressed," Linda A. McDonagh

Author Response
"My Undying Perspective on Depression," Gregory S. Beattie

   

"Pathways From Childhood Conduct Problems to Adult Criminality," Tiffany L. Panko

Peer Commentaries
"Treating the Problem," John A. Aquilano
"Overdiagnosis of ADHD in Children," Melissa A. Armer
"Conduct Disorder Doesn't Just Develop on Its Own," Samantha L. Fitzgerald
"How Parents Influence Children's Development: Heredity Versus Environment," Caitlin M. Jones

Author Response
"Understanding the Causes of Criminality Leads to Improved Interventions," Tiffany L. Panko

 

"Expressed Emotion as a Precipitant of Relapse in Psychological Disorders," Linda A. McDonagh

Peer Commentaries
"A Comparison of Factors Initiating Expressed Emotion: More Than Meets the Eye," Jamie C. Czarnecki
"Cultural Influences on the Effects of Expressed Emotion," Zachary D. Lalone
"Expressed Emotion: A Threat to Professionals," David R. Nilosek
"Expressed Emotion: Outside Factors as Contributing Causes," Sara E. Swain

Author Response
"Expressed Emotion From Other Points of View," Linda A. McDonagh

 

"Relations Between Social Support and Physical Health," Corey M. Clark

Peer Commentaries
"The Six Criteria for Social Support," Gregory S. Beattie
"Which Came First, the Depression or the Social Isolation?" Ryan M. Cuff
"Social Support: How Friends and Family Can Save Your Life," Colin M. Gorman
"The Unraveling Tie That Binds," Sara M. Kilpatrick

Author Response
"Factors Involved in Social Support," Corey M. Clark

 

"Decrease of Deaf Potential in a Mainstreamed Environment," Wyatte C. Hall

Peer Commentaries
"The Social Environment of a Hearing Family and Its Impact on Deaf Children," Tiffany L. Panko
"The Future for Deaf Individuals Is Not That Bleak," Kelly S. Wolf

Author Response
Wyatte C. Hall

 

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"Genetic and Environmental Influences on Criminal Behavior," Caitlin M. Jones

Peer Commentaries
"Men Are Not the Only Criminals: Insights Into Criminal Behavior in Women," Lisa C. Burt
"Criminal Behavior and Personality Disorders," Jeffrey C. Tatar
"Criminality Is a Product of Genes and Environment," Maureen E. Wood

Author Response
"Criminal Behavior: Those Affected, Other Causes, and Beyond," Caitlin M. Jones

 

"Reactive Attachment Disorder: A Disorder of Attachment or of Temperament?" Maureen E. Wood

Peer Commentaries
"Can We Use Attachment Theory as a Basis for This 'Attachment Disorder'?" Joshua C. Balduf
"Attachment Style and Academics: Effects of Ractive Attachment Disorder," Kathryn M. Howard
"How Valid Is Reactive Attachment Disorder?" Helen Huang
"Reactive Attachment Disorder as a Precursor to Schizoid and Histrionic Personality Disorders," Patrick C. Marino
"Is Reactive Attachment Disorder a Precursor to Personality Disorder?" Katie T. McConky

Author Response
"Current Conceptualization of RAD Leaves Much to Explore," Maureen E. Wood

 

"Multiple Personality Disorder: Fact or Fiction?" Alexandria K. Cherry

Peer Commentaries
"Multiple Personality Disorder and Dissociative Identity Disorder Are One and the Same," Marissa D. Clopper
"Dissociative Identity Disorder: With Whom Am I Speaking?" Travis W. Silverman
"The Therapist's Role in Multiple Personality Disorder," Charles M. Spuckler
"Heads I Win, Tails You Lose: Are Multiple Personality and Dissociative Identity Disorder Really Different?" Erin M. Wells

Author Response
"Fictions of Dissociative Identity Disorder," Alexandria K. Cherry

 

"The Evolution of Human Intelligence: Increasing Importance of Domain-Specific Intelligence in the Modern Environment," Kyle R. Skottke

Peer Commentaries
"What About the Role Sexual Strategies Play in the Evolution of Human Intelligence?" Lisa C. Burt
"Stagnation Could Cause Extinction," Alexandria K. Cherry
"Possible Confounding Factors in Marriage and Intelligence," Rebecca M. Light
"Emotional Intelligence and Its Role in Evolutionary Selection," Lauren A. McCarthy

Author Response
"Natural Selection as the Mechanism for Evolution," Kyle R. Skottke

 

"Biological Rhythms as a Basis for Mood Disorders," Patrick C. Marino

Peer Commentaries
"Choosing to Work at Night: Influences on Disruption of Circadian Rhythms," Amanda K. Bruskin
"Depression Caused by Lack of Sleep? What a Nightmare!" Alexandria K. Cherry
"Do We Really Know How to Read the Clock?" Jeremiah E. Harmon

Author Response
"Impact of Changes in Biological Rhythms," Patrick C. Marino

 

"The IQ Paradox Resolved? A Critical Analysis," Alexandria K. Cherry

Peer Commentaries
"Childhood Exposure to Technology May Increase IQ Scores," Allen J. Holmes
"The IQ Paradox: Is There an Answer?" David J. Moulton
"The Dickens-Flynn Model: A Contradictory Explanation," Kyle R. Skottke

Author Response
"Flynn and the IQ Paradox," Alexandria K. Cherry

 

"Evolutionary and Biochemical Explanations for a Unique Female Stress Response: Tend-and-Befriend," Lauren A. McCarthy

Peer Commentaries
"Fluctuations of Male Hormones in Response to Partner Pregnancy and Childbirth: Proof of Human Paternal Care," Amanda K. Bruskin
"Tend-and-Befriend as a Stress Response for All Females, or Just Some?" Patricia J. Bergemann
"Do All Women Fare Better Because of the Tend-and-Befriend Stress Response?" Caitlin M. Jones

Author Response
"Tend-and-Befriend: Not a Theory of Parenting," Lauren A. McCarthy

 

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2004

"Effects of Video Games on Aggressive Thoughts and Behaviors During Development," Thomas A. Kooijmans

Peer Commentaries
"Are We Talking About the Same Violence?" Joel D. Collinson
"Video Game Violence and the Emerging Psychopath," Sean P. Neubert
"Positive Effects of Video Games on Development," Noah J. Stupak

Author Response
"Getting to the Next Level," Thomas A. Kooijmans

 

"Attachment and Divorce: Family Consequences," Cristina E. Eagan

Peer Commentaries
"The Breaking of a Family: Children on the Battlefield," Damien W. Cordero
"Bowlby's Ethological Theory: The Beginning of Attachment," Jacqueline L. Hintz
"The Decision to Divorce: A Socio-Psychological View of Reasons Other Than Attachment Separation," Jaclyn E. Siebel

Author Response
"Attachment Theory or Socio-Psychological Theories? More Research Needed," Cristina E. Eagan

 

"Contributions and Limitations of Cattell's Sixteen Personality Factor Model," Heather M. Fehringer

Peer Commentaries
"Maybe We're Asking the Wrong Question," Jennifer A. Dructor
"Is the Development of a Hierarchy of Personality From a Flawed Base Trustworthy?" Mallory R. Harvey

Author Response
"Factor Analysis Questioned," Heather M. Fehringer

 

"The Five-Factor Model of Personality in the Workplace," Sean P. Neubert

Peer Commentaries
"The Five-Factor Model and Job Performance," Timothy M. Howell
"How Good Teamwork Leads to Job Satisfaction," Andrew Z. Milinichik
"How Much Does Personality Influence Job Performance?" Kory Sinha
"The Five-Factor Model is Not Enough to Explain Successful Job Performance," Noah J. Stupak

Author Response
"The Combination of Conscientiousness and Cognitive Ability," Sean P. Neubert

 

"Evolutionary Versus Social Structural Explanations for Sex Differences in Mate Preferences, Jealousy, and Aggression," Jennifer S. Denisiuk

Peer Commentaries
"Is the 21st Century Man Really Careless With His Sperm?" Chelsey L. Cummings
"Sex Differences May Be Anomalous," Kory Sinha
"The Importance of Sex Differences in Aggression," Mari M. Taylor
"Sex Differences: A Universal Perspective," Loreen A. Thompson

Author Response
"Are Both Theories Outdated?" Jennifer S. Denisiuk

 

"The Rise of Civilization and the Evolution of Personality," Brian P. Smith

Peer Commentaries
"Evolution and Society: The Refining of Environment, Defense Mechanisms, and Memory," Cristina E. Eagan
"Excellent Ideas, Weak Execution," Laura R. Thatcher

Author Response
"Environmental Alterations and Human Nature," Brian P. Smith

 

"Derivation of Offensive Selection From Natural Selection as It Relates to Sexual Strategies," Laura R. Thatcher

Peer Commentaries
"Offensive Selection: Natural Selection Can't Keep Up," Adam O. Goldstein
"Two Father Theory of Offensive Selection," Thomas E. Pilkerton
"Defensive Adaptations: A History of Mate Preferences," Brian P. Smith

Author Response
"Insightful Misunderstandings," Laura R. Thatcher

 

"Factors Contributing to the Development of Pathological Gambling," Kory Sinha

Peer Commentaries
"Pathological Gamblers: Impulsive, or Impulsive Sensation Seekers?" Vanessa M. Mazza
"Impulsivity Versus the Addictive Nature of Gambling," Ricardo M. Seijas

Author Response
"What Keeps Gamblers Going?" Kory Sinha

 

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2003

"The Attachment System Throughout the Life Course: Review and Criticisms of Attachment Theory," Erin J. Lee

Peer Commentaries
"Attachment Theory: Should We Blame Our Parents, or Do Our Peers Contribute More Than We Think?" Rebecca A. Krukar
"Parental Marital Relationship and Separtation Affect a Child's Future Attachment," Elizabeth E. Stock
"Attachment Formation: A Freudian Spin-Off?" Kelly S. Wolf

Author Response
"Attachment Theory: More Details Needed?" Erin J. Lee

 

"An Overview of Beck's Cognitive Theory of Depression in Contemporary Literature," Josiah P. Allen

Peer Commentaries
"Beck's Cognitive Theory Based on Negative Self Schemas," Christina M. Mulé
"Negative Self-Schemas and Cognitive Theory," Irina V. Sokolova

Author Response
"Negative Thoughts Are a Safe Bet, Even If Obscured," Josiah P. Allen

 

"Effects of Stress and Psychological Disorders on the Immune System," David B. Beaton

Peer Commentaries
"The Role of Stress in Physiological Disorders," Andrew P. Ochtinsky
"The Role of Prior Protective Factors," Kathryn O. Tacy
"The Immune System: Quite a Mouthful," Jason J. Zodda

Author Response
"Just Scratching the Surface of Psychoneuroendocrinology," David B. Beaton

 

"Depression in Children: What Causes It and How We Can Help," Irina V. Sokolova

Peer Commentaries
"Not All Families of Depressed Children Are Unstable," Josiah P. Allen
"Depression: It Doesn't Just Affect Adults," Erin J. Lee
"Why Adolescents Have the Blues and How to Help," Christina M. Mulé
"The Effect of Parental Attachment on Childhood Psychological Disorders," Elizabeth E. Stock

Author Response
"No Clear and Definitive Answers on the Topic of Children's Depression," Irina V. Sokolova

 

"Creative Genius or Psychotic? A Look at the Strong Positive Correlation Between Creativity and Psychoses," Jonathan S. Byrd

Peer Commentaries
"Are Creative People Really Psychotic?" David B. Beaton
"Comments on Creativity Versus Psychoses," Johanna E. Dickhut
"Creative Genius or Psychotic? Possibly Both," Shane K. Porzio
"Creativity and Psychoses: Strong Positive Correlation, Not Necessarily Causation," Matthew P. Rick

Author Response
"Creativity: A Very Broad Category," Jonathan S. Byrd

 

"A Critical Review of Eysenck's Theory of Psychoticism and How it Relates to Creativity," Shane K. Porzio

Peer Commentaries
"Though Important, Eysenck's Is Not the Only Theory," Jonathan S. Byrd
"Review Lacking Thought and Creativity," Brian A. McManus
"A (Somewhat More) Critical Review of Eysenck's Theory of Psychoticism and Creativity," Matthew P. Rick


Author Response
"Eysenck as Contributor, Not Founder," Shane K. Porzio

 

"Why Women Are More Susceptible to Depression: An Explanation for Gender Differences," Christina M. Mulé

Peer Commentaries
"It's Not Easy Being Male Either," Josiah P. Allen
"Don't Throw the Baby Out With the Bathwater," Joshua M. Rosenberg
"The Power of Gender Biases," Irina V. Sokolova


Author Response
"Multiple Possible Causes, None Definitive," Christina M. Mulé

 

"Depression and Suicide in Older Adults," Ratna Roy

Peer Commentaries
"A Closer Look at Relationships, Genetics, and Choice," David E. Chinander
"A Cause-Effect Relation and Preventive Measures?" Juliana C. Lehr
"A Problem Overlooked," Udochi I. Okeke
"A Cultural Responsibility?" Kathryn O. Tacy

Author Response
"Expanding Upon Depression and Suicide Among Older Adults," Ratna Roy

 

"Eating Disorders: More to Them Than Meets the Mouth," Jason J. Zodda

Peer Commentaries
"Eating Disorders: Additional Insights," David E. Chinander
"Good Enough for a Snack, But Not for a Four-Course Meal," Brian A. McManus
"Comorbidity of Depression and Anxiety With Eating Disorders," Andrew P. Ochtinsky

Author Response
"More to the Peer Commentaries Than Meets the Mouth," Jason J. Zodda

 

"A Brief Review of Creativity," Johanna E. Dickhut

Peer Commentaries
"Excellent Summation, But Lacking Motive," Jonathan S. Byrd
"Reevaluating Creativity: Another Look at a Difficult Problem," Shane K. Porzio


Author Response
"Responses to Critiques and Thoughts," Johanna E. Dickhut

 

"Defining Schizophrenia: A Testable Model for Schizophrenia Incorporating Homogeneous Subtypes," Matthew P. Rick

Peer Commentaries
"Attempting to Classify Schizophrenia: Just Plain 'Crazy,'" Jonathan S. Byrd
"Examination of an Alternative Model for the Classification of Schizophrenia Subtypes," Erica L. Greppo
"Taking the Next Step," Shane K. Porzio
"Promising Beginning, But Lacking Focus," Joshua M. Rosenberg
"Defining Schizophrenia: Is it Possible?" Jason J. Zodda


Author Response
"Every Step Forward Is Over a Broken Assumption," Matthew P. Rick

 

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1997-1998

"Ethological Attachment Theory: A Great Idea in Personality?" Patricia Pendry

 

 

"The Dilemma of the Only Child," Alissa D. Eischens

Peer Commentaries
"A Monkey Wrench in the Study of Birth Order," Nathan Jones
"Only Children Develop Unique Socialization Trends; However, Empirical Evidence Is Needed," Purva H. Rawal
"The Real Dilemma Lies in the Birth Order Theory," Barbara M. Trzop


Author Response
"Merely Scratching the Surface of the Birth Order Dilemma," Alissa D. Eischens

 
 

"Intimate Relationships: Personality Development Through Interaction During Early Life," Maren Cardillo

Peer Commentaries
"Building on the Foundations of Attachment Theory," Patricia Pendry
"Does Intimacy Truly Affect Personality Development?" Eileen Pizzurro
"Attachment Theory: More Than Just Security," Barbara M. Trzop


Author Response
"A Proposed Theory of Personality: Stressing the Fundamental Elements," Maren Cardillo

 
 
 

"The Five-Factor Model: Emergence of a Taxonomic Model for Personality Psychology," Nathan C. Popkins

Peer Commentaries
"Issues Descriptive and Evaluative," G. Scott Acton
"Five Factors, But Factors of What?" Ethan R. Plaut
"Contradictions Lead to Disbelief," Timothy Tasker
"The Big Five: Taxonomy of Trait Theory," Barbara M. Trzop


Author Response
"Semantic and Theoretical Clarifications," Nathan C. Popkins

 
 

"Psychoanalysis: Freud's Revolutionary Approach to Human Personality," Kristen M. Beystehner

Peer Commentaries
"Analyzing Psychoanalysis," Sapna Cheryan
"Great Ideas, But Great Science?" Nathan Jones
"Psychoanalysis: A Not-So-Great Idea?" Anna S. Lin
"Freud Alone," Ethan R. Plaut
"Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory Raises Concerns in Light of Modern Culture," Purva H. Rawal


Author Response
"Evaluating the Criticisms: Psychoanalysis and its Legacy," Kristen M. Beystehner

 

"Behaviorism as a Theory of Personality: A Critical Look," Payal Naik

Peer Commentaries
"Behaviorism: More Than a Failure to Follow in Darwin's Footsteps," Alissa D. Eischens
"Accepting an Invalid Theory and Flaws in the Flaws of Behaviorism," Nathan C. Popkins
"Behaviorism: A More Inclusive Approach," Timothy Tasker


Author Response
"Concepts Need Clarification, Not Renovation," Payal Naik

 
 

"Natural Characteristics That Influence Environment: How Physical Appearance Affects Personality," Nathan C. Popkins

Peer Commentaries
"Is Physical Appearance Really the Most Influential Factor on the Environment?" Nathan Jones
"Physical Appearance Impacts Social Relations, Not Personality Development," Purva H. Rawal
"Physical Appearance Is Related to Personality," Elizabeth A. Reite


Author Response
"Experiments and the Question of the Chicken or the Egg," Nathan C. Popkins

 
 

"One Intelligence or Many? Alternative Approaches to Cognitive Abilities," Han S. Paik

Peer Commentaries
"Intelligence: Two Major Schools of Thought," Valerie L. Dammann
"Calling Attention to More Diverse Approaches to Intelligence," KwangMin Jang


Author Response
"Additional Theories of Multiple Intelligences: A Barrage of Opinions," Han S. Paik

 

"Psychoanalysis: From Theory to Practice, Past to Present," Ethan R. Plaut

Peer Commentaries
"Evaluating the Criticisms of Freud's Theory of Psychoanalysis," Kristen M. Beystehner
"An Analysis on the Analysis of the Evolution of Freudian Theory," Paula S. Han
"A Good Fit, But the Wrong Function," Nathan C. Popkins
"Whose Theory?" Timothy Tasker


Author Response
"Psychoanalysis Remains, Although in the Context and Shadow of its Criticism," Ethan R. Plaut

 

"Eysenck's PEN Model: Its Contribution to Personality Psychology," KwangMin Jang

Peer Commentaries
"Elaboration and Clarification of the PEN Model's Contribution to Psychology," Neera Mehta
"Why Did Eysenck Move Impulsivity?" Han S. Paik
"Following Eysenck's Experimental Approach," Jennifer A. Schroer


Author Response
"Who Is Right, Eysenck or Gray?" KwangMin Jang

 

"The Evolution of Evolutionary Psychology: From Sociobiology to Evolutionary Psychology," Melissa Seltin

 

 
 

"Can Behaviorism Still Apply in the Face of Overwhelming Opposition?" Eileen Pizzurro

Peer Commentaries
"What Is the True Difference Between Modern Behaviorism and Cognitive Psychology?" Susan Garea
"Why I Am Not a Behaviorist: A Comment on Pizzurro," Pablo Gomez
"It Is a Matter of Empirical Evidence," Payal Naik


Author Response
"Free Will Is Inherent," Eileen Pizzurro

 
 

"Reconciling the Mental and the Behavioral: An Evaluation of Behaviorism," Alissa D. Eischens

Peer Commentaries
"The Deeper and Necessary Argument Behind the Black Box," Nathan C. Popkins
"Taking a Closer Look at Behaviorism," Raymond Wang


Author Response
"Behaviorism and the Mind: No Easy Answers," Alissa D. Eischens

 

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Last modified November 2005
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