Views of personality

Understanding Views of Personality

Interactionist View

• Advocates of the interactionist view propose that behaviour is a result of both situation and personality.
• This view suggests personality and environment interact to influence behaviour.
• It is the most accepted view within sports psychology.

Type A and B Personalities

• A person with a Type A personality is competitive, impatient, aggressive, and has a strong desire to control situations.
• A person with a Type B personality is relaxed, patient, and does not feel compelled to over-achieve.
• Understanding whether an athlete is Type A or B can help tailor training methods and coping strategies.

Narrow-Band Theory

• The Narrow-Band theory of personality in sport looks at specific traits important in sporting contexts such as competitiveness or anxiety.
• Marten’s Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) is an example of a narrow-band approach.

Five-Factor Model

• The Five-Factor Model or Big Five includes openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
• It is a universal model which can apply to any individual, not just athletes.

Understanding of these views and theories is essential for comprehensive insight into how an individual’s personality can initiate, guide, and maintain their behaviour in a sports context.