Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

biological and evolutionary approaches to personality suggest that important com-
ponents of personality are inherited. Building on the work of behavioral geneticists, 
Biological and evolutionary approaches 
to personality seek to explain the 
consistencies in personality that are 
found in some families.
biological and evolutionary 
 approaches to personality 
Theories 
that suggest that important compo-
nents of personality are inherited.
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 Module 
41 
Trait, Learning, Biological and Evolutionary, and Humanistic Approaches to Personality 
455
Study Alert
Remember that biological and 
evolutionary approaches 
focus on the way in which 
people’s genetic heritage 
aff ects personality.
10 
0 
20 30 40 50 60 70 
Percentage 
Social closeness 
Control 
Achievement 
Aggression 
Harm avoidance 
Well-being 
Alienation 
Absorption 
Stress reaction 
Traditionalism 
Social potency 
Prefers emotional intimacy and close ties; turns 
to others for comfort and help 
Is cautious and plodding; is rational and sensible;
likes carefully planned events 
Works hard; strives for mastery; puts work 
and accomplishment ahead of other things 
Is physically aggressive and vindictive; has taste 
for violence; is “out to get the world” 
Shuns the excitement of risk and danger; 
prefers the safe route even if it is tedious 
Has a cheerful disposition; feels confident and 
optimistic 
Feels mistreated and used, that “the world is 
out to get me” 
Has a vivid imagination readily captured by 
rich experience; relinquishes sense of reality 
Feels vulnerable and sensitive; is given to 
worrying and easily upset 
Follows rules and authority; endorses high 
moral standards and strict discipline 
Is masterful; a forceful leader who likes to be 
the center of attention