The Praeger Handbook of Personality across Cultures: [3 volumes]

by A. Timothy Church Ph.D.

Overview

This important multivolume work sheds light on current—and future—research on cultural universals and differences in personality in their evolutionary, ecological, and cultural contexts.

How does culture impact personality traits? To answer that question, the three volumes in this set address current theory and research on culture and personality in an effort to determine how people differ—and how they are alike. Detailed chapters by scholars from around the world unveil a fascinating picture of the relationship between culture and important aspects of personality. They also address the accuracy or meaningfulness of trait comparisons across cultures and the methods and limitations of research on the subject. As most psychological research is conducted on participants from Western industrialized countries, a work that includes a wide range of cultures not only fosters a more complete understanding of human personality, but also broadens perspectives on value systems and ways to live.

Each of the three volumes concentrates on distinct areas of research, exposing the reader to the diverse theoretical and empirical approaches and topics in the field. Volume 1 focuses on the cross-cultural study of personality dispositions or traits. Volume 2 examines the relationship between culture and other important aspects of personality, including the self, emotions, motives, values, beliefs, and life narratives, as well as aspects of personality and adjustment associated with biculturalism and intercultural competence. Volume 3 looks at evolutionary, genetic, and neuroscience perspectives on personality across cultures along with ecological and cultural influences. In addition to providing readers with a thorough analysis of current and future directions for research, this unrivaled work brings together multiple perspectives on personality across cultures, thereby promoting a more integrative understanding of this important topic.

• Uniquely brings together diverse topics and theoretical viewpoints related to personality across cultures, including cross-cultural, cultural, indigenous, evolutionary, and neuroscientific perspectives
• Provides a thorough picture of current knowledge as well as directions for future research
• Comprises 31 chapters by leading international researchers discussing their respective areas of expertise
• Addresses personality broadly defined to include universal and indigenous traits, personality types, the self, emotion, motivation, values, beliefs, and life narratives
• Draws on cultural samples from every continent except Antarctica

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440841033
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/14/2017
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	1048
Product dimensions:	6.60(w) x 9.85(h) x 3.10(d)

About the Author

A. Timothy Church, PhD, is professor emeritus of counseling psychology at Washington State University, Pullman.

Editorial Reviews

"Though the set is cohesive, each book can stand alone. . . . VERDICT For postgraduates or professionals in the areas of psychology, sociology, or anthropology." - Library Journal

From the Publisher

03/15/2018
Does society or upbringing influence personality? What role do genetics and evolution play? Church (emeritus, counseling psychology, Washington State Univ.), along with 65 contributors (mostly psychology doctoral students or PhDs) from 18 countries, answer these and other questions in 31 well-researched essays. Volume 1 reviews the field's history, focusing "on the cross-cultural study of dispositional traits." The second volume identifies the relationship between culture and personality traits, while the third looks at genetic, evolutionary, neuroscientific, and ecological aspects. Though the set is cohesive, each book can stand alone, as there is no cumulative index. Volume 1 includes a table that cross-references main questions to specific chapters throughout. Essays also cross-reference to other entries as the contributors attempt to provide a complete picture of the field. Bibliographies (following each entry) are lengthy, and each volume contains a detailed index. Jargon abounds, and some chapters are rather dense, making this more appropriate for those with a serious interest in the topic. VERDICT For postgraduates or professionals in the areas of psychology, sociology, or anthropology.—Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX

Library Journal