The Balance of Personality

Reviewed by Noelany Pelc, Assistant Professor, Marian University on 12/29/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The text offers a particularly strong foundation rooted in trait theory and insight-oriented theories (e.g., humanistic, existential, psychodynamic theories), along with a thorough review of more recent iterations of positive psychology. These themes are often underdiscussed and developed in other texts and are a strength for this text and Dr. Allen. The index and glossary are easy to navigate and the text is offered in a number of formats, which offers ease of accessibility.
One of the challenges of the text is that it appears to define and frame personality through the lens of trait theory from the outset of the book. Often, texts will provide an overview of personality as a complex interplay of a number of factors, which can include traits. Some of these themes are discussed in the assessment chapter, but instructors should likely supplement the early chapters to introduce and conceptualize the scope of personality, measurement and relevance of personality across settings. Supplementing with readings introducing triangulation and the integration of methods (e.g., grand theories and domains of knowledge) can help to strengthen the material already provided.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The tone of the text is written somewhat conversationally, which may be beneficial for early or introductory students studying personality theory. At times, there is inclusion of language that is descriptive and may speak to the views of the author, (e.g., “surprisingly,” “radical”) or perceptions of how theorists were thinking, feeling, or responding, (e.g., “she was upset,” or “found stronger reasons to admire”). It is helpful to consider the balance of effective and compelling storytelling, which the book does well, and the potential assumptions that may be inadvertently infused or derived. The content, however, is accurate and well-sourced.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The text is written specifically to offer a foundational framework, while also relying on external empirical resources, which help to extend the “life” of the text. There is a good reliance on seminal writings, studies and references to historical events and developments. For example, the text covers more recent trends in the field to conceptualize personality disorders through a dimensional rather than categorical model. Supplementary materials could include empirical studies around the rationale for advocating for change in diagnosis and visuals that illustrate how these models are being proposed and were further discussed in the DSM-5-TR. Similar additions would help to bridge the gap for more advanced students or courses targeted to psychology or social work majors who may be considering clinical or application work in the future.

Clarity rating: 5

The book is highly accessible and rarely trades in technical jargon or language that is difficult to track or follow. At times, there are some switches in tense between past, present and future tense, that can be helpful to clarify. The tone of the text is appropriate for early undergraduate students who are learning about the themes for the first time and particularly for those who are not social science majors.

Consistency rating: 5

There is generally good consistency across the terminology and framework, which supports the modular approach and allows for interchangeability. Some chapters provide additional teaching-focused interventions, such as discussion questions, directives to contemplate or brief self-reflective surveys. While not all chapters have discussion questions, they are helpful useful for initiating individual self-reflection, brief reflection writing prompts or group discussions.

Modularity rating: 5

There is strong modularity and divisible reading sections that would make it easy to supplement, assign portions, and utilize sections of the text without disruption to the reader. The structure of the text and organization lend itself to high adaptability in the use of content.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Organization within each chapter is strong and offers clear markers for core themes (e.g., core assumptions). These headings help to distill the information in ways that are logical and well-organized. I would likely shuffle the text chapters to include supplementary articles around the definition of personality along with the assessment chapter, first, before introducing any of the frameworks, including trait theory, which is listed as the primary chapter.

Interface rating: 4

In a couple of places, (e.g., the existential and humanistic chapter), the text format seems to have shifted such that there is no space between some of the paragraphs and the headings that are delineated are not bolded. The text and organization in those sections is well done, but the interface and formatting has been altered a bit, which can impact the readability. Otherwise, the interface is well done, and is simple to navigate and utilize .

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors noted.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Images are representative of diverse groups of people and backgrounds. Additionally, the text offers a number of cross-cultural examples that help to conceptualize more broadly within cultural contexts and reduce pathologization of behavior, thoughts and feelings that are normative for their settings. Many texts tend to take a Western perspective without offering other models for viewing personality, relationships, well-being, and distress. Dr. Allen offers a number of Eastern and cross-cultural contrasts, which I anticipate would deepen and broaden learning around course topics. Other opportunities for supplementation may be around neurodiversity and assessment, bias in testing measures, replicability issues, and issues around disability status, socioeconomic status, and so forth.

Comments

One of the strengths of this text is the inclusion of media resources that help to provide windows into the field, key figures, and variety of explanations for themes.

Reviewed by Diana Ciesko, Professor, Valencia College on 6/11/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

It was fairly comprehensive, however, it depends on the audience. It would be suitable for an undergraduate audience - first two years. If you were looking to have a an upper level course or graduate level, then I think that it falls short. To make it more amenable to the upper division courses, I think it needs to be more comprehensive and have more detail and more research in the actual text of the book. For example, there was barely anything about implicit tests.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The information was accurate. One of my concerns, however was the author's preoccupation with one of the trait theories - OCEAN. It appeared as though, at least in the beginning of the book, there were many references to this particular trait theory more often than any other. It even popped up when discussing other theories. He also refers to Covey as a theorist which I would not consider him a psychological theorist.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The topics were all relevant. I think most of the information was up-to-date. Personality theory is not something that has radically changed in recent times. I would like to have seen more recent reference to current research, though.

Clarity rating: 5

The writing was very clear and was easy to read. The level of the writing was not difficult. Most entering freshmen could easily understand it.

Consistency rating: 5

The format was consistent throughout. I did like the video clips and how the vocabulary was clearly set up at the end.

Modularity rating: 5

The text is very modular. The units are easily divided into just the right size bits so that no one section is overwhelming. You could assign any one module at any point in the term. No one section is dependent upon another.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The topics are presented in a clear fashion. However, if you wanted to go out of order, it would not be an issue.

Interface rating: 5

I didn't see any navigation problems. The displays were good. I was able to click on charts and make them bigger when I needed to. The videos were good as were the activities.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

I didn't see any grammatical errors, but there were spelling ones. For example, on page 94, paragraph 4, the author writes "Covery" rather Covey. He also refers to Covey as a theorist which I would not consider him a psychological theorist.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

There is inclusion of different cultures. It would be good to see pictures of individuals that might represent individuals within the disabled population. Maybe a picture of students doing sign language or in a wheel chair. Something that represents those students is often overlooked in all books.

Reviewed by Mary Elizabeth McKenna, Professor,Nurse Education,FNP, North Shore Community College on 6/5/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The book The Balance of Personality is very engaging to the reader. Dr. Chris Allen has created a source that may be used for the upper level classes with an interest in theories of personality development. With a thorough table of contents, this book may also be utilized for those seeking research on particular personality issues.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

References listed after each chapter and at the end of the book are extensive. By utilizing graphs, the author has allowed the reader to assess the content in an easy to use format. The information appears to be accurate and thorough and unbiased.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The content on nature-nurture, personality disorders, subjective well-being may be used by Health Professionals studying psychiatry. Specific case studies/pictures are included to show application of theory to practice.

Clarity rating: 5

This book starts each chapter with learning objectives and an introduction. LInks are available thru-out the chapters to assist with further knowledge.

Consistency rating: 5

The author is very aware of keeping the reader engaged. Graphs and photographs are used thru-out to increase understanding. Science, history and present day applications of the balance of personality are evident in the book.

Modularity rating: 5

The set-up of the chapters is consistent in this book. Vocabulary, references, and quizzes assist the reader to focus on priorities. The Table of Contents is very specific.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

This book flows very smoothly and makes for an enjoyable read. The chapter on Happiness was a surprise for this type of text, but it is portrayed in a scientific, theory to practice format.

Interface rating: 5

With photographs, videos, graphs thru out to keep the reader interested, this book is a pleasant read. The font used was visually appealing.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors were found

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

Information is included on Hinduism, Buddhism and the Jewish faith at various parts of the texts. All of the information was presented in a very culturally sensitive format. A goal could be to include information about the balance of personality with various cultures.

Comments

As a health professional with a focus on psychiatric disorders, this book could definitely be utilized for students who have a primary knowledge of psychology. The information on DNA, schizophrenia, and abuse is relevant and up to date. By including yoga, meditation and mindfulness, the author also reaches out to the reader of the importance of balancing personality.

Reviewed by Hyacinth McKee, Assistant Professor of Social Work, SUNO on 5/1/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

Dr. Allen’s textbook covers the most notable fundamental theories of Personality Psychology. It provides a history of theories of psychology with terminology and a glossary of terms at the end of each chapter. The embedded videos (in the electronic version) on theories of personality makes the format easy to follow and keeps the reader engaged in the learning process.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The text appears to be unbiased and covers content from all types of theories of psychology inclusive of different psychologists. The information provided on Freud’s psychodynamic theory was explained in a clear non-confusing manner with the use of tables and illustrations. The author's information appears to be accurate and of best use to the modern day academic scholar.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

This text can be best utilized in an advanced degree program of psychology, perhaps as a primary text for a course specifically on personality. It could also be considered for use as a supplemental text for other advanced programs of study (i.e. social work) to complement the existing course material that incorporates clinical diagnosis. The chapter on Personality Disorders (Chp 9.) is very informative and can be used to teach the advanced level student on the clinical diagnosis of personality disorders as the DSM-V is referenced. The references and video links provide a broader explanation of the content and is up to date and engaging.

Clarity rating: 5

A glossary of terms used each chapter can be found at the end of each section(chapter). The terms are also highlighted with links to additional information on the use of the word in the field of psychology. The language at a professional advanced level and is current with scientific application.

Consistency rating: 5

The terminology is consistent with current language used in personality psychology. The author does an excellent job with including a chapter on Maslow’s hierarchy with a final chapter on Happiness. The author’s ability educate the reader about personality theories but also offer subtle content to assist the reader with engaging in the reflection of personality in itself, was interesting. The self-reporting scale on Happiness is a tool that can be used by students as an activity of reflection in a advanced course.

Modularity rating: 5

The modularity of text was most impressive. The subheadings and course sections were easy to read and organized. It was very colorful and visually appealing. The electronic version of the text is highly recommended as it offers additional vocabulary and references at the end of the chapter for further review and research.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The topics in the text were clear. The chapter 10 on Yoga and Buddhism offers information from a spiritual context that may often times is not typically taught as a core subject area in a psychology or social work program. It offers the history of Buddhism and attempts to incorporate spirituality in a clear, logical fashion.

Interface rating: 5

This book is user friendly and visually appealing. The book offers a significant amount of visual aids that contain additional information on the content and keeps the reader engaged in the material covered. It was very easy to navigate and did not appear to be a challenge to follow. The print was appropriate for a college scholar as well as an advanced practitioner.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical areas were found.

Cultural Relevance rating: 2

The text could benefit from information on diversity and culture. I was unable to locate information about personality psychology in the Asian, African-American, Hispanic/Latino culture as well as other ethnicities and cultures. More information in this area is recommended (statistics, charts, implications for practice).

Comments

A consideration of this book for a foundation course in psychology is recommended. As a professor of social work, this text would be better suited as a supplemental text for an advanced practice course or as an elective course in social work.