BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 1

1. Meaning, Definition and Basics of

Personality
___________________________________________________________________
In Unit 1 of the course "Personality Development", we shall discuss meaning,
definition and basics of personality in detail. Over the four lessons of this unit we
shall study types of personality, concept of self, models of self introspection and
development of positive attitude.

In this lesson we shall discuss what is personality and its basics..

__________________________________________________________________

1.0 Objectives
After going through this lesson you should be able to :

 Define personality
 Describe determinants of personality
 Understand components of personality

__________________________________________________________________

1.1 Introduction
Personality is derived from Latin word “persona,” which referred to theatrical
masks worn by Roman actors in Greek dramas to portray the characters they were
enacting through its mannerisms, dressing attitudes and interest.

However, psychologists use the term personality in reference to the characteristic

pattern of thinking, feeling and acting. Here characteristic pattern simply means
consistent and distinctive ways in which our ideas, feelings and actions are
organized.

1.2 Approaches to Personality Study

The experts have characterized the study of personality in two approaches

Psychological Approach: it focuses on personality i.e. style peculiar to individual

style determined by mental trend, complex emotions and sentiments.

Sociology Approach: it focuses on the study the status of individual in group, his role
in group and what others think of the individual under study.

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 1

1.3 Definition of Personality

1. According to G.W. Allport, personality is a dynamic organization, inside the
person, of psychophysical systems that create the person’s characteristic
patterns of behavior, thoughts and feelings.
2. According to Child, more or less stable, internal factors...make one person’s
behavior consistent from one time to another, and different from the behavior
other people would manifest in comparable situations.
3. Encyclopedia of Psychology defines personality as individual differences in
characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving.
4. Personality simply refers to the qualities and characteristics of
a person which is depicted through the way he talks, dresses and walks, his
attitude, interest and way he conducts himself in social groups.
5. Personality can simply be defined as how and individual responds when
interacting with others.
6. Personality is generally defined as in built, stable and continuing patterns of
thought, feeling and behavior. In fact, personality is uniqueness of an
individual that makes him stand out of crowd.

In nut shell personality is an internal process that guides our behavior.

1.4 Personality Structure

Freud believed that personality has three structures:

1. The id
2. The ego and
3. The superego.

1. The id consists of instincts, it is totally unconscious; it has no contact with

reality. It operates on the pleasure principle. It seeks immediate satisfaction.
2. The Ego deals with the demands of reality. The ego is called the executive
branch of personality because it uses reasoning to make decisions. It is the
conscious and rational part of personality that regulates thoughts and
behaviors. It teaches the person to balance demands of external world and
needs of the person. The id and the ego have no morality. They do not take
into account whether something is right or wrong.
3. The Superego it is the internal representation of parental and societal values.
It works as the voice of conscience, that compels the ego to consider not only
the real but also the ideal. It judges one’s behaviors as right or wrong, good or
bad. Failing up to moral ideals bring about the shame, guilt, inferiority and
anxiety in the person. It is the moral branch of personality. The superego

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 1

takes into account whether something is right or wrong. Think of the superego
as what we often refer to as our "conscience."

1.5 Determinants of Personality

1. Heredity refers to those factors that we genetically inherent from our parents
it includes gender, colour, temperament etc.
2. Situation circumstances, state of affairs influences the way in which
individual responds and reacts. The varying demand of different situation calls
forth different aspects of one’s personality.
3. Primary groups family plays critical role in shaping the personality of an
individual. The early relationships with members of family are particularly
important. Freud thought that many of the problems during adult life are due
to problematic child rearing practices leading to emotional disturbances. The
sense of identity and relevance of appropriate modeling has been
emphasized.
4. Culture people living in one culture often share similar practices, beliefs and
values. The child is expected to learn to behave in the manner expected by
the culture. For instance boys and girls are expected to show different sets of
personality characteristics. The various occupational roles are also shaped by
culture. However, the effect of culture may not be uniform for everyone
belonging to that culture because they are transmitted through different ways
and persons and people also have certain unique experiences.
5. Early experience most of the theorists of personality think that personality
development is a continuous process. The early years play very important
role in the shaping of personality. However, the immediate environment and
experiences are also found to be of immense value.
6.

Self Check Questions

1. _____________plays critical role in shaping the personality of an individual.

2. __________________focuses on personality i.e. style peculiar to individual.
3. Personality is derived from Latin word _______________.

_________________________________________________________

1.6 Components of Personality

1. Physical Appearance includes the way an individual dresses, walks,

posture, body build etc.

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 1

2. Intellectual this is how a person talks, reasons out and analyses situations
and acts accordingly.
3. Social Good Manners it includes how one conducts himself in society, how
one interacts and gets along with others.
4. Emotional Component it is how a person handle his or her own personal
problems such as how to stay mentally healthy.
5. Attitude refers to a character. It is shown how to deal your actions whether it
is right or wrong towards to other people.

1.7 Importance of studying personality

1. To be successful in interpersonal communication.
2. To maintain healthy interpersonal relationships.
3. To get better insight of an individual’s personality.
4. To be able of wisely judge and evaluate personalities.

Tips for Improving our Personality

1. Realization that there is room for improvement.

2. Intention to improve.
3. To identify ones strengths and weaknesses and identifying the areas that
needs to be improved.

1.8 Summing Up
Personality = Individual’s Psychological traits + characteristics+ motives+
habits + attitudes +beliefs + outlooks.

1.9 Possible Answers to Self Check Questions

1. Family
2. Psychological Approach
3. Persona

1.10 Terminal Question

1. Define personality. Describe the structure of personality.
2. Write short notes on:
a. Components of personality
b. Determinants of personality

1.11 Suggested Further Readings

1. Singh, Abha (2012). Behavioural Science: Achieving Behavioural Excellence
for Success: Wiley India Private Limited.

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 BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 1

2. Sharma, S. (2013). Body language and Self-Confidence. Jaipur: Sublime

Publications.
3. Gupta Rajat (2012). Soft Skills: Tools for Success. Yking Books, Jaipur.
4. Training manual. (2005). Self-Development and Interpersonal Skills: ILO,
New Delhi.
5. Hurlock, E. B. (1973). Personality Development. New York: McGraw-Hill.

1.12 Keyword
1. Temperament: Biologically based characteristic way of reacting.
2. Trait: Stable, persistent and specific way of behaving.
3. Disposition: Tendency of a person to react to a given situation in a particular
way.

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 2

2. Types of Personality

In the last lesson we had discussed what is personality. Personality is defined as

the way a person walks, talks, behaves and interacts with people around him. In
this lesson we shall study different types of personalities.

2.0 Objective
After going through this lesson you should be able to :

 Define types of personality

2.1 Introduction
Psychologists follow type and trait approaches to classify personality. The
type approaches attempts to classify personality based on observed behavior
characteristics whereas trait approach focuses on the specific psychological
attributes along which individuals tend to differ in consistent and stable ways. For
“shyness” and “friendliness” etc.

2.2 Type Approaches

1. Ayurveda, classifies people into the categories of vata, pitta and kapha on the
basis of three humoural elements called tridosha. Each refers to a type of
temperament, called prakriti (basic nature) of a person.
2. Sheldon proposed Endomorphic, Mesomorphic, and Ectomorphic typology
based on body build and temprament. The endomorphs are fat, soft and
round. By temperament they are relaxed and sociable. The mesomorphs
have strong musculature, are rectangular with a strong body build. They are
energetic and courageous. The ectomorphs are thin, long and fragile in body
build. They are brainy, artistic and introvert.
3. The classification of personality on the basis of attitude was proposed by
famous by Isabel Myers and Katherine Myers‐Briggs. The work was based on
the work of Carl Jung, the German psychoanalyst.

The Classification is as follows:

1. Extraversion vs Introversion
2. Sensing vs Intuition

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 2

3. Thinking vs Feeling
4. Judging vs Perceiving

Lets discuss each one of these in detail.

1. Extraversion – Introversion it basically deals with the how a person directs

and expresses his energy.
a. An extrovert personality is generally outgoing and his acts are stimulated
towards the outer world. His field of experience is large and is often
involved in high level of interpersonal communications and action oriented
activities.
b. Introvert are generally shy and are often lost in their own internal world.
These people are reflective, they like to work in solidarity and think it
through.

2. Sensing – Intuition, this type is based on the perception of information by an

individual.
a. Sensing simply means that the perception in based on what one receives
through five senses i.e. sight, taste, smell, touch and hearing.
b. Intuition means persons perception is based on imagination based on
patterns and relationships of perceived information.
3. Thinking – Feeling it is based on how an individual process the information.
a. Thinking simply means that decision is based on logic, objectivity and
impersonal attitude to analyze the given situation.
b. Feeling on the other hand is driven by emotion, it is personal, subjective
and empathy is the key
4. Judging – Perceiving is based on implementation of the processed
information.
a. Judging means that a person organizes all of his life events and, as a rule,
sticks to his plans.
b. Perceiving means that he or she is inclined to improvise and explore
alternative options.

2.3 Trait Approaches

A trait is considered as a relatively enduring attribute or quality on which one
individual differs from another.

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 2

1. Gordon Allport is considered the pioneer of trait approach. He proposed that

individuals possess a number of traits, which are dynamic in nature. He
categorized traits into cardinal, central, and secondary.
a. Cardinal traits are highly generalised dispositions. They indicate the goal
around which a person’s entire life seems to revolve. Mahatma Gandhi’s
non-violence and Hitler’s Nazism are examples of cardinal traits. Such
traits often get associated with the name of the person so strongly that
they derive such identities as the ‘Gandhian’ or ‘Hitlerian’ trait.
b. Central traits are less pervasive in effect, but still quite generalised. These
traits (e.g., warm, sincere, diligent, etc.) are often used in writing a
testimonial or job recommendation for a person.
c. Secondary Traits are least generalised characteristics of a person. Traits
such as ‘likes mangoes’ or ‘prefers ethnic clothes’ are examples of
secondary traits.

2. Five-Factor Model of Personality

The controversy regarding the number of basic personality traits has taken an
interesting turn in recent years. Paul Costa and Robert McCrae have
examined all possible personality traits.
The findings indicate a set of five factors. They are often called Big Five
Factors. These factors include:
a. Openness to experience : Those who score high on this factor are
imaginative, curious, open to new ideas, and interested in cultural
pursuits. In contrast, those who score low are rigid.
b. Extraversion : It characterises people who are socially active, assertive,
outgoing, talkative, and fun loving. On its opposite are people who are
shy.
c. Agreeableness : This factor characterises people who are helpful, co-
operative, friendly, caring, and nurturing. On the opposite are people who
are hostile and self-centered.
d. Neuroticism : People who score high on this factor are emotionally
unstable, anxious, worried, fearful, distressed, irritable and hypertensive.
On the opposite side are people who are well adjusted.
e. Conscientiousness : Those who score high on this factor are
achievement-oriented, dependable, responsible, prudent, hardworking and
self-controlled. On the opposite are people who are impulsive.
This five factor model represents an important theoretical development in
the field of personality. It has been found useful in understanding the
personality profile of people across cultures.

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 2

Self Check Questions

1. A ____________is considered as a relatively enduring attribute or quality on
which one individual differs from another.
2. ______________means that he or she is inclined to improvise and explore
alternative options.
3. Ayurveda, classifies people into the categories of __________,__________
and ____________________.
________________________________________________________________

2.4 Summing Up

Psychologists follow type and trait approaches to classify personality. The

type approaches attempts to classify personality based on observed behavior
characteristics whereas trait approach focuses on the specific psychological
attributes along which individuals tend to differ in consistent and stable ways. For
“shyness” and “friendliness” etc.

2.5 Possible answers to Self-Check Questions

1. Trait
2. Perceiving
3. Vata, pitta and kapha
2.6 Terminal Question
1. Discuss the classification of personality on the basis of attitude in detail.
2.7 Suggested Further Readings
1. Singh, Abha (2012). Behavioural Science: Achieving Behavioural Excellence
for Success: Wiley India Private Limited.
2. Sharma, S. (2013). Body language and Self-Confidence. Jaipur: Sublime
Publications.
2.4 Keywords
1. Character: The overall pattern of regularly occurring behaviour.
2. Habit: Over learned modes of behaving.
3. Values: Goals and ideals that are considered important and worthwhile to
achieve.

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 3

3. Models of Self Introspection: Johari

Window, SWOT Analysis
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In the last lesson we had discussed different types of personality. Personality is

characterized on the basis of traits one possesses. In this lesson we shall study
different self concept and models of self introspection.

3.0 Objective
After going through this lesson you should be able to :

 Define self, levels of self

 Define self esteem, self presentation
 Understand models of self introspection

3.1 Introduction
Oxford dictionary defines self as a person’s essential being that distinguishes
them from others, especially considered as the object of introspection or reflexive
action. Self is focus of our everyday behavior and all of us do have a set of
perceptions and beliefs about ourselves. This kind of self concept plays important
role in motivating us and organizing our behaviors.

External environment factors and people around us play a vital role in shaping our
personality as well as formulate our idea about self.

Key terms related to Self

1. Personal identity: refers to the traits of the person like name, qualities like
honesty, and capabilities like singer, painter and beliefs that set him apart
from others.
2. Social identity: refers to the characteristics like caste etc. that link him to a
social or cultural group or are derived from it.
3. Self Concept: refers to how we perceive ourselves and perception we hold
about our competencies.
4. Self-esteem: it refers to value judgment of a person about herself/himself.

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 3

3.2 Levels of Self

Self is experienced at different levels, William James, who started serious
study of self talked about material self, social self and spiritual self. More recently
Neisser has talked about ecological self. Let us try to learn more about these types.

1. The ecological self refers to the self in the embodied form that can be
physically identified in time and space.
2. The inter personal self involves the self which exists in the social relations
when we interact with others.
3. The extended self is the self which is in our memory. It is personal and
private.
4. Finally, there is conceptual self which is the idea of self that a person holds.
All of us have acquired a set of ideas about what can be included within the
category of self.
5. This kind of conceptualization is nurtured in each culture in a given way. It is a
comprehensive network of ideas about self.

In order to illustrate this point we may consider the concept of Panch Koshas as
developed in the Indian thought. Here the term Kosh means layers or sheath like
the sheath of an onion. The Jiva consists of five such Koshas and self should be
considered in terms of a multi layered structure of hierarchically organized
sheaths. A brief description of these sheaths is as follows:

1. Annamaya Kosh: This involves the gross physical body. This is the
outermost layer of existence. It is called annamaya because it is grounded in
the food that we eat and consume.
2. Pranamaya Kosha: This layer deals with life (Prana) and represents the
functions of breathing and metabolic processes. The five effectors are also
included in it.
3. Manomaya Kosha: It consists of sense organs. It is the seat of ego and
leads to personal involvements which bind people with the desires and
activities.
4. Vigyanamaya Kosha: It consists of five sense organs and intellect. It
regulates the worldly life. The feeling of “I-ness” present in it relates Jiva to
past actions. Also, the feelings of pride take place.
5. Anandmaya Kosha: It is the joyous sheath. The experience of bliss is has
spiritual basis also, the pleasure that one gets from obtaining the desired
objects is part of it

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 3

3.3 Aspects of Self

In the psychological studies of self the researchers have explored many
aspects of self. In fact the ideas held by the people about self shape and organize
our personal lives and allow participation in group life.

1. Self Esteem: It is the evaluative component of self concept. It basically deals

with internalized social judgments and ideas about how worthwhile a personal
quality is. People who feel good about themselves or have high self esteem
are found to be more active, motivated, persistent, and happy than the people
with low self esteem.

2. Self Efficacy: refers to our belief about what we are capable of achieving. In
other words it refers to perceived competencies of a person. They determine
how we interact with our environment and other people. High self efficacy
children solve problems more quickly than those who had low self efficacy
beliefs. According to Bandura self efficacy beliefs have power of four major
influences as given below:
a. Cognitive: It refers to the effect on thought patterns. Self efficacy
influences evaluation of capability and preparation to make an attempt.
b. Motivational: It influences how long we will keep trying.
c. Affective: It deals with stress, anxiety, and feeling of control.
d. Selection: It includes choosing challenging activities.

3. Self Presentation: it refers to behavioral expression of self. We are often

concerned with the images we present to others. The growing importance of
cosmetic and fashion industry clearly shows the degree to which we are
preoccupied with our physical appearance. We are often quite concerned with
the impression what we convey in public. The term self-presentation
technically means the strategies people use to shape what others think of
them.
4. Self Monitoring: refers to the extent to which external situation and the
reactions of others help one to regulate behavior. Thus politicians, sales
persons and artists are high self monitoring persons.

3.4 Self Introspection

It is all about drawing the clear picture about ourselves, who we really are and
the manner in which we do things. Self awareness helps an individual to gain
control, take better decision and be more flexible and confident in the approach.

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 3

1. SWOT Analysis
An individual undertakes SWOT analysis he/she assesses himself not in
isolation but actually assesses overall situation. Now the question arises what
should be listed under the Strength Weakness Opportunities and Threats?
a. Strength list down the qualities and skills that the individual possess.
b. Weakness list down the qualities and skills that individual wishes to
acquire.
c. Opportunity list down the resources that are available and are strongly
linked to the strength.
d. Threat list down the factors that are hindrance to the progress and are
linked to the weakness that has been already listed down.

2. Johari Window: A model for self-awareness, personal development, group

development and understanding relationship. It’s a technique which helps the
individual to develop better understanding of their relationship with themselves
and others.

Key terms used in Johari Windows, here ‘self' -oneself, i.e. refers to the person,
others refers to the other people in team and the four regions, areas and the
quadrants are the perspective that one holds.

1. Open area, open self, free area, free self, or 'the arena :what is known by the
person about him/herself and is also known by others
2. Blind area, blind self, or 'blindspot‘:what is unknown by the person about
him/herself but which others know
3. Hidden area, hidden self, avoided area, avoided self or 'façade’:what the
person knows about him/herself that others do not know.

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 3

4. Unknown area or unknown self: what is unknown by the person about

him/herself and is also unknown by others.
______________________________________________________________
Self Check Questions
1. In individualistic culture people prefer ___________ while in collectivist culture
they prefer___________.
2. _______________ has talked about material self, social self and spiritual self.
3. According to theory of Panch Koshas, as described in Indian thought, Annamaya
Kosh involves the _____________.
___________________________________________________________________
3.5 Summing Up
Self is focus of our everyday behaviour and all of us do have a set of
perceptions and beliefs about ourselves. This kind of self concept plays important
role in motivating us and organizing our behaviours. It starts evolving early in life. A
sense of self awareness grows among us when we grow. In fact, all of us engage in
experiences which enhance our sense of self. As Rogers said we want positive
regard from others. In other words we have a strong need of being loved and valued
by other people. The study of self and its functioning is a fascinating topic. In this
lesson you are going to learn about the way self is conceptualized and the different
aspects of self are related to human behaviour.
3.6 Possible answers to Self-Check Questions
1. Independent, interdependent.
2. William James
3. Gross physical body
3.7 Terminal Question
1. Describe the concept of self.
2. Name five koshas discussed in the Indian thought.
3. Define self introspection. Also discuss models of self introspection.

3.8 Suggested Further Readings

1. Singh, Abha (2012). Behavioural Science: Achieving Behavioural Excellence for
Success: Wiley India Private Limited.
2. Sharma, S. (2013). Body language and Self-Confidence. Jaipur: Sublime
Publications.
3.9 Keyword
1. Self Esteem: It is the evaluative component of self concept. It basically deals with
internalized social judgments and ideas about how worthwhile a personal quality is.

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 4

4. Development of Positive Personal Attitude

___________________________________________________________________

In the last lesson we had discussed self concept and models of self introspection
and how these models help us to understand ourselves better. In this lesson we
shall discuss attitude and development of positive personal attitude.

4.0 Objective
After going through this lesson you should be able to :

 Define attitude
 Function of attitude
 Define positive attitude
 Understand steps to develop positive attitude

4.1 Introduction
There is a relationship between positive attitude and communication. A
person‟s possessing negative attitude, characterized by hatred , jealousy , inferiority
complex etc. finds problem in communication , conveying as well as listening.

4.2 Attitude
According to Adam Robinson, “attitude is the way you define and interpret your
experience. In simple words attitude is the sum total of person’s believes,
assumptions, expectation and values. It determines the meaning or significance one
attaches to event and his response to them.

Attitudes are defined as our favorable or unfavorable evaluations of people, objects,

and situations.

Attitudes can be broken down into 3 basic components:

a. Emotional
b. Informational
c. Behavioral

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 4

a. Emotional Component: The emotional component includes the person’s

feelings or effect about an object, i.e. positive or negative.
 Positive Attitudes: When an attitude towards a situation or subject is
positive, then the person tends to be receptive and he makes an effort
to understand.
 Negative Attitudes: In these types of attitude the person develops
barriers and filters, accept data and ideas selectively. The person
rejects, ignores, minimizes some things and exaggerates others and
criticizes destructively. This is because of previously accepted ideas
with which the new ideas are incompatible.
b. Informational Component: It consists of beliefs and information the
individual has about the object. It makes no difference whether or not this
information is empirically real or correct. For example: a supervisor may
believe that two weeks of training is necessary before a worker can operate
particular equipment. In reality, the average worker may be able to operate
the machine successfully after only four days of training. Yet the information
the superior is using (that two weeks are necessary) is the key to his attitude
about his training.
c. Behavioral Component: It consists of a person’s tendency to behave in a
particular way toward an object. For example: the supervisor in the above
paragraph may assign two weeks of machine training to all his new
employees. It is important to note that out of the three components of
attitudes; only the behavioral component can be directly observed. One
cannot see another person’s feelings and informational component.

The informational component that contains the beliefs about object provides the
basis for attitude. Ones feelings towards the object (the emotional component)
are attitude itself. The behavioral intentions disrobe

4.3 Attitude Formation

Attitudes are the results of beliefs. If employee believes that the current job will
provide them with experience and training necessary to be promoted, the resulting
job attitude will be positive. As a result the employee will want to stay with the
organization (behavioral component) and will be as productive as possible (actual
behavior).

Factors that Determine Our Attitude

1. Environment
2. Experiences
3. Education

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 4

1. Environment: This consists of home, school then the work place which
creates a culture for us. Parents who respect each other and create healthy
atmosphere, leads to the upbringing of children with a healthy mind and a
positive attitude towards life. Media, traditions and social environment also
influence a person’s outlook on life.
2. Experiences: Events in life determine individual’s behavior changes. Positive
experiences with an individual make our attitude positive towards him.
Failures in life make us shy and introvert.
3. Education: True education teaches us not only how to make a living but also
how to live. Both formal as well as informal education has an impact on the
individual. It opens to us the doors of positive living

4.4 Functions of Attitude

Why do we form attitudes? It allows us to simplify social life which is
complicated and full of various types of information. Attitudes serve four important
functions in our lives:

1. Attitudes allow us to understand the world around us. Positive attitudes help to
come closer to some people and make you agree to their requests. You may identify
with role models (e.g. Sachin Tendulkar, Mother Teresa) and try to develop their way
of thinking and behaving. The negative attitudes make us stay away from such
people or situations.

2. Attitudes help describe the social groups that each one of us belongs to. As
members of a family, group of friends, or, religious, political group we share similar
attitudes and this helps to bind us together. Thus we may favour the religious and
political groups we belong to and show unfavourable attitude towards the other
groups.

3. Attitudes also help us to understand ‘who we are’ or our identity. Attitudes express
an individual’s values and self-concept. For example, some people value equality
while others may value freedom or compassion. Mahatama Gandhi’s attitude
towards honesty and Mother Teresa’s concern for the poor and needy is well known.

4. Attitudes help us to get support, praise and acceptance from others. People who
hold similar attitudes are attracted toward each other. For example, your friend and
you share common interests and attitudes, both of you like each other and hence it
makes easier to carry on the friendship. Thus attitudes help us to adjust in our social
interaction.

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 4

4.5 Impact of Positive Attitude on Communication

A Person with positive attitude is a master of a silent and soothing mind which
reacts in a cool and better way. Hence this makes communication more congenial. A
person with positive attitude can listen to others point of view empathetically and
objectively. A person in reaction free- consciousness can listen other in better way
and can understand intuitively. A person with cool mind is likely have to clear
thoughts and consequently clear and conscious message. A person with positive
attitude can write more clearly, speak more eloquently and convey through body
language in more effective way.

Optimism and a positive mindset are the root causes of so many positive benefits in
life such as well being and happiness. People with a positive mindset are known to
be more successful than others, because they see problems and failure as a chance
to advance their knowledge, since these people are able to learn from their
mistakes. Everyone that has ever experienced the power of positive attitude knows
how powerful the implementation of positive thinking and the development of a
positive attitude and positive mindset can be.

Definition of positive attitude:

Attitude is a state of mind that involves beliefs and feelings that influence our
behavior and the decisions we make. A positive attitude enables people to be in a
very optimistic state of mind. It is the strong belief of optimists that good things will
occur in their future life, such as it had happened in their past. A person with a
positive mindset is able to write negative events off as an incident and take the
chance to learn from their mistakes to avoid these bad happenings in the future.

4.6 Steps for Building Positive Attitude

Step1:

Change focus – look for the positive - Most people find what they are looking for. If
they are looking for friendship, happiness and the positive, that is what they get. If
they are looking for fights or indifference, then that is what they get.

Step 2:

Make a habit of doing it now - Life is not a dress rehearsal. I don't care what
philosophy you believe in-- we have got only one shot at this game called life. The
stakes are too high. The stakes are the future generations.

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 4

Step 3:

Develop an attitude of gratitude - Count your blessings, not your troubles

Step 4:

Get into a continuous education program - Spend so much time improving yourself
that you have no time left to criticize others.

Step 5:

Build a positive self-esteem - If you want to build positive self-esteem quickly, one of
the fastest ways is to do something for others who cannot repay you in cash or kind.

Step 6:

Stay away from negative influences - A person’s character is not only judged by the
company he keeps, but also by the company he avoids.

Step 7:

Learn to like the things that need to be done - Start by doing what is necessary, then
what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible. --
St. Francis of Assisi
Step 8:

Start your day with a positive - "If you are going to change your life, you need to start
immediately and do it flamboyantly."

Self Check Questions

1. Attitudes can be broken down into 3 basic

components________________,_____________ and
_____________________.
2. Factors that determine our attitude are ______________,________________
and _________________________

________________________________________________________________

4.7 Steps for Maintaining Positive Attitude

Our attitude is a result of deliberate action. We choose the ways we respond to
difficulties in our lives. That’s not to say that some situations are going to be more

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 4

difficult than others, but there are steps we can take to help maintain a positive
attitude.

1. Know what is important

We often expend emotional energy on things that, if we stopped and thought about
them, are not all that important to us. Take time to clarify your personal beliefs and
mission. Then, stop worrying about those things that are not important in the overall
scheme of your life.

2. Look after your physical wellbeing

Exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep can all contribute to a good attitude. If
you feel good physically, it’s easier to reflect a positive attitude. Even something as
simple as a haircut or a new outfit can give a mental boost and help you feel
confident.

3. Give it away

Possibly the best way to build and maintain a good attitude is by sharing with others.
I don’t know how many times, at the end of a tough work day, doing something with
or for others has boosted my attitude. Whether choirs practice, visiting someone in
hospital or having coffee with friends, time spent with others can have a positive
impact on my state of mind.

4. Get rid of the unnecessary

It seems the more complex our lives become, the more ways we have to worry
about things going wrong. I’ve known people who become so caught up in their
possessions that they never seem to enjoy what they have. Or, those who spend so
much time trying to keep up with the neighbours, that they get no pleasure from what
they already have. Simplify your life and you’ll find your attitude improving.

5. Look at the funny side

Humour and attitude are closely related. People with good attitudes tend to have a
good sense of humour. Instead of focusing on the loss in a robbery, someone with a
good sense of humour phones her husband and says, “ We finally got rid of that ugly
lamp your Aunt gave us as a wedding gift!”

6. Play to your strengths

We all have things that make us feel good. Make regular time for those things. It
might be listening to music, reading a book, talking a bath, or going for a walk.
Whatever boosts your attitude, make it a part of your routine.

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BAJ (MC) 107 Unit 1, Lesson 4

7. Build your buffers

There are going to be times when things happen that are beyond our own ability to
manage. Rather than allowing them to pull us down, turn to outside sources for
support. Talking to friends, meeting with a counsellor or a minister, meditation and
prayer can all help us through difficult times. Build an external support system.

4.8 Summing Up
You may think of your friend as trustworthy, caring and helpful and hence
have a positive and favourable feeling towards him/her. On the other hand you may
consider your neighbour to be loud who tend to interfere in your family’s activities.
You are likely to have a negative or unfavourable feeling toward such a person.
Similarly our family, grandparents, neighbours, friends, political leaders and others
communicate their attitudes and beliefs towards us. We need to understand
ourselves and others and evaluate the social world we live in. Our attitudes and
beliefs help to understand ourselves and the people who live around us. In this
lesson we will examine the nature of attitude.

4.9 Possible answers to Self-Check Questions

1. Emotional , Informational and Behavioral
2. Environment , Experiences and Education
4.10 Terminal Question
1. Define attitudes. Describe the three components of attitude.
2. Briefly describe the functions of attitudes. Illustrate your answer with
examples.
3. How are attitudes formed? Illustrate your answer with examples.
4. Can attitudes be changed? Explain the three important factors that help to
bring about attitude change.
4.1 1 Suggested Further Readings
1. Singh, Abha (2012). Behavioural Science: Achieving Behavioural Excellence
for Success: Wiley India Private Limited.
2. Sharma, S. (2013). Body language and Self-Confidence. Jaipur: Sublime
Publications.
4.12 Keyword
1. Attitude: is the sum total of person’s believes, assumptions, expectation and
values. It determines the meaning or significance one attaches to event and
his response to them.

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