Review of Personality: A systematic theoretical and factual study

Abstract

Reviews the book Personality: A systematic theoretical and factual study by R. B. Cattell (see record 2005-06609-000 ). This book is no mere compendium of isolated facts and theories about personality. It is a systematic integration of research findings, hypotheses and theories, with natural emphasis on the author's own. The first four of the twenty-one chapters deal with the description and measurement of personality, and represent a selective summary of an earlier work by the same author. The author then turns to the nature and development of dynamic traits. Since it is through these highly plastic traits that most of the changes in personality are held to occur, considerable attention is devoted to psychodynamics. Following the 120 page discussion of psychodynamics is a two-chapter summary of the significant findings in psychosomatics. Then, several chapters are devoted to the influence of the family and other social groups on personality development. The remainder of the book deals with deviant personalities and a longitudinal analysis of personality development from conception to old age. This volume is recommended by the author as a text for both undergraduate and graduate students. However, the reviewer is of the opinion that the level of theoretical sophistication and proportion of controversial content make it more suitable for graduate courses and seminars. The book is well documented and carefully organized, with each chapter rounded off by a summary and questions for discussion. More important, it is a significant book which should not be treated lightly by any student of personality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)