Toward an action‐theoretical model of personality

Abstract

An action‐theoretical model of personality is presented, in which missing links between action‐theory and personality constructs are established. Background is the facts, (a) that current psychological theories of action are limited to situation‐ and action‐specific person variables, and (b) that in personality theory systematic relations between such variables and personality constructs are missing. The action‐theoretical model of personality is based on a differentiated expectancy‐value theory, whose situation‐specific constructs (various aspects of valences and expectancies) are logically connected with personality constructs of generalized self‐referential cognitions. The following action‐theoretical personality variables are proposed to be central for the study of person‐situation interactions: (a) self‐concept of own competence, (b) control orientations, (c) trust, (d) conceptualization level, and (e) value orientations. The model implies rules for the operationalization of its constructs and for prediction of behaviour. The structure of the action‐theoretical personality variables and their relations to other theories of personality are described.