Personality Reconceptualised: A Millonian Approach?

Abstract

The field of personality theory and assessment is often criticised for two reasons. The first is the lack of an integrated theory of personality that considers the intrapsychic, interpersonal, environmental, and biological aspects involved in personality development. The second is the Eurocentric nature of most theories. This article critically explores Millon's model of personality as a possible stepping stone towards a more holistic and integrated approach to personality and its assessment. Particular consideration is given to the cross-cultural aspects of personality theory and assessment internationally and in the South African context. In this regard, it is demonstrated that while Millon's model might provide some potential directions to follow in terms of creating a holistic and cross-culturally applicable model of personality, it is still lacking. The link to evolutionary psychology, and hence to biological aspects of personality, as well as the environmental or cross-cultural aspects of personality, needs more development. As with other personality theories, the Millonian approach is largely Eurocentric.