1. Summarize key elements of the major personality theories (e.g., type and trait theories, psychodynamic theories, humanistic theories, etc.) discussed in the text. Personality types are distinct patterns of personality characteristics used to assign people to categories (Gerrig 407). One of the elements of this theory is that if a person belongs to one type he cannot belong to any other. When the theory was first established it was believed that people could be grouped into four categories: sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic, and choleric. In the past it was believed that these were caused by fluids present within the body such as blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile. In today's theory, personality or temperament is linked to one's physique. Each body type determines what one's temperament would be. In recent times there has been a new thought towards the theory that personality is determined by one's birth order. The other part of this theory deals with personality traits. Traits are enduring qualities or attributes that predispose individuals to behave consistently across all situations. This states that while one day you might demonstrate one trait, the next day depending on the situation you might do the opposite. In Allport's trait approach it is stated that traits act as building blocks that connect to produce a person's reaction to stimuli. The theory has led to the belief that 16 factors underlie human personality and create how one acts. The newest and most popular theory in this category is the five-factor model, which suggests that there are five broad, overlapping factors that determine a person's personality. Psychodynamic theory assumes that a powerful inner strength... middle of paper ......the other support system could also be financial, if one is unable to work and have difficulty with finances, of As a result, family, friends and even a community can help with money by lending and fundraising. There are many different ways to cope and deal with stress. Stress can be very harmful to your health and mental stability. An individual should find ways to deal with stress in everyday life and even find different ways of thinking about these stresses. It is important to maintain a healthy state of mind to keep your faculties resting in homeostasis. In times of severe stress such as illness, the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties and during a great tragedy is the time when one needs family, friends and society most. Gerrig, R. J., & Zimbardo, P. G. (2010). Psychology and Life (19th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.