Beneath the Mask: An Introduction to Theories of Personality

by Christopher F. Monte

This book's theorist-by-theorist approach to personality theories explores how the personal histories, conflicts, and intentions of each theorist contributed to his or her portraits of people. It presents the "sequence of thinking" for more than 20 theorists and the changes embodied in the streams of their ideas over time. The format emphasizes each theorist's life history as the basis for the ideas that constitute the theory, making the theories easier to understand as "pictures of human nature." Theories are presented comprehensively and empathetically and are introduced with scrupulous attention to historical, experimental, and clinical research. Where appropriate, extensive quotations and citations from the theorists' own works are included.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Nonfiction, Reference, Academic

700 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Tiffany Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Also for my winter psychology class!

[alexander shay · Rating 3 out of 5]

READ FOR PSYC 333

It was a surprise to find that we skipped over the Freud chapters entirely. But like my teacher said, he's such a staple that we've probably learned enough about him by now. I was already familiar with Erikson, Adler, and Rogers, but the rest of them I was only vaguely familiar with, if at all. There were a few near the end of the book that I didn't follow at all; Melanie Klein's chapter is probably one of the worst.
I don't know if it was just my lack of familiarity with their theories, but it felt like there was a tone or outright author change midway through the text. The overarching format of the chapters remained the same, but the word choice and sentence structure seemed completely different. Several sentences were repeatedly used throughout at least one chapter, to the point that it felt like I was being told re-iterated information rather than new content; one concept would get partially explained in three different sections, and it was the same part of the concept being explained. It made things really hard to absorb while reading.

[Simon Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have fond memories of studying psychology in the 80's in the USA and being given this book to read. I liked the concise nature of being able to 'get' various theories. From memory it was Freudian theory that just didn't gel with me. There were elements of his theories that resonated but then he would talk about things like the Oedipal Complex. To me that said more about him, than providing a framework that is helpful for real life.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an old text book I was supposed to read in undergrad for a Theories of Personality course about 15 years ago. I loved the course, got an A, and went on to get a doctorate degree in Psychology, and this course was a key motivator. Well, one PhD, one MD, and thousands of hours of clinical experience later... I always regretted not reading this book. I'm reading it now.

I'm surprised how much info is in here. It is as much a History of Psychology as much as a Theories of Personality book. And it IS overdone, and very wordy... to the point of being ridiculous! But I feel it's going to be worth it. I'm taking it slow. Reading half a chapter every week or so. I think it's a must read for anyone interested in Psychology or Psychiatry.

[Theresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beneath The Mask An Introduction To Theories Of Personality
Monte, Christopher F.
required text for college

[Danny Bennett · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very in depth discussion of personality theories. Is a little overdone in some chapters, but the best aspect is how they connect the theory with the personal life of the theorist.

[Aryel Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book and I really enjoyed learning about all of the different personalities.