Which one of the four positions of the nature of traits do you agree with most and why?

      I agree with the second position of the four positions of the nature of traits the most. This second position is behavioral dispositions. I do however completely disagree with the second position of neurophysiological substrates. Behavioral dispositions are defined as trait tendencies to think, feel, and act in consistent ways which interact with external influences, such as situational variables and cultural norms that influence a person’s functioning (McAdams, 2009). Concerning trait attributions they can be used for describing behavior summaries and for suggesting causal or generative mechanisms for behavior (McAdams, 2009). I agree with how behavioral dispositions keep the option open pertaining to psychophysiological substrata and I believe that traits do exist as dispositions that affect behaviors although it maintains traits are existent as dispositions which exert a substantial impact toward behavior (McAdams, 2009). I agree because I believe outside influences will and can affect one’s personality. If one wants to fit in with a certain group of people their personality may change in order to be accepted. As well as it depends on the culture one lives in. Take for instance women in Afghanistan, they are barely able to educate themselves and live in an oppressive culture, so their personality is attuned to outside influences. However if they were taken out of Afghanistan and sent to America then the different culture will affect and set a different personality.  

     In contrast neurophysiology substrates traits are thought to exist in the central nervous system (McAdams, 2009). This states that neuropsychic structures are hypothesized patternings of psychophysiology—say, which are particular brain circuitry or neurotransmitter pathways which exert a causal influence on behavior, accounting for consistencies over time and across situations (McAdams, 2009). McAdams (2009) stated “traits are biological patternings in the central nervous system that cause behavior to occur and account for the consistencies in socioemotional functioning from one situation to the next and over time” (p. 110). These traits will not be influenced by outside interferences such as culture. I completely disagree with this. If this were the case then no one would ever be able to change who they are or how they act, and interact in certain situations nor be able to adjust to cultural differences. One would have control over who they are or who they want to become. Therefore from birth to death one will always be the same and never changed. In my own personal life I have made changes constantly in life. 

Reference

McAdams, D. P. (2009). The person: A new introduction to personality psychology. (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.