Thoroughly updated to include the latest research references, Richard Ryckman's "theory by theory" approach to personality carefully guides students through major theories in a way that helps them develop a comprehensive understanding of personality. Ryckman's personal writing style presents the major theories in a straightforward way helping readers more easily distinguish between them. At the beginning of the text, Ryckman provides a framework that defines personality, and emphasizes the science of personality (including the interrelation between research and theory). Then, he introduces each major theoretical position with an objective overview of the theorist's basic concepts and principles. Ryckman concludes by noting the ways in which the different theories stimulate additional research efforts, and by presenting five current research trends that have resulted from the work of these earlier theorists. The result is a text that merges the best of classic and contemporary research in the field leaving students with a solid working knowledge of personality.