This book traces the evolution of personality psychology from its historical roots to its contemporary paradigms. Frank Dumont, drawing on a century of research, examines the discipline's development, placing classic and current theories within their socio-political contexts. The study incorporates diverse topics such as play, sex, cuisine, creativity, altruism, pets, and grieving rituals, broadening the traditional scope of personality psychology. It further connects personality study to life-span development, cultural influences, gender, traits, genetics, and evolutionary findings, documenting the field's shift towards more modest explanatory models.

This book is presented as a comprehensive historical and contemporary overview of personality psychology, suitable for health-service professionals, teachers, researchers, and scientists. It aims to provide valuable information by contextualizing the discipline's evolution and its diverse research findings. The text is structured to offer both historical depth and an analysis of current prospects, making it a resource for understanding the field's transformation.