Horizon Season 2013 Episode 10 The Truth About Personality

The Horizon season 2013 episode 10 titled "The Truth About Personality" delves into the complex and fascinating world of personality and the factors that shape it.

The episode begins with an exploration of the history of personality research, tracing its roots back to ancient Greece and examining the different theories and approaches that have emerged over the years. It also looks at the various ways in which personality is measured and assessed, from self-report questionnaires to more objective measures like brain scans and genetic testing.

One of the key questions that the episode addresses is whether personality is primarily shaped by genetics or by environmental factors. While there is evidence to suggest that genes do play a role in shaping certain aspects of personality, such as introversion and extroversion, the episode argues that the impact of environmental factors is equally significant.

To illustrate this point, the episode looks at a number of different case studies, including a set of identical twins who were separated at birth and raised in very different environments. Despite their genetic similarities, the twins developed very different personalities, demonstrating the powerful influence of upbringing and life experiences.

The episode also explores the role of culture in shaping personality, looking at how different societies place different values on certain traits and how this can impact the development of individuals within those societies. For example, it examines the "Big Five" personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) and how these are valued differently in different cultures.

Another topic that the episode explores is the concept of "personality disorders," which are characterized by traits that are extreme or unusual in some way. These can range from conditions like narcissism and borderline personality disorder to more obscure diagnoses like schizotypal personality disorder. The episode looks at the different ways in which these disorders are diagnosed and treated, and whether they are truly distinct from "normal" personality traits.

Throughout the episode, various experts in psychology and neuroscience weigh in on these topics, providing a balanced and informative perspective on the complex and multifaceted nature of personality. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a deeper understanding of what personality is, how it is shaped, and how it can impact our lives and relationships.