CHAPTER 1 (CHARACTER FORMATION)
Introduction
Character is a psychological notion that refers to all the habitual ways of feeling
and reacting that distinguish one individual from another. Sigmund Freud had a
sustained interest in the question of character formation, since it touches on the major
themes that interested him: "anatomo-physiological destiny," memory traces, and,
more generally, the role of acquired traits, as well as the function of sublimation with
regard to the "remains" of the pre-genital libido.
In The Interpretation of Dreams (1900a), Freud defined character in relationship
to the unconscious: "What we describe as our 'character' is based on the memory-
traces of our impressions; and, moreover, the impressions which have had the greatest
effect on us—those of our earliest youth—are precisely the ones which scarcely ever
become conscious" (pp. 539-540). This definition posits character as a sort of memory,
a collection of traces. Five years later, in Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality
(1905d), Freud emphasized individual psychic activity: "
Learning outcome:
At the end of the topic, the students will be able to:
Define the concept of character formation
Discuss the contributing factors of character formation
Enumerate the different types of character formation
Identify the different character traits
Learning content
It contains readings, selection and discussion questions and sets of activities that
students can work on individually or by group.
1.1. Character Formation
1.2. Contributing Factors of Character Formation
1.3. General Types of Character Formation
1.4. Six (6) Pillars of Good Character Formation
1.5. Types of Character
1.6. Character Traits
A. What is Character Formation?
It is derived from Greek word “charassein” referring to an engraving
instrument; originally used of a marked impressed upon a coin or the mark cut by it.
Then it was applied to a distinctive mark of a personality; and gradually, to the sum
total of such mark, each individual one is being called characteristics.
It is a trademark of being a person.
Character Building
It is the process by which the individual, through interaction of biologically
transmitted predispositions with the environment, develops stable pattern of
functioning, thinking and feeling.
B. What are the different Contributing Factors of Character Formation?
The following are different contributing factors of character formation:
1. Parental Influence- is the most important of all the factors responsible for
personality development.
2. Home Environment- home as cradle of human character and personality largely
contribute to the character formation of a child.
3. School Environment- to perfect the total development of a child’s character and
attitude, besides the home environment, a child’s school
environment too plays a major role in shaping the child’s
personality.
4. Culture- everyone has different character and values because of the
different cultures where everyone is exposed
C. What are the five (5) Factors that determine the Character Personality
Traits?
Five Factors that Determine Character or Personality Traits
1. Openness
2. Conscientiousness
3. Extraversion
4. Agreeableness
5. Neuroticism
What are the different General Types of Character Formation?
General Types of Characters:
1. Positive Character
2. Negative Character
3. Neutral Character
1. Positive Character- Positive character traits are those things that draw us to
other people. When someone is generous, kind, energetic, or
optimistic they exude energy that attracts others. Of course, who
wouldn’t want to spend time with a warm, open, and loving
person?
Now, when we turn the mirror back on ourselves, many times we
notice not-so-positive character traits…things like jealousy,
selfishness, immaturity, or greed. These can all be changed. If you
are not getting the results you want in life, the first place to look is
at how you are interacting with the world.
Positive character traits can be developed in ourselves. There is a
simple, three step process to integrate a new positive trait into
your life.
2. Negative Character- The majority of people would consider the character traits
described below to be "bad" or “negative”. However, "bad"
or “negative” is defined by the culture in which one lives. For
example, for a priest "aggressive" might be a negative trait
while for a soccer player or salesman, it is usually a
desirable trait.
Negative personality adjectives
angry
bewildered
clumsy
defeated
embarrassed
fierce
grumpy
3. Neutral Character - A neutral character does what seems to be a good idea. She
doesn't feel strongly one way or the other when it comes to
good vs. evil or law vs. chaos. Most neutral characters exhibit a
lack of conviction or bias rather than a commitment to
neutrality. Such a character thinks of good as better than evil-
after all, she would rather have good neighbors and rulers than
evil ones. Still, she's not personally committed to upholding
good in any abstract or universal way.
Some neutral characters, on the other hand, commit themselves
philosophically to neutrality. They see good, evil, law, and chaos
as prejudices and dangerous extremes. They advocate the
middle way of neutrality as the best, most balanced road in the
long run.
Neutral is the best alignment you can be because it means you
act naturally, without prejudice or compulsion.
Neutral can be a dangerous alignment when it represents
apathy, indifference, and a lack of conviction.
D. What are different Pillars of Good Character?
1. Trustworthiness - This is the pillar of good character that is considered the
most complicated of the six core ethical values.
Honesty
Truthfulness
Sincerity
Candor
Integrity
Loyalty
2. Reliability- This pillar of good character takes into consideration the
reliability.
Avoid faith excuses
Avoid unwise commitments
Avoid unclear commitments
3. Responsibility- They exhibit the ability to respond to expectations.
4. Fairness -
5. Caring -
6. Citizenship -
E. What is the definition of Character Traits?
1. Self-realized character - a person with this type of character is ever
enthusiastic for he knows his potentialities and
limitations.
2. Covetous Character- this refers to a jealous or acquisitive character
3. Superstitious Character- in a way that all are superstitious but when were over
superstitious then problem starts.
4. Egoistic Character- the person thinks that worlds run due to him and
everything and everybody should respect him as
such.
5. Anti-social Character- a person who neither cares for the norms set by the
society nor cares for the moral or ethical values is an
anti-social character.
6. Insincere Character- when a person does something good for us, we
express our sincere thanks and go extra mile in being
sincere to that person in whatever way it is possible
for us. Contrarily, a person who thinks others is there
for serving him and is without any warmth feelings for
others.
7. Complacent Character-
F. What are the different character traits?
1. Alertness - being aware of what is taking place around.
2. Attentiveness - showing the worth of a person or task but giving
undivided concentration.
3. Availability - making own schedule on priorities secondary to the
wishes of those being served.
4. Benevolence - giving to others basic needs without the motivation
for acquiring personal rewards.
5. Boldness - confidence that what is say or do is true, right and
just.
6. Cautiousness - knowing how important right timing is in
accomplishing right actions
7. Compassion - investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of
others.
8. Contentment - realizing that true happiness does not depend on
material conditions.
9. Creativity - approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new
perspective.
10. Decisiveness - the ability to recognize key factors and finalize
difficult decisions.
11. Deference - limiting freedom so not to offend the tastes of
others.
12. Dependability - fulfilling what is consented to do, even if it means
unexpected sacrifice.
13. Determination - purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time,
regardless of the opposition.
14. Diligence - investing time and energy to complete each task
assigned.
15. Discernment - understanding the deeper reasons why things
happen.
16. Discretion - recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and
attitudes that could bring undesirable consequences.
17. Endurance - the inward strength to withstand stress and do the
best.
18. Enthusiasm - expressing joy in doing and accomplishing each tasks.
19. Faith - confidence that actions rooted in good character will
yield the best outcome, even when it’s not personally
observed.
20. Flexibility - willingness to change plans or ideas according to the
direction of the authorities.
21. Forgiveness - clearing the records of those who have wronged and
not holding a grudge.
22. Generosity - carefully managing resources to be capable of freely
giving to those in need.
23. Gentleness - showing consideration and personal concern for
others.
24. Gratefulness - letting others know by ones words and actions how
they have benefited one’s life.
25. Honor - respecting those in leadership because of the higher
authorities they represent.
26. Hospitality - Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, or conversation to
benefit others.
27. Humility - acknowledging that achievement results from the
investment of others in one’s life.
28. Initiative - recognizing and doing what needs to be done before
being asked to do it.
29. Joyfulness - maintaining a good attitude, even when placed with
unpleasant condition.
30. Justice - taking personal responsibility to uphold what is pure,
right and true.
31. Loyalty - using difficult times to demonstrate commitment to
those being served.
32. Meekness - yielding personal rights and expectations with a desire
to serve.
33. Obedience - quickly and cheerfully carrying out the direction of the
superior.
34. Orderliness - arranging self and surroundings to achieve greater
efficiency.
35. Patience - accepting a difficult situation without giving a
deadline to remove it.
36. Persuasiveness - guiding vital truths around another’s mental
roadblock.
37. Punctuality - showing esteem for others by doing the right thing at
the right time.
38. Resourcefulness - finding practical uses or that which others would
overlook or discard.
39. Responsibility - knowing and doing what is expected
40. Security - structuring one’s life around that which cannot be
destroyed or taken away.
41. Self-control - rejecting wrong desires and doing what is right.
42. Sensitivity - perceiving the true attitudes and emotions of others.
43. Sincerity - eagerness to do what is right with transparent
motives.
44. Thoroughness - knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness
of one’s work or words if neglected.
45. Thriftiness - allowing oneself and others to spend only what is
necessary
Learning Task 1:
1. Read the following resource materials. (Module or E-resources)
a. Please read: A Neutral Behavior.
http://easydamus.com/trueneutral.html#:~:text=A%20neutral%20character
%20does%20what,than%20a%20commitment%20to%20neutrality.
b. Character Formation. https://www.encyclopedia.com/psychology/dictionaries-
thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/character-formation.
2. List down 10 Negative Character and 10 Positive Character?
https://loveenglish.org/character-traits/
References:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0034408910860309?
journalCode=urea20#:~:text=Character%20formation%20is%20that
%20deeply,are%20appropriate%20for%20young%20children.
https://www.encyclopedia.com/psychology/dictionaries-thesauruses-
pictures-and-press-releases/character-formation
http://www.rexpublishing.com.ph/character-formation/
https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-94-007-
1494-6_46
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/004057365801400406?
journalCode=ttja
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=659
https://www.slideshare.net/AnuRadha107/moral-development-character-
formation-and-education
