ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Community common sense and personogenesis

 Bunul-simţ comunitar şi personogeneza

First published: 30 septembrie 2024

Editorial Group: MEDICHUB MEDIA

DOI: 10.26416/Psih.78.3.2024.10090

Abstract

This paper explores the connection between community common sense and personality ontogenesis, focusing on the role of community common sense in the formation and development of an individual’s personality. It delves into the critical stages of personality ontogenesis – from birth and early life, childhood and adolescence, to maturity and old age – and examines how community common sense influences personal development. The paper emphasizes the impact of genetics and sociocultural factors in various stages of individual ontogenesis. Additionally, it underscores the vital role of professional responsibility in confirming personal maturity. Furthermore, the paper illustrates the significance of community common sense in fostering a harmonious work environment and in promoting mental health in psychiatric clinics. Throughout the exploration, the paper highlights several aspects, such as community attitudes, dialogue and community participation, which contribute to the shaping and empowerment of an individual’s personality within a community.
 

Keywords
community common sense, personogenesis

Rezumat

Această lucrare explorează legătura dintre bunul-simţ comunitar şi personogeneză, concentrându-se pe rolul bunului-simţ  în formarea şi dezvoltarea personalităţii individului. Se analizează etapele critice ale personogenezei – de la naştere, primii ani de viaţă, copilărie şi adolescenţă, la maturitate şi bătrâneţe – şi se examinează modul în care bunul-simţ comunitar influenţează dezvoltarea unei personalităţi echilibrate. Lucrarea subliniază impactul factorilor genetici şi socioculturali în diversele etape ale ontogenezei individuale. De asemenea, evidenţiază rolul vital al responsabilităţii profesionale în confirmarea maturităţii personale. Articolul ilustrează importanţa bunului-simţ comunitar în promovarea unui mediu de muncă armonios, inclusiv în sprijinul sănătăţii mintale a personalului medical. Prin explorare, lucrarea evidenţiază mai multe aspecte, cum ar fi atitudinile comunitare, dialogul şi participarea membrilor comunităţii, ce contribuie la modelarea şi împuternicirea personalităţii individului în cadrul unei comunităţi.
 

Introduction

The concept of common sense can be defined from various perspectives, with constant reference to the social and cultural context. Viewed from one’s own experience, it represents the background of communication, knowledge, and creativity attributes of the individual(1).

Community common sense represents the community’s capacity to act collectively and responsibly to solve problems and improve the living conditions for all its members(1). It entails respect for other community members, empathy, civic responsibility, solidarity, cooperation, and active involvement of each individual for the benefit of the entire community. Community common sense is essential in developing and maintaining a healthy and balanced community.

In the 19th century, the term “personality” was common, and a century later, personality psychology encompassed research oriented towards behavior, cognition, and personality traits involved in interpersonal relationships, as well as concerns related to motivation, action control, and the formation and transformation of the individual over time. The ontogenesis of normal personality is a complex process that integrates hereditary and environmental factors and requires integrative study models(2).

The process of human personality development and formation combines the cultural influences, personal experiences, along with predisposing genetic factors, the social environment, education, interpersonal relationships, and personal choices.

In light of evolutionism, it can be interpreted as the process through which human beings develop adaptive and functional individual identities in their specific environments. This process involves the evolution of cognitive and emotional capacities that allow individuals to adapt to complex social structures, form interpersonal connections, and maintain a coherent sense of identity(3).

These concepts are closely related, as community common sense and active involvement in the community can contribute to the development of a balanced and responsible personality. The stages involved entail values and attitudes oriented towards the common good. A classic example is that common sense guides us in choosing an appropriate or inappropriate behavior in a social context. Thus, common sense is internalized through exposure to social and cultural situations, and becomes a component of individual behavior and personality.

The role of community common sense in personogenesis

The role of common sense is fundamental in this process, as it is accompanied by the practical understanding of social norms, common values, and decision-making processes. Furthermore, common sense is a filter through which an individual processes information and decisions based on what is logical and reasonable. These two aspects result from collective experience and the cultural norms of a community, thereby influencing future social experiences and contributing to personality formation.

Community common sense and personality ontogenesis are two interconnected and complementary concepts. Through community common sense, the individuals understand that their actions have an impact on others and take responsibility for acting in an ethical and responsible manner. On the other hand, personality ontogenesis is the process through which individuals form their own beliefs, values and identity through interaction with others and under the influence of environmental factors. Community common sense influences personal development and vice versa(5,13).

Genetic and sociocultural factors collaborate in various stages of personality ontogenesis(11). Genetic factors play an important role in personality development. Studies show that genetic factors condition behavior, intelligence, temperament, or susceptibility to certain mental illnesses. There is a study that showed how 80% of intelligence can be attributed solely to these genetic factors(22).

In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors support individual development. They include family, strangers, culture, and socioeconomic status. Children raised in a supportive environment are more likely to form secure attachments and good self-esteem, compared to those exposed to trauma and neglect, which can lead to emotional dysregulation and difficulties in forming harmonious interpersonal relationships.

Knowledge and representation of the world are embedded in language. Individual psychic ontogenesis includes education(3). Through education, individuals acquire knowledge, skills, values and abilities that help them reach their maximum potential(12). The role of education in personality ontogenesis can be exemplified through:

  • Personal formation and development – through the educational process, individuals have the opportunity to improve critical thinking, creativity, communication and relationship skills, for the formation of a strong identity and healthy self-esteem(7).
  • Transmission of social values and norms – individuals learn to respect diversity, respect the rights and opinions of others, and engage in community harmony.
  • Development of adaptation and resilience skills – through education, individuals learn to cope with challenges and changes in their living environment(12).
  • Stimulating curiosity and continuous learning – the individuals are encouraged to discover new areas of knowledge, develop their passions and interests (Figure 1), and remain open to change.
Figure 1. Piaget’s four stages of cognitive development infographic(15) (copyright: Tiffany Smith)
Figure 1. Piaget’s four stages of cognitive development infographic(15) (copyright: Tiffany Smith)


The stages of personality ontogenesis

The attributes of childhood can be found in the temperamental traits of the adult.

The stages within this complex development process include the following:

Birth and early years – a crucial stage for the individual’s later development. In the early years of life, children are like sponges, highly receptive to their surrounding environment and interactions with others. The way the attachment figures provide the pillars for building a secure attachment to the child will be reflected later in the child’s behavior with others(6,16). However, the sensory, motor and affective manifestations during that period can be found in the comorbid conditions of personality disorders in adulthood.

Childhood and adolescence – the child explores the world, improves communication and cognitive abilities, and builds friendships. Experiences during this stage significantly impact the long-term development. The second year of life is decisive in terms of cognitive and affective related changes. Sensorially and cognitively, the child becomes capable of controlling objects consistently and engaging in symbolic play. Concerns arise, and the feeling of shame becomes mental representations in relation to the social environment. The skills and habits from early childhood are more resistant to environmental influences if they are predominantly inherited(14).

Maturity and adulthood – in this stage, the individual is exposed to social, professional and personal responsibilities. Identity and life direction are consolidated during this period. Confronting life’s challenges and transitioning to the family formation and career advancement, as well as caring for loved ones also significantly contribute to personogenesis(17).

Old age and the final stages of life – the final stage of the life cycle, during which significant physical, emotional and social changes occur. It is a period of taking stock, reshaping life motivations, and the feeling of personal fulfilment(19,20).

How does common sense influence personal formation and development?

A primary attribute of the interferences of community common sense and personality ontogenesis is that a person of common sense matures only through interaction with others. For example, if a person takes on the responsibility to help and support members of their community, he will be more open to learning from others, developing new skills, and contributing to the collective welfare. This process of learning and personal development contributes to the structuring of identity and the development of personal potential(8).

Another important argument is that community common sense can influence how individuals build their own beliefs and values. Through interaction with other community members, the individual can be exposed to different perspectives and values, thus having the opportunity to reassess and redefine their own beliefs(18). Therefore, if an individual lives in a community that promotes respect and tolerance for diversity, then they will be more inclined to adopt and integrate these values into their own identity. Thus, community common sense is involved in the formation of ethical beliefs and values(9).

Community common sense, personality, maturity and profession

The professional role represents the absolute confirmation of identity maturity. Thus, community common sense can play an important role in the organization and implementation of a project. In this context, all those involved should have an open attitude and work together to achieve the common goal. Each team member should be willing to offer support and collaborate with others in carrying out different tasks and responsibilities.

Personality traits can influence the way each team member engages in a particular project. Individuals with a balanced, responsible and community-oriented personality will be more inclined to contribute actively and assume responsibilities within the project(4). These individuals can bring innovative ideas, resolve conflicts constructively, and motivate other team members to become involved in a similar manner(9,10).

In a medical project, community common sense benchmarks can play a crucial role in creating a harmonious working environment in which all team members feel valued and encouraged to contribute. This can lead to more efficient collaboration, constructive problem-solving, and the satisfying achievement of project objectives for all participants. Therefore, in organizing an academic project, it is essential that the promotion of common values, harmonious and responsible communication be common sense.

In a psychiatric setting, the two extensively discussed elements play an essential role, both in the relationship between medical staff and patients and in the interactions between patients. Community common sense means being aware of the needs and emotions of those around us and acting in an empathic and respectful manner. In a clinic or office, medical personnel should demonstrate a sense of common sense through respectful and indiscriminatory treatment of patients. It is important to provide a safe environment in which patients feel understood and supported.

Additionally, common sense can also be manifested through the active involvement of medical staff in mental health promotion and improving the well-being of patients. This can include organizing therapeutic and recreational activities, facilitating access to information and resources for managing psychiatric conditions, and providing emotional support and counselling. In a psychiatric clinic, the modelling of personality traits can be influenced by factors such as individual and group therapy, mental health education, and stress adaptation skills. Medical staff should consider these factors in approaching and treating patients, promoting structural balance and psychiatric condition management skills. By applying these principles, the quality of life of patients can be improved, and their recovery and reintegration into society can be contributing.

Conclusions

To cultivate community common sense as a supportive factor in the stages of personality ontogenesis, it is important to promote community education and awareness. Through education, individuals can learn about the importance of civic responsibility, respect for others, and civic engagement. Education can also help individuals develop communication and empathy skills, essential for building healthy and respectful relationships with other community members.

In addition, it is essential to create an environment where individuals feel safe to express their opinions and explore their identity. An open and tolerant community encourages diversity of ideas and perspectives, providing the opportunity for individuals to develop their own beliefs and values. By promoting dialogue and respect for differences, individuals can learn to collaborate and understand that differences are not an obstacle, but an opportunity for growth and learning.

Furthermore, community involvement can be an important factor in developing community common sense and personal maturity. Through participation in community projects and events, individuals have the opportunity to interact with different people and understand the community’s issues and needs. These experiences can contribute to the development of empathy and civic responsibility, and individuals can discover and develop their potential in a real-world context.

In conclusion, community common sense cannot be separated from the stages of personality ontogenesis, as both concepts are essential in individual and community development. Through community common sense, the individual understands the importance of civic responsibility and respect for others, thus contributing to personal development and building a healthy and balanced community. Conversely, experiences related to individual maturity influence community common sense by shaping the individual’s beliefs and values, making them more involved and responsible in their community. By promoting education, dialogue and community involvement, along with individual personality, common sense affirms its necessary and obligatory attributes.

 

 

Autori pentru corespondenţă: Aurel Nireştean E-mail: aurelnirestean@yahoo.com

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: none declared.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT: none declared.

This work is permanently accessible online free of charge and published under the CC-BY.

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