Personality: A Psychological Interpretation
Foundational, career-defining introduction to Allport's personality psychology.
Author guide
Gordon W. Allport Books in Order
Gordon W. Allport (1897–1967) was an American psychologist who helped establish personality psychology as a major field of study. His work emphasized the individual person, conscious motivation, personality traits, religious orientation, prejudice, and intergroup relations.
personality psychologysocial psychologypsychology of religion
Catalog record updated .
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
The Nature of Prejudice
Allport's most influential work on prejudice and intergroup relations.
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Essays and speeches (2)
- The Appeal of Anglican Catholicism to an Average Man
pamphlet · 1944
Other (17)
- Trait-Names: A Psycho-Lexical Study
monograph · 1936
- Personality: A Psychological Interpretation
book · 1937
- The Use of Personal Documents in Psychological Science
monograph · 1942
- The Psychology of Rumor
book · 1947
- The Nature of Personality: Selected Papers
collection · 1950
- The Nature of Prejudice
book · 1954
- Youth's Outlook on the Future: A Cross-National Study
monograph · 1955
- Pattern and Growth in Personality
book · 1961
- Letters from Jenny
collection · 1965
- The Person in Psychology: Selected Essays by Gordon W. Allport
collection · 1968
Frequently asked questions about Gordon W. Allport
Who was Gordon W. Allport?
Gordon W. Allport (1897–1967) was an American psychologist and an early architect of personality psychology. He is also remembered for influential research on prejudice, discrimination, and intergroup relations.
Where did Gordon W. Allport work?
Allport spent nearly his entire academic career at Harvard, earning his bachelor’s degree and PhD there and serving on the faculty from 1930 until 1967. He also helped shape Harvard’s psychology and social-relations programs.
Sources: psychology.fas.harvard.edu (opens in a new tab)thecrimson.com (opens in a new tab)
What were Gordon W. Allport’s main ideas in psychology?
Allport emphasized the uniqueness of each person, personality traits, conscious motivation, and the influence of current context. His influential trait framework distinguished cardinal, central, and secondary traits.
Sources: psychology.fas.harvard.edu (opens in a new tab)dictionary.apa.org (opens in a new tab)
What awards did Gordon W. Allport receive?
He received the American Psychological Foundation’s Gold Medal in 1963 and the American Psychological Association’s Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions in 1964.
Sources: thecrimson.com (opens in a new tab)apa.org (opens in a new tab)
What is Gordon W. Allport’s legacy?
Allport helped establish personality psychology and made lasting contributions to the study of prejudice and intergroup relations. The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues later named its intergroup-relations prize in his honor.
Sources: psychology.fas.harvard.edu (opens in a new tab)psych.ucsb.edu (opens in a new tab)