What is the definition of personality in psychology?

Personality in psychology refers to the unique patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that distinguish individuals from one another. This definition encompasses a wide range of attributes—cognitive, emotional, and behavioral—that collectively shape how a person interacts with the world and responds to various situations. The idea of a "combination of characteristics" acknowledges that personality is not a single trait but rather a complex interplay of various dimensions that together create a distinctive character for each individual.

This conceptualization of personality is crucial because it incorporates both the stable traits and the more dynamic aspects of human behavior, illustrating that personality is multifaceted and can evolve over time. It stands in contrast to other definitions that might emphasize emotion, genetics, or situational behavior in isolation, providing a holistic view of what constitutes an individual’s personality.