Psychology

Over the years, societal factors have remained some of the most influential dictates of an individuals personality development because they create the direct as well as indirect forces that enhance compliance and progression of values and cognitive norms necessary for existence.   While acknowledging the complexity of an individuals personality, psychologists generally concur that societal factors take a crucial place by defining the immediate environmental outlook.  However, as Carlo (2005) explains, psychologists have for a long time differed on the particular factors that have greatest influence in an individuals personality development.  As a result, this paper uses cognitive theory to evaluate the implications of societal factors on personality development.

War
According to the social cognitive theory of personality development by Albert Bandura, an individuals personality is dependent on both the internal as well as the external factors surrounding them (Lawler, Row and Piferi, 2006).  According to this theory, what people watch, hear and experience becomes part of the holistic shaping process of their personalities.  As Rosen, Milich and Harris (2007) record, the events of war present people with horrible experiences that mostly deviates their inner characters.   When most people are subjected to intensive and resilient wars and their repercussions, most of them often develop aggressive characteristics.  It particularly manifests itself especially when the act of war is legitimized.  According to Gerald (2004), most of the violent cases reported in the war torn areas such as South Sudan and Middle East have strongly contributed to the residents aggressive traits.

Cognitive theory indicates that learning is not static but dynamic in creating new outlines for an individual.  Experiencing the negative impacts of war such as mass killings, rape and property destruction may create negative personality towards the society or authorities involved.  Gerald (2004) reports that most of the people who experienced the 1995 Rwanda genocide assimilated totally differentiated views of their neighboring communities.  In addition to that, the aftermath of war which is mostly characterized by refugees who have lost their homes and property presents an environment filled with a sense of deceit, regrets, and even considerations of revenge.  At this point, if effective rehabilitation is absent, Fox and Calkins (2003) explain that the perception of the future and correlation with the past invokes a new personality which often rekindles similar aggression and at times with greater magnitude.

Technology
Technological advancements in the 21st century are increasingly becoming the center stage in dictating consumerism and lifestyle patterns in the society.  According to Rosen et al (2007), technology has been indicated to facilitate achievement of both negative and positive personality traits in an individual.  Effective use of modern information technology such as internet and Ethernet has facilitated easier communication, coordination and sharing of ideas.  As a result, the availability of more information to the people has facilitated greater rational thinking and decision making in solving societal problems (Lawler, Row and Piferi, 2006).

However, Carlo (2005) laments that despite its positive implications technology has some of the most negating outcomes to the society.  Due to the easy access of information, many young people are being exposed to uncontrolled information such as pornography, how to commit crime and assimilation to bad peers.  Therefore, technological advancements become an inherent learning and highly an influential tool for criminal activities such as rape, aggression and even robbery with violence.  It is from the rising negative personalities especially among youths that calls for checks on access to information have intensified (Fox and Calkins, 2003).    

Governance
Governance in the society as Rosen et al (2007) indicate remains the central control and the guiding facet for all undertakings and operations in a country.  As a result, it facilitates effective learning by providing the necessary platforms for people at different ages.   For the young people in their school going age, the government facilitates provision of the necessary learning environment in schools and mentors to provide the needed support for the tender minds.  Cognitively, the students are guided in their knowledge assimilation and mechanisms that are best in solving variant societal issues (Fox and Calkins, 2003).

As Rosen et al (2007) continue to say, governance further facilitates personality development through creation of special programs that give inherent insights to students on personality.  For instance, many schools have counseling departments that assist students in addressing various life demands such as relationship.  Other units dealing with drug abuse assist the students to not only understand the possible negative implications, but the need and importance of avoiding them (Carlo, 2005).  

Through governance, Rosen et al (2007) argue that many people are able to learn from the leaders as their role models and therefore assimilate similar traits.   Many people often use names of great leaders who were effective in their leadership such as Thomas Jefferson and Nelson Mandela in shaping their traits.   It is critical that leaders seek to establish effective policies that support their subjects growth and national progress.

Conclusion
It is from the above discussion that this paper concludes by supporting the thesis statement,  over the years, societal factors have remained some of the most influential dictates of an individuals personality development because they create the direct as well as indirect forces that enhance compliance and progression of values and cognitive norms necessary for existence.   It came out in the paper that societal factors such as technology, governance and war are very crucial in the holistic determination of an individuals personality.  As a result, it is critical that these factors are carefully analyzed to avoid negative personalities development in the society.