In this sixth edition of Introduction to Personality, Walter Mischel is taking the path toward a genuinely cumulative and coherent scienct of personality. No longer can the study of personality be divided strictly between alternative arguments and strategies, often in conflict with each other and discouraging to students seeking a unified view.

Substantive changes in this edition come from Dr. Mischel's collaboration with Robert Plomin, of the Institute of Psychiatry in London, in the revision of Part III, "Trait and Biological Approaches," Dr. Plomin contributes to Chapter 8, "Genetic and Biochemical Roots of Personality," and Chapter 9, "Traits: Biological Bases and Behavioral Expressions." Both of these chapters provides an up-to-date perspective on the important role of genetics in human personality and on the nature of traits.

Further change comes through the complete revision of Part VI, "Social Cognitive-Affective Approaches," which features the development of the Cognitive Affective Personality System (CAPS) model to give a fresh understanding of personality dynamics and dispositions. More attention is given to the role of effect, emotion, goals, and motivation, and to new findings on the nature of personality coherence and its behavioral expressions. In addition, all other sections of the text are revised to provide a comprehensive current perspective.