Who proposed the construction of self and personality in psychological theory?

The construction of self and personality in psychological theory is most prominently associated with William James. His work laid the foundation for understanding the self in terms of both its subjective and objective aspects, encapsulating how individual experiences shape identity. James distinguished between the "I" (the thinking self) and the "me" (the self that is known), a concept that remains fundamental in contemporary discussions about selfhood.

The perspectives offered by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers also contribute significantly to the understanding of personality and self-concept, particularly through their focus on humanistic psychology and self-actualization. Meanwhile, Sigmund Freud approached personality through the lens of psychoanalysis, focusing on unconscious motives and childhood experiences, which does not entirely align with the modern conception of self that emphasizes the active, reflective nature of identity construction. Therefore, while Freud's theories are foundational in psychology, the framework for understanding self and personality as a dynamic construct is more accurately attributed to William James.