[piggy momma]

My psych prof gives the WORST directions (as in - none) for papers. I've asked for help and he never makes time for me. He has office hours RIGHT NOW and I asked to come up and he didn't reply. Our paper outline is due on Wednesday and I'm literally in tears because I don't understand what he wants and I only found out a couple days ago we even have to do an outline. He forgot to put it on the syllabus.

Our paper instructions are:

Students will examine a personality theory and apply the theory to life situation, problem, or a design a therapeutic approach based on the personality theory. Another option would be evaluating the personality on the basis of how well the theory addresses a real life issue.

That's it. It doesn't even make sense to me and I can't get a hold of him. I am ready to drop out.

[Talthybius]

What really is the issue here? The fact that you have a very free form open ended assignment? The fact you stressed out over finding out too late? The fact that he can't/won't make time for you?

Your first step is easy. Pick a personality theory.

Then you either design a therapeutic approach, or apply it to a situation/problem from everyday life.
And then as a third option is comparing the personality theory in as theory vs practice kind of way.

Then you need to show that whatever theoretical concepts the course introduced you learned by using/applying them.

You should also find a way to avoid thinking about quitting when you get stressed out.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm sorry your professor is not being clear. Have you asked for help to other students? Also, if you still can't make it, can you tell your professor that the instructions weren't clear enough?

[HowDoYouFeelMeow?]

I happen to be a psych prof, so maybe I can help.
1. You don’t need permission to go to office hours. Although a heads-up helps, you can just show up. Some students will make appointments during this time to guarantee a spot, since office hours can fill up quickly with drop-ins.
2. Great suggestion above about talking with other students. Learning to use all sorts of resources to solve problems is a college goal beyond just the academics.
3. What do the notes you’ve taken say about theories of personality? What does your textbook say? Your school librarian can assist with finding quality online resources if you’re unfamiliar with them.
4. It sounds like your prof wants you to choose a theory of personality (there are many) and then apply it in a concrete way. To do this you’ll first need to understand a single theory in-depth, and only then can you apply it to a real-world situation.
5. The prof didn’t give you zero instructions. It seems like you’re having trouble understanding his instructions, but they are there. You listed them in your post. Sometimes instructions may feel poor if you don’t yet understand the basics.

Ex: Trait theory. Categorizes attitudes and behaviors into “traits”. Combinations of traits give rise to a better understanding of one’s personality. Potential application: Someone with a, b, c, etc. traits might have such and such a personality. This personality type could describe why the person has behaved/feels in x way in x situation. It could predict how the person would behave/feel in x future situations.

It’s also worthwhile to discuss the limitations of your chosen theory. It shows your ability to think critically and analyze information, rather than just regurgitate it.

—Meow

[piggy momma]

Thank you. I made an appt to see him tomorrow during office hours.

HDYFM - your post is super helpful. But actually, we do need an appt to see him, even during office hours. I asked him today what the point of having office hours is if he's never there. He said we have to make an appt. His hours are 2:15-4. I asked him today what time he wants me to come tomorrow and he said "2:15 because I want to go to the gym right away." So - even during his "office hours", he's frequently not in his office or available.

[HowDoYouFeelMeow?]

Glad it helped! Sorry to hear about the office hours. If he were my colleague, I’d glare at him for that.

[piggy momma]

I got some more direction on this. My prof said he was surprised at how many people are upset that the paper is so open-ended. And while I went at our appt time during his "office hours", he had to leave right away because he had other things to do. So basically office hours don't exist for him which I'll just have to get used to. And we have a rule that we don't talk about school in therapy and I don't really feel like I should have to use my therapy time for this since I pay tuition like everyone else. I'm a bit frustrated if you can tell, but whatever. I got some direction.

I'm going to write about attachment theory (Bowlby and Ainsworth, and Erikson's birth order stuff) as it relates to adopted children (I'm adopted, so personal interest here). Now to find some research and write an outline.

[piggy momma]

I couldn't find any research on attachment theory and adoption, so instead I'm doing attachment theory and the therapeutic relationship. I sent him my "outline" (I have no idea how to write an outline, so I just put a few paragraphs together) and hope he will approve my topic.