Analyze the personality of Roger using ideas from the trait, motive, genes and evolution, biological processes, psychoanalytic, psychosocial, learning, self-actualization and self-determination, cognitive, and self-regulation perspectives. Describe each concept.

The Case of Roger

Roger, at the age of 73, is in the process of examining his life. He is trying to determine whether he lived a life that was worthwhile. In the course of his examination, Roger contemplates the various stages of his life.

He was always a superior student, even as a child in grade school, especially in reading. In early grade school, however, he was not a popular child. He had very few friends. His concern with doing well in school did not endear him with his classmates who were less concerned with grades and more concerned with friendships and sports. He was also somewhat heavy, which hindered his athletic ability.

Roger experienced his pre-puberty growth spurt earlier than the other boys in his class did, so he was taller than the other boys during sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. This height increase slimmed Roger down; his weight stayed pretty much the same even though his height increased. Likewise, his height and strength now gave him an advantage in sports. In turn, excelling in sports made him popular in school. During high school, the other boys also grew, caught up, and even surpassed Roger's height. Because Roger experienced an early growth spurt, he also stopped growing sooner than the other boys did. In high school, he found himself to be below average in height. Nevertheless, Roger's increased contact with fellow students sharpened his social skills and his popularity continued throughout high school and college, where Roger continued to be a superior student and a very good athlete. Now his

Although Roger could now easily make friends and maintained many same-sex friendships, he initially had less success at the love task, partly because he felt uncomfortable with being Jewish in a predominantly Christian area. Although he dated, he did not establish any long-term relationships with women until college. During college, he met Anita and eventually they were engaged. However, Anita later fell in love with another man and broke off the engagement. Although Roger tried to salvage the relationship, it was hopeless.

It was six years before Roger formed another long-term relationship and told another woman that he loved her. Jackie became his wife, and they were married for more than 40 years. Like all marriages, Jackie and Roger's occasionally had some difficult times, but Roger seemed to have found his soul mate in Jackie. They had three children: one boy and two girls.

During college, Roger chose his major and career. In college, he majored in English because he had always loved to read. He then went on to graduate school where he earned a Ph.D. in English. After a few temporary instructor positions with small colleges, he landed a tenure-track position as an assistant professor of English at a small teaching college where he stayed for the rest of his teaching career. He was especially glad to have received a permanent position because it was stressful not knowing whether he would have a job the following year. The time he spent job hunting took away from the time he wanted to do other things as a professor: improve lectures, advise students, publish. While at this long-term position, he eventually earned tenure and was promoted to associate, and then to full, professor. His most rewarding experiences as a teacher included encouraging young writers. While teaching, he was also able to do some writing. He acquired a contract with a publisher to write fiction, and he published a number of science fiction novels. Writing really was his love because it allowed him to be creative. Many of his novels expressed a moral concern for the future that began with the birth of his first child. Although his novels have sold well and are respected, Roger continues to try to improve his writing and wishes he could do better.

Interestingly, some of his colleagues discouraged Roger from his writing. They did not publish and suggested that he should take it easy now that Roger was tenured and a full professor. Roger disagreed with this philosophy and, instead, believed that even full professors should continue to publish and grow as faculty members.

He retired from teaching five years ago but not from writing. Roger now travels with his wife, visiting his children and grandchildren, and seeing places he has not seen before. Along with his writing, the discovery of new places and the appreciation of the beauty in these new places keep Roger satisfied.