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the writer in understanding the changes of the character. The presentation of Hurlock‟s theory is divided into three parts. They are characteristics of change in
personality, variations in personality change, and conditions responsible for personality change pp. 120-129. However, in this study the writer only use the
first and the third part of the theory.
a. Characteristics of Change in Personality
1 Better versus Worse
Hurlock 1974 states that personality changes for the better and for the worse reflect the kind of life adjustments the individual is making at the time p.
120. Successful adjustment at any age improves the self-concept and the person inhibits self-confidence and self-assurance. By contrast, failure leads to
deterioration in the self-concept and to feelings of inadequacy, defensive reaction, depression, and many other behaviour patterns which lead to even poorer personal
and social adjustment. In addition, Hurlock says that in normal people, personality changes for the worse frequently occurs at puberty and middle age and should be
recognized as danger signals p.120.
2 Quantitative versus Qualitative
In qualitative changes, traits already present are reinforced, strengthened or weakened. Hurlock 1974 explains that a person who is shy, self-conscious
and modest in social situations may be less so in the presence of intimate friends than in the presence of strangers or those whom he regard as his superiors, but his
behaviour is consistent p. 120. Quantitative changes may create the impression that the person has changed his personality patterns. This impression is correct in
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the sense that there have been shifts in the traits, though there is no evidence that the shifts reflect a change in the core of the personality pattern the self-concept.
In quantitative changes, an already-present trait, usually an undesirable one is replaced by another trait, usually a desirable one. People who are always
careful of his money become more or less careful when he discovers the social reaction to stinginess and generosity. Hurlock 1974 adds if he is normal, he will
probably be somewhat more generous, hoping to win greater social favour. If he is not normal, he may change into spendthrift or extreme generosity or miserliness
p. 121.
3 Slow versus Rapid Change
Hurlock 1974 says that changes are regarded as slow if they are barely perceptible, while rapid changes are readily apparent to all p.122. Normally,
personality changes are slow and gradual. Rapid changes at any age are danger signals. Changes of short duration are usually due to some artificial stimulation,
which temporarily causes the person to forget this real self-concept and see himself as he would like to be. Hurlock adds that rapid personality changes which
are persistent, are due not to artificial stimulants but to an endocrine or neurological upset. Brain injuries, tumours, and disturbances due to
arteriosclerosis, cancer or some other diseases are normally accompanied by such readily apparent personality changes that other people wonder what is the matter
with the person is p.122.
b. Conditions Responsible for Personality Change
