Question

Read the excerpt given below and answer the question that follow.

Mother Teresa believed that by loving and serving others, she would fulfil her mission of compassion for mankind. She reached out to the poor and the destitute in the community. She was understanding; she treated everyone with dignity and respected people who she interacted, and was loyal to the people of her fraternity. She is said to be fond of chocolates and ice cream. (Source (edited): Mother Theresa’s Mysterious Diet: A Sweet Tooth? February 2, 2022 By Sophia Smith)

1. Keeping in view Allport’s theory, identify and explain the most important trait in Mother Teresa.   (2)
2. Relate the following traits of Mother Teresa to the traits given by Allport.  (2)
   1. She was understanding; she treated everyone with dignity and respected people who she interacted with and was loyal to her fraternity.
   2. She is said to be fond of chocolates and ice cream.

Answer 1

1. According to Gordon Allport's trait theory, the most important trait in Mother Teresa would be her aim to be compassionate, to love and to serve fellow humans. This trait is the cardinal/dominant trait that best defines an individual. Such traits are stronger and more resistant to situational forces.
2. 1. Central trait
   2. Secondary trait