"Personality and social psychology": retrospections and aspirations

Drawing on 6 decades of participant observation in personality and social psychology, this article provides comments on the qualities of the founding generation at mid-20th century (e.g., Allport, Lewin, Murphy, Murray, Newcomb, and Sherif). Their breadth, commitment to a humane science, and interest in its social applications have since been in short supply. The juncture of personality psychology and social psychology has become problematic. Reasons for this are explored. Holistic personology may presently find a more congenial setting in life span developmental psychology than in social psychology.