What behavioral theory of personality did John F. Kennedy possess to explain his unique traits?
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John F. Kennedy suffered from numerous aliments. According to Presidential historian Robert Dallek, JFK suffered from colitis, prostatitis, Addison's Disease, anxiety, and depression. Given his many medical problems, JFK took multiple medications. His medication list included codeine, Demerol, methadone, Ritalin, meprobamate, librium, barbiturates, thyroid hormones, steroids, and (once) an anti-psychotic.
Kennedy did everything to hide his many illnesses and diseases. He did not want anyone, especially his opponents, to know his weaknesses. Therefore, John F. Kennedy used Self-Concealment to "explain" his unique traits.
Self-Concealment is where the person uses "walls" (personal) to keep things hidden from those around them. The person believes that others will think badly about them because of the negative things associated with them (his multiple illnesses). Typically, the person hides very intimate things in order to keep their outward appearance positive.
Some historians have thought that JFK's tan made him look healthy although it was thought to be a side-effect of his Addison's disease.
Kennedy insured that only the people who needed to know about his health knew the extent of his troubles. The fact that he believed if his medical history were exposed he would lose the election illustrates that he possessed the behavioral theory of personality of self-concealment.
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