The integrity of a person is such a combination of its parts that creates a strong and harmonious integrity. One can speak of the external or general integrity of a person, meaning the harmonious unity of her bodily, mental, spiritual and moral life. If a person teaches a healthy lifestyle and moral values during the day, and “hums” in a nightclub at night and until the morning, taking pictures of girls of easy virtue, it is difficult to talk about the integrity of such a person. The integrity of a person presupposes the conformity of the content of a person’s inner life and his external activity. Thus, it can be difficult for a believer to serve in the army, killing people: this destroys his integrity.
In psychology, they often talk about the internal integrity of the personality, meaning the ability of a person in critical situations to maintain their life strategy, to remain committed to their life positions and value orientations. This person is both autonomous and open to people and life. Personal integrity is spoken of when a person has the courage to look at things realistically, draw his own conclusions and, if necessary, speak about it, including resisting external pressure. This is a person who has a stable worldview and value system. This is a person who is not tormented by contradictions, who has peace and confidence inside.
The antipode of the concept of «holistic personality» is the concept of «fragmentary personality», i.e. a personality whose elements are in conflict with each other and do not constitute a coherent picture of the world — dissertations in the humanities — http://cheloveknauka.com
Where does the integrity of the personality come from or how is it formed? The integrity of the personality is not given from birth, but is formed primarily under the influence of the external environment or in interaction with the external environment. Depending on the specific environment and internal predisposition, the integrity of the personality can be formed according to two main models: according to the power model and the model of internal harmony.
In the power model, the integrity of the individual is supported by rigid beliefs and the ability to defend these beliefs in direct and open conflict. Such a person may break entirely, but she will not bend and “give up” her convictions. The more stable the values of the individual, the firmer his convictions, principles, ideals, the more clearly his integrity is manifested. Note that a person with a low level of personality development, «stubborn» in his views, will be called «stubborn», and not holistic. Integrity is spoken of in relation to people already with a certain level of development, where in their beliefs there is not only the reproduction of everyday stereotypes, but also high morality, especially the idea of spirituality. A person living under the star of his ideals and values is ready, without internal doubts, to sacrifice himself and his life to his convictions. We can say that this is a developed personality on the path of Service.
The power model of personality integrity is more typical for men and is brought up within the framework of male culture. It is not easy for a man to agree with external requirements and external control, he must accept these requirements within himself, really agree with them. But if he accepted them, he would look after them himself. He became like this.
In the model of internal harmony, the integrity of the personality is supported by two circumstances: harmony within and internal flexibility. When relations with the environment develop successfully, that is, a person accepts the environment, and she accepts him, then a healthy, normal, internally consistent — whole personality is formed. Harmony inside, which is sometimes described as the union of consciousness and subconsciousness, as the absence of conflicts between the inner parts of the personality, more often represents the assimilation of socially acceptable beliefs and a positive worldview, when a person understands both those around him and himself, notes in himself and those around him, first of all, positive and strengths and is not prone to self-blame. Soft movements, warm intonations and natural kindness complete the image of such a person. With regard to internal flexibility, this is the ability to temporarily adapt to the strict requirements of the internal environment, while using any opportunity for self-healing, to return to its original state.
Metaphorically, it is a rubber structure that can be compressed, stretched, and bent, but once the pressure is released, everything is restored. The model of internal harmony is more typical for women and is brought up within the framework of female culture. It is not difficult for a woman to agree with the requirements of a man, but she will follow these requirements only as long as the man watches and reminds her. Over time, if external control weakens, the woman does everything as she always did. She is like that.