Psychology: Unconscious Processes, Defense Mechanisms, and Personality Traits

Unconscious Processes

Mental processes outside of conscious awareness that influence behavior.

Ego Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious strategies used to reduce anxiety from internal conflicts.

Denial

Refusing to accept reality or facts that cause anxiety.

Repression

Blocking disturbing thoughts or memories from conscious awareness.

Displacement

Redirecting emotions toward a safer target.

Projection

Attributing one's own unacceptable feelings to others.

Rationalization

Creating logical excuses for unacceptable behavior.

Reaction Formation

Expressing the opposite of true feelings.

Regression

Reverting to behaviors from an earlier developmental stage.

Sublimation

Channeling unacceptable impulses into acceptable behaviors.

Projective Tests

Personality tests using ambiguous stimuli to reveal unconscious thoughts.

Preconscious Mind

Information not currently conscious but easily retrievable.

Unconscious Mind

Thoughts and desires outside conscious awareness.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Accepting and valuing a person without judgment.

Self-Actualizing Tendency

Innate drive to achieve personal growth and fulfillment.

Reciprocal Determinism

Interaction between behavior, personal factors, and environment.

Self-Concept

One's perception of oneself.

Self-Efficacy

Belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations.

Self-Esteem

Overall sense of personal worth.

Big Five Theory of Personality

Theory that personality consists of five major traits.

Openness to Experience

Willingness to try new ideas and experiences.

Conscientiousness

Being organized, responsible, and dependable.

Extraversion

Being outgoing and energized by social interaction.

Agreeableness

Being cooperative and compassionate.

Emotional Stability

Ability to remain calm and emotionally balanced.

Personality Inventory

Standardized questionnaire measuring personality traits.

Factor Analysis

Statistical method used to identify clusters of traits.