Psychodynamic Theory and Personality Perspectives

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and terminology related to psychodynamic theory and various personality perspectives.

Psychodynamic Theory

A theory that emphasizes the influence of unconscious processes and childhood experiences on personality.

Psychoanalytic Perspective

Focuses on the unconscious mind and childhood experiences; major theorists include Freud, Erikson, and Jung.

Humanistic Perspective

Highlights psychological growth, free will, and personal awareness; key theorists are Maslow and Rogers.

Trait Perspective

Focuses on identifying, describing, and measuring personality traits; notable theorists include Eysenck, Cattell, McCrae, and Costa.

Social-Cognitive Perspective

Emphasizes observational learning, self-efficacy, and situational influences; major theorist is Bandura.

Id

The component of personality representing basic instinctual drives and desires, governed by the pleasure principle.

Ego

The rational component of personality that mediates between desires and reality, governed by the reality principle.

Superego

The moral component of personality, representing internalized ideals and standards.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used by the ego to manage anxiety by providing a distorted reality.

Oedipus Complex

A child's feelings of desire for their opposite-sex parent and jealousy toward their same-sex parent.

Self-Actualization

A concept by Maslow referring to the realization of one's potential and the fulfillment of personal growth.

Unconditional Positive Regard

A term used by Rogers describing the acceptance and support of a person regardless of what they say or do.

Reciprocal Determinism

The theory that a person's behavior is influenced by personal factors and social environment.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.

Self-Serving Bias

The tendency to attribute positive events to one's own character while attributing negative events to external factors.

Collectivism

A cultural orientation that emphasizes the importance of group goals and personal relationships.

Individualism

A cultural orientation that values individual goals and the self over group goals.