brennans vocbs

Deindividuation

When people in a group lose their sense of individual identity and act more impulsively or aggressively, often because they feel anonymous.

Attribution theory

A way of explaining why people do what they do, either blaming the situation or the person’s personality.

Peripheral route persuasion

Convincing someone using surface-level things like looks, emotions, or popularity, instead of logic or facts.

Cognitive dissonance theory

The idea that we feel uncomfortable when our actions and beliefs don’t match, so we try to fix that discomfort by changing our thoughts or actions.

Psychoanalysis

A therapy method, started by Freud, that digs into the unconscious mind to uncover hidden thoughts and feelings from the past.

Defense mechanisms

Mental tricks our minds use to protect us from stress, like denial, repression, or blaming others.

Carl Rogers

A psychologist who believed people grow best in a kind, accepting environment and that we all want to be our true selves.

Big Five Factors

Five main traits used to describe personality: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Intrinsic motivation

Doing something because you enjoy it or find it interesting, not for rewards or pressure.

Self-efficacy

Your belief in your ability to succeed at a specific task or goal.

Drive-reduction theory

The idea that we do things to reduce inner drives like hunger or thirst and return to balance.

Walter Cannon

A scientist known for the “fight or flight” stress response and the idea that the body works to stay in balance (homeostasis).

Facial feedback effect

The idea that your facial expression can influence how you feel (like smiling can make you feel happier).

Superego

The part of your mind that acts like a strict parent, telling you what’s right and wrong based on rules and morals.

Conformity

Changing your behavior or opinions to match the group, often to fit in.

Obedience

Following orders or instructions from someone in authority.

Mere-exposure effect

The more you’re around something or someone, the more you tend to like it.

Instinct

A natural behavior you’re born with, like a baby sucking its thumb.

Self-actualization

Becoming the best version of yourself and reaching your full potential.

Homeostasis

Your body’s way of keeping things balanced and stable, like maintaining the right temperature or water level.