Psychodynamic and Humanistic Theories of Personality

Flashcards covering key concepts from the psychodynamic, humanistic, social-cognitive, and trait theories of personality.

Psychodynamic Theory

A psychological perspective that explains behavior as largely influenced by unconscious thoughts, feelings, and conflicts.

Sigmund Freud

The founder of psychodynamic theory, known for his work on the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior.

Humanistic Perspective

A psychological approach that views individuals as whole beings with inherent potential for growth, emphasizing free will and self-actualization.

Personality

The unique combination of thoughts, feelings, traits, and behaviors that characterize a person and remain relatively consistent throughout life.

Ego Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious psychological strategies used by the ego to protect itself from anxiety-provoking thoughts and feelings.

Denial

A defense mechanism where a person unconsciously refuses to acknowledge or accept a painful reality.

Displacement

A defense mechanism that redirects negative emotions from their true source to a less threatening target.

Projection

A defense mechanism where an individual attributes their unacceptable thoughts and feelings to another person.

Rationalization

A defense mechanism where someone creates logical reasons to justify their behavior, avoiding uncomfortable motivations.

Reaction Formation

A defense mechanism where a person expresses behaviors opposite of their true feelings to protect themselves from discomfort.

Regression

A defense mechanism where an individual reverts to earlier behaviors to cope with stress or anxiety.

Repression

A defense mechanism that unconsciously blocks disturbing thoughts and memories from conscious awareness.

Sublimation

A defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses are channeled into socially acceptable behaviors.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Therapist's acceptance and support of a client without conditions, allowing for complete positive regard.

Self-Actualization

The fulfillment of one's full potential, considered the highest level of human need in Maslow’s hierarchy.

Social-Cognitive Theory

Perspective suggesting that people learn behaviors through observation, with an interaction of thoughts, behaviors, and environment.

Reciprocal Determinism

The concept that a person's behavior influences and is influenced by personal characteristics and the environment.

Self-Concept

An individual’s overall perception of themselves, including beliefs, attitudes, and feelings about their attributes.

Self-Efficacy

An individual's belief in their ability to perform a specific behavior or achieve a desired outcome.

Self-Esteem

An individual’s overall evaluation of their worth and sense of personal value.

Trait Theories of Personality

Psychological approach explaining personality by measuring enduring characteristics individuals possess.

Big Five Trait Theory

A personality theory suggesting five primary traits: agreeableness, openness, extraversion, conscientiousness, emotional stability.

Factor Analysis

Statistical method of identifying underlying patterns within large data sets and reducing complex data into meaningful factors.

Personality Inventory

A psychological test designed to assess a range of personality traits through responses to statements about feelings and behaviors.