Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Theories

Psychoanalysis

Freud's therapeutic method emphasizing unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences.

Unconscious

A reservoir of thoughts, desires, and memories not within conscious awareness.

Free Association

Speaking freely to uncover unconscious thoughts and feelings.

Id

The primitive part of the mind focused on immediate gratification.

Ego

The rational part of the mind balancing the id and superego.

Superego

The moral conscience, internalizing societal norms.

Psychosexual Stages

Developmental stages where the id's focus shifts to different erogenous zones.

Oedipus Complex

A child's unconscious desire for the opposite-sex parent and jealousy of the same-sex parent.

Identification

Adopting traits and values of the same-sex parent to resolve the Oedipus complex.

Fixation

Lingering focus on a psychosexual stage due to unresolved conflicts.

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious methods to reduce anxiety.

Regression

Returning to earlier behaviors.

Reaction Formation

Acting opposite to true feelings.

Projection

Attributing one’s feelings to others.

Rationalization

Justifying behaviors with logical explanations.

Displacement

Redirecting impulses to a safer target.

Sublimation

Channeling impulses into productive activities.

Denial

Refusing to accept reality.

Psychodynamic Theories

Modern approaches building on Freud, emphasizing unconscious motives and early relationships.

Alfred Adler

Developed Individual Psychology, focusing on the conscious mind, social influences, and individual uniqueness.

Inferiority Complex

Feelings of inadequacy that motivate behavior.

Striving for Superiority

The drive for personal growth and overcoming inferiority.

Social Interest

Emphasized community contribution and relationships.

Birth Order

Suggested family roles influence personality traits.

Holistic Approach

Viewed individuals as unified, goal-directed beings.

Lifestyle

Personal goals shaped by early experiences.

Early Memories

Recollections provide insight into life goals.

Karen Horney

Focused on cultural and social influences on personality.

Neurotic Needs

Identified 10 needs, such as for affection or power, to cope with anxiety.

Basic Anxiety

Stemming from feelings of helplessness and isolation.

Moving Toward

Seeking affection and approval.

Moving Against

Seeking power and control.

Moving Away

Withdrawing to avoid intimacy.

Rejection of Freud

Criticized Freud’s theories, especially 'penis envy'.

Self-Image

Emphasized self-realization and a healthy self-concept.

Carl Jung

Focused on the collective unconscious and personality types.

Collective Unconscious

Shared unconscious with universal memories and archetypes.

Archetypes

Universal symbols like the Self, Shadow, and Anima/Animus.

Individuation

Integrating conscious and unconscious elements to achieve wholeness.

Introversion/Extraversion

Personality orientations toward the inner or external world.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

Participants create stories about ambiguous images to reveal inner motives.

Rorschach Inkblot Test

Participants interpret inkblots, revealing unconscious feelings.

False Consensus Effect

Overestimating how much others share our beliefs and behaviors.

Terror-Management Theory

Examines how fear of death influences self-esteem and behavior.

Humanistic Theories

Focus on personal growth, free will, and self-fulfillment.

Abraham Maslow

Developed the hierarchy of needs, emphasizing self-actualization.

Hierarchy of Needs

A pyramid of human needs, from basic survival to self-actualization.

Self-Actualization

Achieving one’s full potential.

Self-Transcendence

Finding meaning beyond oneself.

Carl Rogers

Emphasized self-concept and unconditional positive regard.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Accepting others without judgment.

Self-Concept

Perception of oneself.

Trait

A consistent pattern of thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

Personality Inventory

A questionnaire assessing personality traits.

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)

Widely used clinical personality test.

Empirically Derived Tests

Tests developed using research to differentiate groups.

Big Five Factors

Core traits—openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism.

Person-Situation Controversy

Debate over whether behavior is influenced more by personality or environment.

Social Cognitive Perspective

Explores how personality is influenced by traits, thoughts, and social context.

Behavioral Approach

Focuses on learned behaviors shaped by the environment.

Reciprocal Determinism

The interaction between behavior, environment, and personal factors.

Kruger-Dunning Effect

People with low ability overestimate their competence.

Self

The center of personality, encompassing thoughts and feelings about oneself.

Spotlight Effect

Overestimating how much others notice us.

Self-Esteem

Overall sense of self-worth.

Self-Efficacy

Belief in one’s ability to succeed.

Self-Serving Bias

Tendency to perceive oneself favorably.

Narcissism

Excessive self-focus and self-love.

Individualism

Prioritizing personal goals over group goals.

Collectivism

Prioritizing group goals over personal goals.