AP Psychology Unit 4 - Psychodynamic & Humanistic Theories of Personality

Personality

Behaviors of thinking, feeling, and acting that are consistent over time and across situations, shaped by both biological influences and environmental experiences.

Psychoanalytic Theory

A theory of personality developed by Sigmund Freud that emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind, childhood experiences, and psychosexual stages on behavior and personality development.

It posits that behaviors are influenced by unresolved conflicts between the id, ego, and superego.

Psychodynamic Theory

A psychological perspective that seeks to explain human behavior through the influence of unconscious processes and childhood experiences.

It is different than psychoanalytic theory in that it encompasses a broader range of theories and focuses on social and cultural factors influencing personality development. Unlike Freud's original framework, it includes not only individual experiences but also interpersonal relationships and societal influences.

Id

The part of the personality that tries to fulfill desires. It operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of needs and urges.

Ego

The part of the personality that balances the demands of the id and superego. It operates on the reality principle, negotiating between primitive desires and moral constraints to achieve realistic and socially acceptable outcomes.

Superego

The component of personality that reflects the internalized moral standards and ideals that we acquire from our parents and society, acting as a conscience that regulates our behavior.

Denial

A defense mechanism that involves refusing to accept reality or facts, thereby blocking external events from awareness.

Displacement

A defense mechanism in which emotional impulses are redirected from the original object to a safer substitute, often manifesting as taking out frustration on someone or something else.

Projection

A defense mechanism that involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person, thereby allowing the individual to avoid confronting their own shortcomings.

Rationalization

A defense mechanism that involves justifying one's behaviors or feelings with logical reasons, avoiding the true explanation of motivations.

Reaction Formation

A defense mechanism in which a person behaves in a way that is opposite to their true feelings or impulses, often to hide their anxiety or negative emotions.

Regression

A defense mechanism where an individual reverts to an earlier stage of development when faced with stress or anxiety, displaying childish behaviors.

Repression

A defense mechanism that involves unconsciously blocking out painful or anxiety-provoking thoughts, memories, or feelings.

Sublimation

A defense mechanism that involves channeling unacceptable impulses or desires into socially acceptable behaviors or activities, often resulting in positive outcomes.

Rorschac Inkblot Test

A psychological test consisting of inkblots, utilized to assess a person's personality and emotional functioning based on their interpretations of the images.

It is a projection test, meaning that it relies on the individual's interpretations to reveal underlying thoughts and feelings.

Thematic Apperception Test

A projective psychological test that involves creating stories based on ambiguous pictures, used to assess a person's motivations, emotions, and interpersonal relationships.

Self Actualization

The process of realizing and fulfilling one's talents and potential, often considered the highest level of psychological development in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Unconditional Positive Regard

An essential concept in humanistic psychology, referring to an atmosphere of acceptance and support in which a person can develop their true self without conditions or judgment.

Robber’s Cave Experiment

A social psychology experiment conducted in 1954 by Muzafer Sherif, demonstrating how intergroup conflict can arise between groups and can be resolved through cooperative goals.

Humanistic theory

A perspective in psychology that emphasizes the study of the whole person and the uniqueness of each individual, focusing on personal growth and self-actualization.

Social-Cognitive Theory

A theory of personality that emphasizes the role of cognitive processes and social contexts in shaping behavior and personal development. It suggests that learning occurs through observation, imitation, and modeling.

Self Esteem

The evaluation of one's worth or value, influencing emotions and behavior.

Self-Efficacy

The evaluation of one’s competency in performing tasks and achieving goals, impacting motivation and persistence.

Self-Concept

The evaluation of one’s identity including beliefs about their abilities and attributes, which influences their behavior and emotional responses.

Reciprocal Determinism

A theory proposed by Albert Bandura that explains how personal factors, behavior, and environmental influences interact and affect one another.

Traits

Enduring traits on an individual that have likely been consistent throughout their life

Openness to Experience

Part of the Big 5 Personality Traits

• High Score: Prefer variety, imaginative, takes on new challenges

• Low Score: Prefer routine, resistant to new ideas, uncreative

Conscientiousness

Part of the Big 5 Personality Traits

• High Score: Organized, dependable, disciplined

• Low Score: Disorganized, careless, impulsive

Extraversion

Part of the Big 5 Personality Traits

• High Score: Sociable, talkative, assertive

• Low Score: Reserved, introverted, quiet

Agreeableness

Part of the big 5 Personality Traits

• High Score: Compassionate, cooperative, trusting

• Low Score: Competitive, antagonistic, uncooperative

Neuroticism (Emotional Stability)

Part of the Big 5 Personality Traits

• High Score: Anxious, moody, sensitive

• Low Score: Calm, stable, resilient