ch 11 PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONALITY

humanistic and positive psychology

the human mind is

self aware and knows it is being studied

humanistic psychologists focus on

awareness, free will, happiness, & other related aspects of the mind that are uniquely human

humanistic psychologyists goal

facilitate personal growth

phenomenology

a person’s conscious experience of the world; everything a person hears, feels, thinks; psychologically more important than the world itself.

phenomenology goal

understand subjective experience

basis of free will

realization that only one’s present experience matters; we can Choose what to think, feel, and do.

construal

a persons particular experience of the world

introspection

observation of one’s own perceptions and though process

existentialism

regain contact with the basic experiences of being alive and aware; goal is to confront life’s fundamental issues

the conscious experience of being alive

has 3 components; biological (Umwelt), social (Mitwelt), and psychological (Eigenwelt) experience

biological experience (Umwelt)

sensations you feel by virtue of being a biological organism

Social experience (Mitwelt)

what you think and feel as a social being

psychological experience (Eigenwelt)

the experience of experience itself and of introspection

thrown-ness

the time, place, and circumstances into which you happened to be born

existential anxiety/angst

the unpleasant feelings caused by contemplating the meaning of life

sensations of angst

(1)Anguish (2) Forlorn (3) Despair

Anguish (sensation of angst)

everyone feels this because choices are never perfect

Forlorn (sensation of angst)

being alone in your own choices

Despair (sensation of angst)

inability to change crucial aspects of the world

optimistic toughness

face your own mortality and the apparent meaninglessness of life, and to seek purpose for your existence

living in bad faith

ignoring the existential questions and our moral imperative

problems living in bad faith

(1) not experiencing as much of the world as possible (2) unhappiness: material comforts doesn’t make you happy (3) it is impossible because choosing not to worry about the meaning of life and surrendering your choices to external authorities is still a choice.

humanistic psychology approach

emphasizes aspects of psychology that are distinctly human; closely related to the phenomenological approach and existentialism

authentic existence

coming to terms with existence; being honest, insightful, and morally correct. the alternative to bad faith

Anatta (nonself)

idea that the independent, singular self you sense inside your mind is merely an illusion

true nature of reality

everything and everyone are connected now and across time

immortality

people are part of something larger that will last forever

Anicca

all things must pass; best to accept this fact instead of repressing or fighting it; all moments (past, present, and future) have equal status

enlightenment

caring for others the same as for yourself

nirvana

a serene, selfless state; the result of enlightenment

people have one basic tendency and striving:

to actualize, maintain, and enhance their own experience

phenomenal field

entire panorama of conscious experience; unconscious conflicts, environmental influences, memories, hopes, n so on

actualize

to maintain and enhance life

hierarchy of needs

human motivation is characterized in a hierarchy n lower needs must be met before moving to the next stage

employee motivation

must feel secure before they will show initiative and imagination

career choice

what needs does the career need to meet

happiness across cultures

financial and economic status is more important in poorer countries