Psychological Theories and Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms from psychological theories, particularly focusing on personality and behavior.

Psychodynamic Theory

A theory of personality that emphasizes the interplay of unconscious forces and the importance of childhood experiences.

Id

The primitive and instinctive component of personality, containing basic needs and desires.

Ego

The rational part of personality, which mediates between the desires of the id and the moral constraints of the superego.

Superego

The moral component of personality, representing internalized societal and parental standards.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used by the ego to protect itself from anxiety and conflict.

Repression

A defense mechanism that involves unconsciously blocking unwanted memories or thoughts.

Denial

A defense mechanism involving refusing to accept reality or facts, thereby blocking external events.

Sublimation

A defense mechanism that channels unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable behaviors.

Reaction Formation

A defense mechanism where a person behaves in a way that is opposite to their true feelings.

Projection

A defense mechanism that involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts and feelings to someone else.

Rationalization

A defense mechanism that offers logical explanations for irrational behavior.

Regression

A defense mechanism where an individual reverts to an earlier stage of development in response to stress.

Displacement

A defense mechanism that involves redirecting emotions from the original source to a safer target.

Projective Tests

Psychological tests that use ambiguous stimuli to assess personality traits.

Rorschach Inkblots

A projective test that uses inkblot images to analyze personality based on responses.

Self-Actualization

The realization of one's potential and the development of one's capabilities.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

A projective test that involves responding to ambiguous pictures to reveal underlying motives.

Humanistic Perspective

An approach that emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization.

Unconditional Positive Regard

An attitude of total acceptance toward another person, often used in therapy.

Trait Perspective

A theory that focuses on identifying and measuring individual personality characteristics.

Introvert

A personality type characterized by a preference for solitary activities and a focus on internal thoughts.

Extrovert

A personality type characterized by a preference for social interaction and external stimulation.

Stable

A personality trait characterized by consistency in behaviors and emotions.

Unstable

A personality trait characterized by variability in behaviors and emotions.

Factor Analysis

A statistical method used to identify clusters of related traits within personality assessment.

Personality Inventories

Standardized questionnaires used to measure various aspects of personality.

Big Five Traits

A model that identifies five major dimensions of personality: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Openness

A personality trait characterized by imagination, curiosity, and openness to new experiences.

Conscientiousness

A personality trait that reflects a person's degree of organization, dependability, and work ethic.

Extraversion

A personality trait that indicates a person's sociability, enthusiasm, and assertiveness.

Agreeableness

A personality trait that reflects a person's tendency to be compassionate and cooperative toward others.

Neuroticism

A personality trait associated with emotional instability and anxiety.

Social-Cognitive Perspective

An approach that emphasizes the role of observational learning, social experiences, and cognitive processes in shaping personality.

Person-Situation Controversy

A debate in psychology regarding whether personality or situational factors influence behavior more.

Reciprocal Determinism

The theory that personal, behavioral, and environmental factors all influence each other.

Self-concept

An individual's perception of themselves, encompassing beliefs and attributes.

Self-esteem

An individual's overall subjective evaluation of their worth.

Self-efficacy

A person's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish tasks.