Personality

Broaden/Build Theory of Emotion

Positive emotions are beneficial for creativity and social connections.

Display Rules

Cultural guidelines that dictate how and when to show emotions.

James-Lange Theory of Emotion

Emotions result from physiological reactions to events (e.g., shaking, sweating → fear).

Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion

Emotional responses and physiological reactions happen at the same time.

Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory

Emotions are caused by both a physiological reaction and cognitive interpretation.

Electrical/Emotional Expression

Events or situations that trigger emotional reactions.

Positive Emotion

Receiving a compliment makes you feel good.

Negative Emotion

Failing a test makes you sad.

Situational Emotion

Scary movies make you feel afraid.

Openness to Experience

Willingness to try new things.

Conscientiousness

Organization, responsibility, and dependability.

Extraversion

How much excitement you seek from others.

Agreeableness

Being compassionate, cooperative, and friendly.

Neuroticism

Experiencing negative emotions and how they are controlled (emotional stability).

Denial

Denying that anything bad, negative, or positive is happening.

Rationalization

Making excuses for behavior or outcomes.

Repression

Subconsciously forgetting something.

Projection

Placing your own behavior on someone else.

Reaction Formation

Doing the opposite of how you feel.

Displacement

Taking out anger on someone else.

Sublimation

Turning something negative into a positive action (e.g., writing a breakup song).

Regression

Reverting to childish behavior.

Psychoanalytic Perspective

The idea that unconscious desires and childhood experiences shape behavior and personality.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Focuses on how early experiences and unconscious drives influence behavior.

Preconscious Mind

Thoughts or memories not currently in awareness but accessible.

Conscious Mind

Awareness of thoughts and memories.

Id

Animal instincts; seeking immediate pleasure without considering consequences.

Ego

Balances the Id and Superego; relies on logic and problem-solving.

Superego

Moral compass; holds internalized rules and expectations.

Humanistic Perspective

Emphasizes personal growth and self-fulfillment.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Acceptance and support of a person regardless of behavior.

Self-Actualization Tendency

Striving to reach one’s fullest potential.

Social-Cognitive Theory

Personality is shaped by interactions with the environment, observation, and imitation.

Reciprocal Determinism

The environment, personal factors, and behavior all influence each other in shaping personality.

Self-Efficacy

A person’s belief in their ability to complete challenges.

Self-Esteem

A person’s overall self-worth or value.

Self-Concept

Collection of beliefs, perceptions, and feelings about oneself (identity, values, roles).

Trait Theories of Personality

Patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that define an individual (OCEAN).

Personal Inventories

Self-assessment tools that help individuals reflect on traits, values, strengths, and weaknesses.

Factor Analysis

Grouping different traits into broad categories.

Projective Test

Psychological tests that reveal hidden emotions and thoughts (e.g., inkblot test).