IN DEPTH (AP Psych 4.4 - 4.5) 🧠

Psychodynamic Theory

The idea that personality is driven by unconscious thoughts, hidden desires, and unresolved conflicts that influence behavior without us realizing it

Unconscious Mind

Part of the mind that stores thoughts, memories, and desires outside of conscious awareness but still affects behavior

Ego Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious strategies the mind uses to protect itself from anxiety, stress, or uncomfortable thoughts

Denial

Refusing to accept reality or facts because they are too uncomfortable to face

Displacement

Shifting emotions from a dangerous target to a safer one

Projection

Attributing your own unwanted thoughts or feelings to someone else

Rationalization

Explaining behavior with logical reasons instead of the real (often uncomfortable) cause

Reaction Formation

Acting the opposite of how you truly feel to hide those feelings

Regression

Reverting to childish behaviors when faced with stress or anxiety

Repression

Unconsciously pushing distressing thoughts or memories out of awareness

Sublimation

Channeling unacceptable impulses into positive or socially acceptable activities

Projective Tests

Tests designed to reveal unconscious thoughts and feelings by interpreting ambiguous stimuli (ink blot)

Rorschach Inkblot Test

A test where people interpret inkblots to uncover hidden thoughts and emotions

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

A test where people create stories about images to reveal inner motives and feelings

Humanistic Theory

A perspective that focuses on personal growth, free will, and reaching one’s full potential

Unconditional Positive Regard

Accepting and valuing a person without any conditions or judgment

Self-Actualizing Tendency

The natural drive to grow, improve, and achieve one’s fullest potential

Social-Cognitive Theory

The idea that personality is shaped by the interaction between thoughts, behaviors, and environment

Reciprocal Determinism

The concept that behavior, personal factors, and environment all influence each other

Self-Concept

How a person views themselves, including beliefs and identity

Self-Efficacy

Belief in one’s ability to succeed in specific situations

Self-Esteem

Overall sense of self-worth or personal value

Trait Theories

Theories that focus on identifying stable, lasting characteristics that influence behavior

Traits

Enduring qualities or characteristics that describe how a person typically behaves

Big Five Theory

A widely accepted model stating that personality is made up of five major traits

Agreeableness

Tendency to be kind, cooperative, and compassionate toward others

Openness to Experience

Willingness to try new things and be open to new ideas and creativity

Extraversion

Tendency to be outgoing, social, and energetic

Conscientiousness

Tendency to be organized, responsible, and hardworking

Emotional Stability (Neuroticism)

Level of emotional control; high stability means calm, low means more anxiety and moodiness

Measurement (Personality)

Using tests or inventories to assess where someone falls on personality traits

Factor Analysis

A statistical method used to group behaviors and responses into underlying personality traits