Unit 4 - Humanistic, Social Cognitive & Trait Theories

Social-Cognitive Theory of Personality

states that our traits and social environments interact with one another, and those traits are learned through observation or imitation

Social Exchange Theory

our social behavior is an exchange process, the aim of which is to maximize benefits and minimize cost

Reciprocity Norm

If we infer “social debt” from another we’re more likely to help them (ex: inviting someone to your get together party because they invited you to their cookout)

Reciprocal Determinism

Behavior, personal factors, and environment influence each other.

Humanistic Theories

• Focus: Positive aspects of personality, free will, and self-actualization.

• Key Theorists: Carl Rogers & Abraham Maslow.

Carl Rogers (Humanist)

• People are inherently good and have self-actualizing tendencies.

• Growth requires Acceptance (unconditional positive regard), Genuineness, and Empathy.

• Person-Centered Perspective: Complete acceptance and love.

Ideal vs. Real Self

• Ideal Self: Who you want to be.

• Real Self: Who you actually are.

Congruence vs. Incongruence

• Congruence: When these align → higher self-worth.

• Incongruence: Mismatch → maladjustment.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Self-Actualization is the ultimate goal but only pursued after basic needs are met.

Social-Cognitive Theory (Albert Bandura)

Personality develops through interactions with the social environment.

Self-Esteem

How you value yourself.

Self-Efficacy

Confidence in abilities.

Self-Concept

Overall perception of oneself.

Trait

a characteristic pattern of behavior or a disposition to feel and act, as assessed by self-report inventories and peer reports

Trait Theories

Personality traits are stable and predictable across situations.

Factor Analysis

Statistical method to identify personality dimensions.

Raymond Cattell’s 16 Personality Factors

Used factor analysis to identify bipolar personality dimensions (e.g., shy vs. bold).

Gordon Allport’s Personality Theory

• Cardinal Traits: Dominant personality traits (e.g., altruism in Mother Teresa).

• Central Traits: General characteristics (e.g., honesty, shyness).

• Secondary Traits: Situation-specific traits (e.g., public speaking anxiety).

Hans Eysenck’s Two-Factor Model

• Emotional Stability vs. Neuroticism

• Extraversion vs. Introversion

• Proposed biological basis for personality differences.

Personality Inventory

a questionnaire on which people respond to items designed to gauge a wide range of feelings and behaviors; used to assess selected personality traits

The Big Five Personality Factors

model of personality traits that describes five basic trait dimensions

• OCEAN (Openness, Consciousness, Agreeableness, Extroversion, and Neuroticism)

Openness

do you like change? Can you adapt to it?

• Creativity, curiosity

• Low score: practical, prefers routine, comforting

• High score: imaginative, prefers variety, independent

Consciousness

are you organized and careful?

• Organization, discipline

• Low score: disorganized, careless, impulsive

• High score: organized, careful, disciplined

Agreeableness

how well do you get along with others?

• Compassion, trustworthiness

• Low score: ruthless, suspicious, uncooperative

• High score: soft-hearted, trusting, helpful

Extroversion

Are you shy or outgoing?

• Sociability, assertiveness

• Low score: retiring, sober, reserved

• High score: sociable, affectionate, fun-loving

Neuroticism

Are you anxious often?

• Emotional instability, anxiety

• Low score: calm, secure, self-satisfied

• High score: anxious, insecure, self-pitying

Emotional Stability

The opposite end of the spectrum from neuroticism; characterized by consistency in moods and emotions