Psychodynamic & Humanistic Theories of Personality

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Psychodynamic and Humanistic theories of personality in psychology.

Psychodynamic Theory

Focuses on unconscious processes and ego defense mechanisms.

Ego Defense Mechanisms

Unconsciously protect the ego from threats.

Repression

No conscious awareness of distressing thoughts or emotions.

Regression

Reverting to child-like behavior when faced with stress.

Projection

Accusing someone else of one's own feelings or behaviors.

Displacement

Redirecting an impulse to a less threatening target.

Reaction Formation

Acting in the opposite way to one's true feelings.

Rationalization

Justifying one's actions or feelings with logical reasoning.

Denial

Refusing to acknowledge reality or feelings.

Sublimation

Redirecting negative impulses into socially acceptable behaviors.

Projective Tests

Assess personality by analyzing responses to ambiguous stimuli.

Humanistic Theory

Emphasizes free will, self-actualization, and unconditional positive regard.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Acceptance and support of a person regardless of what they say or do.

Self-Actualizing Tendency

The desire to realize one's full potential.

Ideal Self vs Real Self

The concept of who one wishes to be versus who one actually is.