Personal Development, Psychology, and Self

Flashcards for Personal Development Lecture Review

Personal Development

A broad range of activities and experiences aimed at self-improvement and growth over a lifetime.

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior.

Self

The totality of the individual, including all characteristic attributes, conscious and unconscious, mental and physical.

Structuralism

An early school of psychology that focused on breaking down mental processes into their most basic components.

Functionalism

An early school of psychology that focused on the purpose of consciousness and behavior in adapting to the environment.

Psychoanalytic Perspective

A psychological perspective that emphasizes the influence of unconscious drives and conflicts on behavior.

Behavioral Perspective

A psychological perspective that emphasizes the role of learning and environmental factors in shaping behavior.

Humanistic Perspective

A psychological perspective that emphasizes the importance of human potential, self-actualization, and free will.

Cognitive Perspective

A psychological perspective that focuses on mental processes such as memory, perception, and problem-solving.

Description (Goal of Psychology)

The first goal of psychology, which involves observing and documenting behavior and cognitive processes.

Explanation (Goal of Psychology)

The goal of psychology that involves understanding the causes and reasons behind behavior.

Prediction (Goal of Psychology)

The goal of psychology that involves anticipating future behavior based on empirical research.

Change (Goal of Psychology)

The goal of psychology that involves influencing behavior to improve well-being or solve problems.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate in psychology about the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) in determining behavior.

Personality

The long-standing traits and patterns that propel individuals to consistently think, feel, and behave in specific ways.

Id

In Freud's theory, the unconscious part of the personality that seeks immediate gratification of basic needs and desires.

Ego

In Freud's theory, the part of the personality that mediates between the id and the external world, operating on the reality principle.

Superego

In Freud's theory, the part of the personality that represents internalized moral standards and values; the conscience.

Traits

Characteristic ways of behaving and feeling.

Big Five Theory

A model of personality traits that describes five broad dimensions: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Extraversion

A personality trait characterized by sociability, outgoingness, and assertiveness.

Agreeableness

A personality trait characterized by friendliness, trust, and cooperation.

Conscientiousness

A personality trait characterized by organization, responsibility, and diligence.

Neuroticism

A personality trait characterized by anxiety, emotional instability, and negative emotions.

Openness

A personality trait characterized by imagination, curiosity, and a willingness to try new things.

Extroversion (Jung)

Being energized by being outgoing and socially oriented.

Introversion (Jung)

Being energized by inner psychic activity.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

A self-report inventory designed to identify a person's personality type, strengths, and preferences.

Introspection

The examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes.

Objective Assessments

Tests with structured questions, defined options, and numerical results with descriptions.