Psych 4b

Psychodynamic theory of personality

The idea that unconscious processes shape personality, with significant roles of childhood and social conflict.

Ego

The part of personality that compromises between unconscious and conscious desires, shaping personal identity and behavior.

Defense mechanisms

Ways in which the ego protects the conscious mind from threatening thoughts from the unconscious.

Repression

A defense mechanism that involves pushing thoughts out of conscious awareness.

Denial

A defense mechanism that involves not accepting the truth.

Displacement

A defense mechanism that redirects feelings toward another person or object that is less threatening.

Projection

A defense mechanism where one believes their opinions and tendencies are held by others rather than by themselves.

Reaction formation

A defense mechanism involving expressing the opposite of how one truly feels.

Regression

A defense mechanism where one returns to a more childish, comforting form of behavior.

Rationalization

A defense mechanism that involves justifying or making excuses for an undesirable event or behavior.

Sublimation

A defense mechanism that channels frustration toward a different, more socially acceptable goal.

Projective Tests

Personality tests given to reveal a person's unconscious desires, often criticized for their subjectivity.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

A projective test where people are shown an ambiguous scene and asked to describe what is happening in the picture.

Rorschach inkblot test

A projective test where individuals interpret inkblots to reveal their unconscious thoughts and feelings.

Humanistic theory of personality

The perspective that our personalities are shaped by innate goodness and the desire to grow and thrive.

Self-actualization

The motivation to grow and reach one's full potential.

Unconditional positive regard

Acceptance when being around others who love us without conditions, allowing us to be our true selves.

Social-Cognitive theory of personality

The theory that personality is determined by the interaction of the environment and patterns of thought.

Reciprocal determinism

The interaction between thoughts/feelings (cognitions), environment, and behavior.

Self-concept

Your ideas about who you are as a person.

Self-efficacy

Your belief in your own ability to achieve in specific situations.

Self-esteem

Your feelings of self-worth; how you feel about yourself.

Trait theory of personality

The theory suggesting personality consists of consistent characteristics that endure over time and situations.

Personality inventory

A test designed to measure an individual's level of a specific personality trait or traits, potentially affected by self-reporting biases.

Factor analysis

A statistical technique used to combine information from personality inventories into comprehensible traits.

Big 5 Personality Traits (OCEAN)

A model of personality traits comprising Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

Openness

A personality trait characterized by imagination, creativity, and open-mindedness.

Conscientiousness

A personality trait characterized by being organized, reliable, and dependable.

Extraversion

A personality trait characterized by being outgoing, sociable, and assertive.

Agreeableness

A personality trait characterized by kindness, cooperation, and compassion.

Neuroticism (emotional stability)

A personality trait; a low score indicates calmness, while a high score indicates reactivity.