Exam 1 (Freud only)

Personality

Each person's unique way of adapting to life's challenges and opportunities.

Theoretical orientation

Formal in practice & informal in day-to-day life.

Free will vs. determinism

Are we in control of our behaviors/thoughts OR is it outside influences?

Nature vs. Nurture

Biological vs. inherited/environmental influences.

Dependent vs. independent

Are you dependent on your childhood or are you a separate person because of it?

Unique vs. universal

Fictional finalism - the goals we have can influence our personality.

Satisfaction vs. growth

Are we becoming who we are because we need to meet the need to survive or are we motivated by growth?

Optimism vs. pessimism

Our outlook on life can range from optimistic to pessimistic.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Related to the work of Sigmund Freud, emphasizes early childhood experiences and unconscious processes.

Behavioral & Cognitive-Behavioral Frameworks

Related to the work of B.F. Skinner, John B. Watson, and Bandura, emphasizes learning and conditioning.

Trait & Interpersonal Approaches

Emphasizes fundamental trait dimensions and contextual influences on how traits are expressed.

Humanistic & Existential Theories

Rooted in philosophy, related to Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, emphasizes healthy psychological functioning and potential for growth.

Culture

Set of shared attitudes, beliefs, values, & practices that characterize a social group.

Why measure personality?

For personal interest, compatibility, behavior, job adaptability, relationships, diagnosis, education, employment, court, counseling, and research.

How is personality measured?

Through personal documents, interviews, ratings by observers, questionnaires, online tests, and projective tests.

MMPI

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, measures personality and can indicate faking good vs. faking bad.

CPI

California Psychological Inventory, assesses overall personality.

EASI Temperament survey

Includes questions about crying easily, having a quick temper, and making friends easily.

MMPI 3

Updated in 2020, includes a representative sample and updated comparison groups.

Projective Tests

Includes sentence completion, Rorschach, and Thematic Apperception Test (TAT).

Key Assumptions of the Psychodynamic Perspective

Rooted in psychic causality and the belief that nothing in mental life happens by chance.

Psychic Causality

Nothing in mental life happens by chance; thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have a cause.

Primacy of the Unconscious

Most mental activities take place outside of conscious awareness.

Ego

Conscious/preconscious aspect of personality.

Superego

Internalized values and rules developed over time.

Conscious

Experiences in awareness; limited aspect of personality.

Preconscious

Storehouse of memories and thoughts that can move into consciousness.

Unconscious

Home of instincts; major driving power behind all behaviors.

Cocktail Party Effect

Orienting to the sound of your name even if you're deeply invested in a conversation.

Unconscious Processing

Automation that serves as a shortcut but can be wrong and based on stereotypes.

Repression

Traumatic or upsetting memories stored in the unconscious mind, not recalled.

Id

Pleasure principle; seeks pleasure and avoids pain.

Reality Principle

Guides the ego in satisfying the id's desires in a socially appropriate way.

Defense Mechanisms

Predictable strategies to protect against anxiety.

Denial

Acting as if something does not exist because it provokes anxiety.

Displacement

Redirecting id impulses to a more suitable target.

Intellectualization

Keeping unpleasant thoughts and emotions from being the focus.

Projection

Blaming someone else for a desire we do not acknowledge.

Rationalization

Reinterpreting our own behavior.

Reaction Formation

Taking the opposite viewpoint of a desire.

Splitting

Viewing people as all good or all bad.

Regression

Returning to an earlier developmental stage to cope with stress.

Sublimation

Redirecting id impulses toward something prosocial.

Suppression

Trying to get something out of awareness.

Undoing

Attempting to take back unacceptable thoughts or feelings.

Humor

Using jokes to distract from impermissible desires.

Defensive Pessimism

Preparing for the worst outcome.