Introduction to Personality Development

Flashcards covering the definition of personality, the Big Five personality traits, Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory, and Erik Erikson's eight stages of Psychosocial Theory.

Personality

The pattern of characteristic thoughts, feelings and behaviors that distinguishes one person from another and that persists over time.

Extroversion

The personality trait of seeking fulfillment from sources outside the self or in community; high scorers tend to be social, while low scorers prefer to work alone.

Agreeableness

A trait reflecting how much individuals adjust their behavior to suit others; high scorers are typically polite, while low scorers tend to "tell it like it is."

Conscientiousness

The personality trait of being honest and hardworking; high scorers tend to follow rules, while low scorers may be messy or cheat others.

Neuroticism

The personality trait of being emotional; high scorers are described as sensitive, while low scorers are secure.

Openness to Experience

The personality trait of seeking new experience and intellectual pursuits; high scorers may daydream a lot, while low scorers are down to earth.

Psychoanalytic Theory

A theory by Sigmund Freud suggesting that most of what controls behaviors, thoughts, and feelings is unknown to our aware minds.

Id

A structure of the psyche that includes basic instincts, inborn dispositions, and animalistic urges.

Ego

A structure of the psyche that helps a person satisfy needs through reality.

Superego

A structure of the psyche that includes moral ideas (the ego ideal and conscience).

Preconscious

A level of the mind that is outside awareness but remains accessible.

Trust versus Mistrust

The first stage of Erikson's Psychosocial Theory (Infant) where meeting needs develops trust, while frustration leads to a lifelong mistrust of the world.

Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt

The second stage of Erikson's Psychosocial Theory (Toddler) regarding learning independence and body control; failure lead to feelings of inadequacy.

Initiative versus Guilt

The third stage of Erikson's Psychosocial Theory (Preschool) where taking action in play and imagination leads to self-esteem or feelings of guilt.

Industry versus Inferiority

The fourth stage of Erikson's Psychosocial Theory (Early school age) where learning new skills leads to a sense of being good at things or a deep sense of inferiority.

Identity versus Role confusion

The fifth stage of Erikson's Psychosocial Theory (Adolescent) involving abstract thought and the conceptualization of self-identity, values, and interests.

Intimacy versus Isolation

The sixth stage of Erikson's Psychosocial Theory (Young adult) involving the challenge of developing close social and emotional connections with others.

Generativity versus Stagnation

The seventh stage of Erikson's Psychosocial Theory (Middle-aged adult) focused on finding a purpose and leaving a mark of lasting value on the world.

Integrity versus Despair

The eighth stage of Erikson's Psychosocial Theory (Old adult) where reflection on life leads to either a sense of accomplishment or regret and remorse.