Chapter 13 & 14- Interpersonal Relationships, Biology, and Culture

Rejection sensitivity theory

characterized by anxious expectations of rejection in interpersonal relationships

Interpersonal circumplex theory

model for conceptualizing, organizing, and assessing interpersonal behavior, traits, and motives

Agency (dimension of interpersonal behavior)

to get ahead (dominant, assertive, ambitious)

Communion (dimension of interpersonal behavior)

to get along (warm, agreeable, friendly)

Temperament

individual differences in emotional and motivational tendencies that’re evident early in life

Character

“self regulatory” aspects of behavior

Behavioral genetics

the study of genetic contributions to behavior

The heritability coefficient (h²)

numerical estimate of the degree to which genetic variations determine variations among people across the population

Molecular genetic paradigm

try to identify specific genes linked with personality traits

Instincts

psychological tendencies that are fixed from biological evolution

Personal responses

nonsocial self descriptions about personal interest, personal possessions, styles of behavior, sense of self (“i am fun loving, extraverted, and have a good sense of humor”)

Social responses

self descriptions that reference social groups they’re part of, role in an organization, social status, political affiliation, and family role (“I am a devout Christian, parent of two, and human resources manager”)

The niche diversity hypothesis

complexity of personality trait structure depends on the complexity of the ecological niche

Ecological niche

environmental patterns and dynamics of habitats and communities

Hofsteade’s cultural dimensions

effects of societal culture on the values of its members

individualism/collectivism (dimension)

degree to which people are integrated into groups

uncertainty avoidance (dimension)

society’s tolerance for ambiguity and freedom of thoughts and ideas

masculinity/femininity (dimension)

task orientation/agentic striving vs person orientation/communal striving

power distance (dimension)

strength of the social hierarchy and acceptance of unequal distribution of power

long-term/short-term orientation (dimension)

connection of past with current/future challenges vs the tendency to hold to traditions and value steadfastness

indulgence/restraint (dimension)

degree of freedom given to citizens to fulfill human desires

Western "independent” self

• we have a set of psychological qualities that’re distinct from other people

• behavior explained thru mental traits and personal choices

• ideal self>ought self

Eastern “interdependent” self

• highlights roles within family and social relationships

• behavior explained thru networks and social obligations

• ought self > ideal self