AP Psych 4.4 Psychodynamic and Humanistic

Psychodynamic Theory

Suggests that personality is shaped by unconscious forces, internal conflicts, and decease mechanisms, originally developed by Sigmund Freud, emphasizing the influence of childhood experiences and unconscious drives.

Preconscious Mind

Contains thoughts and feelings that are not currently in conscious awareness but can be easily accessed when needed.

Unconscious Mind

Consists of process and memories that are beyond conscious awareness and significantly influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Projective Tests

Tools used by psychodynamic personality psychologists to assess personality by eliciting responses that reveal the contents of the preconscious and unconscious mind.

Ego Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious strategies used by the ego to protect itself from anxiety and perceived.

Denial

Ego defense mechanism where an individual unconsciously refuses to acknowledge reality or facts, thereby protecting themselves from uncomfortable truths.

Displacement

Ego defense mechanisms where emotional impulses are redirected from the original source to a safer or more acceptable substitute target.

Projection

Ego defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable feelings, thoughts, or motives to someone else, thus deflecting self-criticism.

Rationalization

Ego defense mechanism where individuals justify and explain their behaviors or feelings in a seemingly rational or logical manner to avoid confronting the true underlying reasons.

Reaction Formation

Ego defense mechanism where individuals suppress unacceptable impulses by unconsciously displaying the opposite behavior or emotion.

Regression

Ego defense mechanism where an individual reverts to earlier stages of development and childlike behaviors when faced with stress or emotional conflict.

Repression

Ego defense mechanism where distressing thoughts and feelings are unconsciously blocked from entering conscious awareness.

Sublimation

Ego defense mechanism where negative urges and impulses are channeled into socially acceptable or constructive activities.

Humanistic Psychology

Emphasizes the study of the whole person and the uniqueness of each individual, particularly focusing on self-growth and unconditional positive regard as essential for achieving personal potential.

Unconditioned Regard

Individual is accepted and loved as they are, without any conditions or judgements, fostering personal growth and self-acceptance.

Self-Actualing Tendency

Refers to the innate drive in every individual to grow, develop, and realize their fullest potential.

Social-Cognitive Theory

Theory that emphasizes the influence of cognitive process, behaviors, and context in understanding personality and human actions.

Reciprocal-Determinism

Concept in social-cognitive theory proposing that an individual’s behavior. Personal factors (like thoughts and emotions), and environment influence each other interactively.

Self-Concept

Individual’s perception of themselves, encompassing self-awareness and the evaluation of their role in relation to others.

Self-Efficacy

Belief in one’s own ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task, which plays a crucial role in how goals, tasks, and challenges are approached.

Self-Esteem

A person’s overall subjective emotional evaluations of their own worth; it is a judgement of oneself as well as attitude toward the self.

Trait Theories

Suggest that personality is made up of stable characteristics, called traits, that consistently influence how a person thinks and behaves.

Big Five Theory

Identifies 5 broad dimensions of Personality-Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism-than describe the main traits of human personality.

Personality Inventories

Standardized tools used to assess and measure individual personality traits and characteristics through self-report questionnaires.

Factor Analysis

A statistical method used to identify clusters of related items (factors) in a set of data.

Openness to Experience

Personality trait that encompasses a person’s imagination, curiosity, and willingness to engage with new ideas, experiences, and creative pursuits.

Conscientiousness

Personality trait marked by organization, dependability, discipline, and a goal-directed approach to life.

Extraversion

Personality trait characterized by high levels of sociability, energy, assertiveness, and a strong preference for social interaction and stimulation.

Agreeableness

Personality trait characterized by warmth, kindness, empathy, and a cooperative and trusting nature.

Emotional Stability Neuroticism

Refers to the trait of having consistent emotional reactions, resilience, and the ability to remain calm and composed under stress.