Psychological Theories and Concepts

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to psychological theories, focusing on aspects of personality development, Freud's psychoanalytic theory, behaviorism, and humanistic psychology.

Projection

The unconscious attribution of our negative characteristics onto others.

Displacement

Directing an impulse from a socially unacceptable target onto a safer and more socially acceptable target.

Rationalization

Providing a reasonable-sounding explanation for our unreasonable behaviors or failures.

Intellectualization

Avoiding anxiety by thinking about abstract and interpersonal thoughts.

Sublimation

Transforming a socially unacceptable impulse into an admired goal.

Erogenous Zone

Parts of the body that become sources of pleasure and focus during different psychosexual stages.

Oral Stage

The first psychosexual stage (0-1 years) focused on the mouth, where conflict involves weaning.

Anal Stage

The second psychosexual stage (1-3 years) focused on the anus, associated with toilet training.

Phallic Stage

The third psychosexual stage (3-6 years) focused on the genitals, involving the Oedipus/Electra complex.

Latency Stage

The fourth psychosexual stage (6-puberty) where sexual feelings are dormant and focus is on social skills.

Genital Stage

The fifth psychosexual stage (puberty-adulthood) focused on mature sexual relationships.

Unfalsifiability

A characteristic of theories that cannot be proven or disproven, making them scientifically weak.

Failed Predictions

When a theory makes predictions that are not supported by research or evidence.

Conception of the Unconscious

Freud's version of unconscious processes, which is now considered too extreme in modern psychology.

Unrepresentative Samples

Freud's reliance on a small group of individuals, limiting the generalizability of his theories.

Shared Environmental Influence

Freud's belief that a shared family environment shapes personality significantly.

Neo-Freudian Theories

Theories that modified Freud's ideas, emphasizing social and cultural influences over sexuality.

Inferiority Complex

The feelings of low self-esteem that lead to overcompensation by appearing superior.

Feminist Psychology

Horney's response to Freud’s ideas, emphasizing social and cultural pressures affecting women's psychology.

Collective Unconscious

Jung's concept of a shared store of memories inherited from our ancestors.

Archetypes

Universal symbols and themes found across cultures, according to Jung.

Behavioral Theory

Explains personality through learning histories and behavioral responses rather than internal drives.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment.

Determinism in Behaviorism

The belief that behavior is determined by pre-existing causes, undermining the concept of free will.

Reciprocal Determinism

Bandura's idea that behavior, environment, and personal factors influence each other.

Observational Learning

Learning behaviors by watching others and modeling those behaviors.

Humanistic Psychology

A movement emphasizing free will, personal growth, and the inherent goodness of humans.

Self-Actualization

The drive to realize one's full potential, according to humanistic psychologists.

Conditions of Worth

Expectations we place on ourselves that can inhibit personal growth.

The Big Five Model

A trait model identifying five broad personality traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism.