Personality Development and Social Graces

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from Personality Development and Social Graces lecture.

Personality

Unique and enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and characteristics that influence how a person reacts, interacts, and perceives the world.

Genetics (Nature)

Certain aspects of personality that are inherited, such as traits like temperament and levels of emotional sensitivity.

Environment (Nurture)

Early childhood experiences, including interactions with parents and peers, that play a significant role in shaping personality.

Social and Cultural Influences

Norms provided by society and culture that shape personality traits, such as individualism versus collectivism.

Life Experiences

Major events such as trauma or achievements that can modify personality traits.

Cognitive Development

The maturation of a person's ability to reflect, reason, and self-aware, leading to changes in behavior and interactions.

Psychodynamic Theory

A theory developed by Sigmund Freud suggesting that human behavior is driven by unconscious desires and unresolved conflicts from early life.

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious strategies used by the ego to handle conflict and anxiety, shielding individuals from emotional distress.

Repression

A defense mechanism where a person forgets traumatic events, blocking them from conscious memory.

Projection

A defense mechanism where a person attributes their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings onto someone else.

Denial

Refusing to acknowledge reality or facts, as exemplified by a person who refuses to believe their pet is sick.

Displacement

Transferring emotional responses from the original source to a safer target, like kicking a chair after being criticized.

Trait Theory

The theory that sees personality as a collection of traits influenced by genetics and experience.

Humanistic Theory

Focuses on inherent potential for growth, self-actualization, and personal fulfillment, emphasized by figures like Maslow and Rogers.

Erikson's Psychosocial Stages

Theory stating that personality development occurs across eight stages throughout life, shaping identity and social connections.

Intellectual Development

The growth and evolution of cognitive abilities, including reasoning, problem-solving, and creativity, shaped by experiences and education.

Learning Styles

Different approaches individuals take to learn, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic styles.

Interpersonal Skills

Behaviors and traits used to communicate and interact effectively with others, also known as 'people skills.'

Transactional Analysis

A psychological theory developed by Dr. Eric Berne that analyzes human behavior through interactions or 'transactions' between individuals.

Transformational Leadership

A leadership approach that involves guiding and inspiring others to achieve common goals, emphasizing trust and growth.