PSYC 331 Study Guide - Humanistic Theory and Personal Construct Theory

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapters 10, 11, and 12 of the PSYC 331 study guide focusing on humanistic theory and personal construct theory.

Humanistic Theory

A psychological perspective that emphasizes personal growth and the concept of self.

Person-centered therapy

A therapeutic approach that focuses on the individual's experience and emphasizes empathy and acceptance.

Actualization tendency

The innate drive to improve oneself and achieve personal potential over time.

Characteristics of fully functioning people

Openness to experience, existential living, trust in one's instincts, creativity, and leading an enriched life.

Positive regard

The acceptance and support given to an individual to enhance their self-worth.

Conditional positive regard

Acceptance and support that is contingent on certain conditions or behaviors.

Development of self-concept

The formation of an understanding of oneself through experiences and self-talk.

Congruence

The alignment between one's self-perception and how one is perceived by others.

Incongruence

A disparity between one's actions or inner self and how one is perceived externally.

Therapeutic conditions for growth

Key elements that promote personal growth in therapy, particularly the client-therapist relationship that includes empathy and genuineness.

Personal Construct Theory (PCT)

A theory proposing that individuals interpret and make sense of the world through personal constructs.

Constructive alternativism

The view that people can change their perspectives and that they are not permanently defined by their past constructs.

Dichotomy corollary

A principle suggesting that understanding comes from evaluating situations through contrasting pairs.

Fragmentation corollary

The idea that an individual's constructs may not consistently align, causing inconsistencies in behavior and thoughts.

Reinforcement theory

A psychological concept asserting that behavior is influenced by the consequences that follow an action.

Extinction

The process in which learned behaviors decrease when reinforcement is no longer provided.

Schedules of reinforcement

The timing and frequency with which rewards or punishments are delivered following a behavior.