Chapter 12

Psychodynamic theory

A theory by Sigmund Freud emphasizing the role of the unconscious mind and the components of personality: id, ego, and superego.

Big Five personality traits

Five key traits—Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism—that describe human personality.

Id

The primitive component of Freud's theory representing basic drives and instincts present from birth.

Ego

The rational component of Freud's personality theory that mediates between the desires of the id and the reality of the external world.

Superego

The moral component of Freud's personality theory that internalizes societal rules and ideals.

Defense mechanism

Psychological strategies used by the ego to manage anxiety by distorting reality.

Self-concept

A description of oneself based on beliefs and perceptions about personal characteristics.

Self-esteem

An individual's judgment of their own value.

Projective test

A personality assessment method where individuals project their feelings and thoughts onto ambiguous stimuli.

Personality inventory

An objective measurement tool often using scales to evaluate different personality traits.

Unconditional positive regard

A term introduced by Carl Rogers, indicating complete acceptance and support of a person regardless of their actions.

Reciprocal determinism

A concept in social-cognitive theory suggesting that personal, behavioral, and environmental factors influence each other.

Locus of control

A belief about whether outcomes in one's life are internally controlled by individual effort or externally controlled by luck or fate.

Temperament

An individual's innate emotional reactivity and intensity, which can influence later personality.

Agreeableness

A Big Five personality trait characterized by trust, altruism, and cooperativeness.

Conscientiousness

A Big Five personality trait marked by diligence, carefulness, and reliability.

Extroversion

A Big Five trait associated with sociability, enthusiasm, and assertiveness.

Introversion

A Big Five trait characterized by reserved and solitary behavior.

Neuroticism

A Big Five personality trait associated with emotional instability, anxiety, and moodiness.

Openness

A Big Five personality trait reflecting creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to experience new things.

Self-regulation

The ability to manage one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations.

Neo-Freudian

A theorist who modifies or builds upon Freud's psychodynamic theories.

Psychoanalysis

Freud's therapeutic approach focusing on unconscious processes and childhood experiences.

Social-cognitive learning theory

A theory emphasizing the role of cognitive processes and social context in shaping personality.