Introduction to Personality Psychology

These flashcards provide key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on personality psychology to aid in exam preparation.

Personality

Distinguishing pattern of psychological characteristics that differentiate us from others and lead us to act relatively consistently across situations.

Trait Approach

A psychological approach focused on the classification of stable predispositions to act or behave in certain ways.

Temperament

Conceptualized now as nervous system reactivity and arousal; originally described by Galen based on four humors.

Cardinal Traits

Rare traits that dominate an individual's personality as described by Gordon Allport.

Big Five Personality Traits

A model encompassing five traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism, summarized by the acronym OCEAN.

Freudian Psychoanalysis

A therapeutic approach developed by Sigmund Freud focusing on unconscious drives and the influence of childhood experiences on personality.

Self-Efficacy

The belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task, associated with better performance and satisfaction.

High Self-Monitors

Individuals who are concerned with social appropriateness and attentive to social cues to guide their behavior.

Psychodynamic Approach

A perspective in psychology that emphasizes unconscious motivations and conflicts, particularly from childhood.

Humanistic Approach

A psychological perspective that focuses on human potential and stresses the importance of growth and self-actualization.

NEO Personality Inventory

A personality test designed to evaluate the Big Five personality traits.

Situational vs. Dispositional Traits

A contrast between traits that dictate behavior based on stable characteristics versus those influenced by temporary situational factors.