PP2_lecture_7_Healthy_mature_personality_

Healthy, Mature Personality

Overview of Characteristics

• Targeted Concepts:

  • Emotional stability using complex defenses and adaptive coping mechanisms.

  • Efficient interaction with others and competency in social settings.

  • Ego-strength, optimism, and trusting secure attachments.

  • Development of theory of mind and emotional intelligence.

• Key Traits:

  • Empathetic behavior and altruism.

  • Ability to delay immediate gratification and inhibit impulses.

Healthy Personality in Psychology

Perspectives from Various Psychological Branches:

• Clinical Psychology:

  • Focus on the absence of symptoms; evaluated through DSM and GAF scoring (100 points indicates optimal mental health).

• Personality Psychology:

  • Dispositional approach considers scores around the mean as normal, with deviations indicating potential issues.

• Humanistic Psychology:

  • Emphasis on mature and authentic personality traits.

• Positive Psychology:

  • Concept of the autotelic personality or Flow experience (Csíkszentmihályi): engagement in activities that provide intrinsic rewards.

Allport's Definition of Mature Personality:

1. Extension of Sense of Self:

   • Growth from self-centric focus to wider interactions and meaningful activities.

2. Warm Relating to Others:

   • Capacity for intimacy, empathy, compassion, and unconditional love.

3. Emotional Security:

   • Acceptance of all aspects of self, ability to tolerate frustration, and emotional regulation.

4. Realistic Perception:

   • Objective world view without distorting reality to fit desires.

5. Skills and Assignments:

   • Importance of meaningful tasks and losing oneself in activities.

6. Self-Objectification:

   • Development of self-insight, self-awareness, and self-reflection.

Self-Actualization According to Maslow

• Definition:

  • Self-actualization as the realization of one's potential, requiring the fulfillment of lower needs in the hierarchy.

• Key Findings:

  • Studies of 50 healthy, high-performing individuals highlight commonalities in self-actualization traits.

  • Only <1% achieve full self-actualization due to childhood influences.

• Characteristics of Self-Actualizers:

  • Efficient perception of reality and general self-acceptance.

  • Spontaneous, simple existence with focus on problem-solving outside of self.

  • Continuous growth in appreciation and openness to new experiences.

  • Experience of peak moments of insight and unselfish attitudes.

Characteristics of Self-Actualization

• Loss of Self-Consciousness:

  • Ability to transcend everyday contradictions and engage in life fully.

• Social Interest:

  • Compassion and sensitivity toward others, fostering community connection.

• Interpersonal Relations:

  • Maintained depth in personal relationships, stressing the quality over quantity.

• Democratic Character Structure:

  • Free from prejudice and judgment; acceptance of diversity.

• Creative Expression:

  • High moral standards and humorous outlook, often reflecting deeper understanding.

Rogers' Fully Functioning Personality

• Openness to Experience:

  • Engaging fully with emotions and experiences without denial.

• Existential Living:

  • Full presence in the moment, akin to mindfulness.

• Trust in Organism:

  • Reliance on internal instincts for guidance in decision-making.

• Sense of Freedom:

  • Embracing choices and actions authentically regardless of external constraints.

Dimensions of Psychological Well-being (Carol Ryff)

1. Self-Acceptance:

   • Positive acknowledgment of self across various aspects.

2. Positive Relations with Others:

   • Building trusting, empathetic relationships.

3. Autonomy:

   • Self-determination and independence in thoughts and actions.

4. Environmental Mastery:

   • Competence in managing life circumstances and opportunities.

5. Purpose in Life:

   • Having goals and beliefs that impart meaning to life.

6. Personal Growth:

   • Continual development and realization of potential over time.