Personality Psychology

PERSONALITY PART 3

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT OUR OWN PERSONALITIES?

  • Self-Schema

    • Definition: A knowledge structure comprising memories, beliefs, and generalizations about the self.

    • Function: Helps individuals efficiently perceive, organize, interpret, and use information related to themselves.

SELF-ESTEEM

  • Definition: The evaluative aspect of the self-concept in which individuals perceive themselves as worthy or unworthy.

  • Sociometer Theory:

    • Explanation: Self-esteem is a mechanism for monitoring the likelihood of social exclusion.

  • Reflected Appraisal:

    • Description: We understand our own beliefs and self-perception through the perspectives of others. What we believe others think about us influences our own self-assessment.

NARCISSISM, PSYCHOPATHY, AND MACHYAVELLIANISM

  • The Dark Triad

    • Narcissism

    • Characteristics: Grandiosity, entitlement, and a sense of superiority.

    • Machiavellianism

    • Characteristics: Deception, manipulation, and a strategic focus on personal gain.

    • Psychopathy

    • Characteristics: Lack of empathy and remorse.

CASE STUDY: TED BUNDY

  • Victims

    • Confirmed: 20

    • Confessed: 30

    • Suspected: 36+

  • Time Period of Crimes: January 4, 1974 – February 9, 1978

THE LIGHT TRIAD

  • Humanism

    • Explanation: Recognizing and valuing the worth in all individuals.

  • Kantianism

    • Explanation: Advocating for moral principles and respecting individuals as autonomous agents.

  • Faith in Humanity

    • Description: Trusting that people are fundamentally good at their core.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  • To Ponder with Someone Next to You:

    • Reflect on how the Dark and Light Triad traits apply to real-life scenarios, such as those involving political leaders, business CEOs, or personal experiences.

    • Discuss whether individuals can exhibit both Dark and Light Triad traits in different contexts or situations.

    • Consider if Dark Triad traits can be advantageous under certain circumstances.

OUR VIEWS OF OURSELVES ARE BIASED

POSITIVE ILLUSIONS

  • Definition: Overly favorable and unrealistic beliefs about oneself.

  • Key Phenomena:

    • Better-than-Average Effect: Individuals tend to believe they are better than average in various attributes and skills.

    • Strong Locus of Control: Particularly for positive outcomes, indicating a belief in personal influence over events.

    • Unrealistic Optimism: A tendency to expect favorable outcomes regarding the future, despite potential challenges.

SOCIAL COMPARISON

  • Definition: The act of evaluating oneself against others.

  • Types of Social Comparison:

    • Downward Social Comparison: Contrasting oneself with others who are perceived as worse off.

    • Upward Social Comparison: Contrasting oneself with those who are perceived as better off.

  • Preference: People generally exhibit a preference for downward social comparison, as it can enhance self-esteem and provide reassurance.

SELF-SERVING BIAS

  • Definition: The tendency for individuals to attribute their successes to internal factors while blaming failures on external factors.

  • Cultural Reference: Example given about witnessing friends using self-serving bias to justify their poor behavior towards others, leading to a humorous acknowledgement of selective perception.