Social unit

Psychodynamic perspective: Focuses on how unconscious thoughts, feelings, and early experiences shape personality.

Unconscious processes: Thoughts and desires we are unaware of but that still influence our behavior.

Denial: Refusing to accept reality to protect yourself from distress.

Displacement: Taking out emotions on someone or something less threatening.

Projection: Blaming someone else for feelings or flaws you actually have.

Rationalization: Making excuses for your actions instead of admitting the real reason.\

Reaction formation: Acting the opposite of how you actually feel (like being super nice to someone you dislike).

Regression:  Acting younger than you are when stressed 

(like throwing a tantrum when things don’t go your way).

Repression: Your brain pushing painful memories so deep down that you don’t even remember them.

Sublimation: Turning bad energy into something productive 

(going to the gym instead of punching someone).

Projective tests: Weird psychology tests (like inkblots) that try to reveal what’s going on in your subconscious.

Humanistic Theory of Personality  (Module 56– 1569-1572)

Humanistic Perspective: You have free will and the ability to grow into your best self.

Self-actualizing tendency: The urge to improve and become the best version of yourself.

Topic 4.5 Social-Cognitive and Trait Theories

P.1609- 1620

Social-cognitive theory: Your personality comes from a mix of learning, social influences, and personal choices. 

Reciprocal determinism: Your personality, your actions, and your environment all influence each other.

Self-efficacy:  Your confidence in your ability to do something successfully.

Self-esteem: How much you respect and value yourself.

Self-concept: How you see and define yourself.

Trait Theory: Personality is based on consistent traits 

(like being outgoing or introverted).

 P. 1592- 1593

Big 5 Theory of Personality (OCEAN): 

Openness: Being open to new ideas and experiences.

Conscientiousness: Being responsible and organized.

Extraversion: Being social and outgoing.

Agreeableness: Being kind and easy to get along with.

Neuroticism: Being emotional, anxious, or moody.

Topic 4.6 Motivation

P. 1078-1092

Drive-reduction theory: You do things to satisfy basic needs 

(eating because you’re hungry).

Homeostasis: Your body keeping things balanced 

(sweating when hot to cool down).

Arousal theory (optimal arousal): People need just the right level of excitement; they can't be too bored, and not too stressed.

Yerkes-Dodson Law: You perform best when you’re slightly stressed but not too overwhelmed.

Self-determination theory: We’re motivated when we feel in control, capable, and connected to others.

Intrinsic motivation: Doing something because you genuinely enjoy it, not for rewards.

Incentive theory: Doing something for a reward or to avoid punishment.

Lewin’s motivational conflicts theory: Struggling to make a decision because of conflicting wants.

Approach-avoidance theory: When something has both good and bad sides, making it hard to decide.

Sensation seeking (experience, thrill adventure, disinhibition, boredom, susceptibility): Craving excitement and new experiences

(thrill-seekers who love roller coasters).

Topic 4.7 Emotion

Two-Factor Theory (1162): Emotion = body reaction + brain interpretation 

(heart racing + thinking "I'm in danger" = fear).

Cognitive appraisal within Lazarus’s Theory of Emotion (1166): How you think about a situation affects how you feel about it.

Physiological experiences of emotion ( 1170-1171): The physical reactions that come with emotions 

(shaking when nervous).

 Facial-feedback Effect (1194): Your facial expressions can affect your mood

(forcing a smile can make you feel happier).

Universality of emotions (Ekman) (1188- 1191): Basic emotions (happiness, anger, sadness, etc.) are the same across all cultures.