AP PSYCH- personality lecture 1

Understanding Personality

• Definition of Personality:

  • Refers to an individual's unique, relatively consistent pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

  • The term "relatively" emphasizes that while personality traits can remain stable, they can also be influenced by situations and environments.

• Person-Situation Controversy:

  • Highlights the debate on whether personality is fixed or influenced by social contexts.

  • Personal experiences vary based on circumstances (e.g., behavior differs with family versus friends).

Historical Context in Psychology

• Wilhelm Wundt:

  • Credited as the father of psychology; established the first psychological laboratory in 1879 in Leipzig, Germany.

  • Coined the term "psychology" before Freud's work.

• Sigmund Freud:

  • Often misidentified as the father of psychology.

  • His focus was on unconscious processes shaped by early childhood experiences, especially during ages zero to five.

  • Developed psychoanalysis, a method of therapy based on exploring subconscious influences.

Freud's Theories on the Mind

• Conscious vs. Unconscious:

  • Conscious: Current awareness and thoughts; immediate recognition of one's surroundings.

  • Preconscious: Memories not actively in the mind but can be recalled; similar to long-term memory in cognitive psychology.

  • Unconscious (Subconscious):

    • Deep-seated memories and feelings that influence behavior without conscious awareness.

    • Important early experiences, often repressed, affect behavior and personality.

Structure of Personality

• Id:

  • Operates on the pleasure principle; seeks instant gratification based on basic instincts (hunger, desire).

  • Example: Infants' behavior is unfiltered and demands immediate satisfaction.

• Superego:

  • Represents internalized social rules and moral standards; akin to the conscience.

  • Influences behavior based on societal expectations, which can sometimes be harmful.

• Ego:

  • Acts as a mediator between the id and superego; balances needs and societal expectations.

  • Aims to satisfy both demands in realistic, acceptable ways.

Freud’s Influence on Therapy

• Psychoanalysis:

  • Focused on uncovering hidden thoughts and feelings via talk therapy and techniques such as free association.

  • Themes in a person's discourse can reveal unresolved issues from the subconscious.

• Cultural Context:

  • Freud’s theories were often controversial; influenced by the cultural attitudes towards sexuality and aggression of his time.

  • His concepts still provoke discussion in understanding human behavior today.

Application in Real Life

• Gut Feelings:

  • Refers to instincts or feelings often linked to the id; assists in recognizing threats or uncomfortable situations.

  • Awareness of subconscious influences can help in decision-making and personal safety.