Emotions, Self-Esteem, and Personality

Question 1

Define

Personality

Answer 1

The behaviors, attitudes, feelings, and thoughts that define and individual.

Question 2

Identify:

The five central traits researchers use to descibe how people behave, relate to others, and react to change.

Answer 2

1. Extroversion
2. Agreeableness
3. Conscientiousness
4. Emotional stability
5. Openess to experiences

Question 3

Explain:

Extroversion/Introversion

Answer 3

Extroverts are often sociable, outgoing, and talkative. They are mostly comfortable in groups of people.

Introverts are likely to be reserved, shy, and quiet. They prefer spending time alone or in small groups.

Question 4

Explain:

Agreeableness

Answer 4

Agreeable people are often cooperative, relate in friendly ways with others, and are good-natured and forgiving. They are trustworthy of other people.

Disagreeable people, however, are hostile and distrustful of other people and are always assuming that others are exploitatives and unreliable.

Question 5

Explain:

Conscientiousness

Answer 5

Conscientious people are self disciplined and responsible and can be relied upon for wise decision-making. Their approach to tasks is through, deliberate, and organized. In contrast, some people make decisions quickly, without thinking things through and are easily distracted from their tasks. Such individuals can lost interest in a task before completion.

Question 6

Explain:

Emotional stability

Answer 6

Emotionally stable people are often relaxed, secure, and think positively even during difficult situations.

Emotionally unstable people are often angry, fearful, and worries, often thinking the worst in every situation.

Question 7

Explain:

Openness to experience

Answer 7

Characteristics of openminded people includes curiosity, creativity, and imagination. Such individuals are less predictable and have many interests.

Those who are less open-minded are more predictable and less independent in which case they are more likely to imitate other people’s actions.

Question 8

Explain:

Nature and Nurture

Answer 8

Personality traits are influenced by a combination of heredity and environment.

Our personalities are shaped by nature and nurture.

Nature is a collection of traits inherited from our environment.

Nurture refers to the surroundings and experiences in which one is born and raised.

Question 9

This trait describes how responsible and self-disciplined you are.

Answer 9

Conscientiousness

Question 10

This psychologist proposed that “personality develops throughout life as people meet a series of challenges.”

Answer 10

Erik Erikson

Question 11

The eight stages of life proposed by Erik Erikson.

Answer 11

1. Develop trust
2. Learn to be independent
3. Take initiative
4. Develop skills
5. Search for identity
6. Establish intimacy
7. Create and nurture
8. Look back with acceptance

Question 12

Explain:

Stage 1

(The eight stages of life proposed by Erik Erikson)

Answer 12

Develop trust

An infant learns to trust people when the people it depends on are able to provide them with affection, clean diapers, and food. Over time, failure to meet these basic needs can lead to mistrust and withdrawal from people.

Question 13

Explain:

Stage 2

(The eight stages of life proposed by Erik Erikson)

Answer 13

Learn to be independent

At this phase, young children learn to do tasks independently.

Examples include using the toilet or walking. Inability to learn these taks creates self-doubt. Ridicule of these inibilities can create shame in the developing child.

Question 14

Explain:

Stage 3

(The eight stages of life proposed by Erik Erikson)

Answer 14

Take initiative

During this stage, children start to plan their own activities. Through imitating others and through fantasy play, they begin to develop a sense of right and wrong. If children are harshly scolded for poor choices, they may feel unworthy, guilty, or resentful.

Question 15

Explain:

Stage 4

Answer 15

Develop skills

Children acquire skills, such as co-existing with other people, understaking household chores, and excelling in school, which will be vital for adulthood.

Success makes them feel competent enought to attain their goals, whereas never experienciung success can create feelings of failure.

Question 16

Explain:

Stage 5

(The eight stages of life proposed by Erik Erikson)

Answer 16

Search for identity

Erikson notes that the main challenge in the teenage years is to establish their identity, or a sense of self, by understanding who you are and your ambitions in life.

It may compel other teens into new experiences and behaviors that contradict family teachings. Other teenagers may adjust their identities to comply with cultural or family standards.

Question 17

Explain:

Stage 6

(The eight stages of life proposed by Erik Erikson)

Answer 17

Establish intimacy

Young adults grapple with establishing and sustaining close bonds with other people. Commiting to other people will earn you their support in challenging times.

Question 18

Explain:

Stage 7

(The eight stages of life proposed by Erik Erikson)

Answer 18

Create and nurture

This challenge usually arises in middle adulthood where the focus is on staying creative and productive in all spheres of life. Success comes from mentoring younger people to become better.

Question 19

Explain:

Stage 8

(The eight stages of life proposed by Erik Erikson)

Answer 19

Look back with acceptance

Older adulthood is a stage for reflection during which you embrace the choices made while regretting the opportunities that may have been missed.

Question 20

Define:

Self-esteem

Answer 20

The amount of respect and admiration you have for yourself.

Question 21

Explain:

Benefits of high self-esteem

Answer 21

High self-esteem is characterized by self-acceptance, including personal strengths and weaknesses.

Such individuals maintain a positive attitude even in the face of dissapointments. They respect and value themselves and, therefore, can establish close relationships with people who treat them the same way.

According to research, those who feel good about themselves are likely to avoid risky behaviors, exercise consistently, and get over dissapointments quickly.

Question 22

Explain:

Risks of low self-esteem

Answer 22

Low self-esteem is characterized by low self-respect, harsh judgement on oneself, and worrying about other people’s perceptions of them.

Individuals with low self-esteem conceal their insecurities by acting out in public, there they are often afraid of trying new things for fear of ridicule or failure.

In their opinion, they can only succeed through luck rather than hard work.

Teens with low self-esteem are suceptible to early pregnancy, eating disorders, drug abuse, and dropping out of school. Some of them could engage in self-destructive or violent behaviors.

Question 23

How does self-esteem develop?

Answer 23

Self-esteem constantly fluctuates in the course of interactions with various people.

On average, self-esteem drops in early adolecense, increases gradually during adulthood, and decreases again toward the end of life.

Question 24

List a few ways to help boost your self-esteem.

Answer 24

• make a list of your strengths and weaknesses
• set ambitious, but realistic goals for yourself
• do not be too hard on yourself
• rely on your values
• learn to accept compliments
• look beyond your own concerns
• do not focus too much on appearance

Question 25

Identify:

The process in which people desire to reach their full potential.

Answer 25

self-actualization

Proposed by psychologist Abraham Maslow

Question 26

Identify:

Before people can achieve self-actualization, their basic needs must be met. These needs are physical needs, the need to feel safe, the need to belong, and the need for esteem.

Answer 26

Hierarchy of needs

Question 27

Explain:

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Answer 27

• Physical needs: food, sleep, and water
• Safety: shelter from violence, cold, rain, and heat
• Belonging: to boost emotional health, people need to feel loved and accepted by connecting with other people
• Esteem: the need for esteem inclused the need for self-esteem and the need for the approval of others

Question 28

Identify:

Primary emotions

Answer 28

Happiness, sadness, anger, and fear

Question 29

Define:

Emotion

Answer 29

A reaction to situations involving your heavior, mind, and body.

Question 30

Identify:

Learned emotions

(alt. social emotions)

Answer 30

Love, guilt, and shame

Question 31

Define and Explain:

Coping strategy

Answer 31

A coping strategy is a method for handling unbearable or uncomfortable situations and feelings.

Coping strategies are helpful when they improve a situation or allow a person to handle a situation in a better way. Coping strategies are harmful when they make a situation worse, or a person is less able to handle a situation.

Question 32

Define and Explain:

Defrense mechanisms

Answer 32

Defence mechanisms are coping strategies that people use to safeguard themselves from difficult feelings.

Defence mechanisms are unconscious in that you may not even be aware that you are using them.

Examples of defence mechanisms include:
* Denial
* Compensation
* Rationalization
* Reaction formation
* Projection
* Regression

Question 33

What are some helpful ways of coping?

Answer 33

• Confronting the situation and undertaking actions to improve it
• Reducing tense feelings through hosuehold chores, exercise, or other productive activities
• Taking time out by reading books, journal writing, listening to music, taking walks, or just relaxing
• Confide in a family member, counselor, friend, or any other close acquaintance. Sometimes pouring your heart out can help you see things in a positive and fresh perspective.