Ch. 6: Identity and Personality Flashcards
(138 cards)
1
Q
defn: self-concept vs. self-schema vs. identity
A
self-concept –> our awareness of ourselves as distinct from others and our own internal list of answers to the question Who am I? (includes appraisal of who we used to be and who we will become)
self-schema –> a self-given label that carries with it a set of qualities (i.e. athlete)
identity –> individual components of our self-concept related to the groups to which we belong
we have one self-concept, but multiple identities
2
Q
defn: androgyny vs. undifferentiated
A
androgyny: very masculine and very feminine at the same time
undifferentiated: low levels of masculinity and femininity at the same time
3
Q
defn: theory of gender schema
A
key components of gender identity are transmitted through cultural and societal means
4
Q
defn: ethnic identity vs. national identity
A
ethnic identity: parts of one’s identity associated with membership in a particular racial/ethnic group (shared ancestry, cultural heritage, language)
nationality: based on political borders (shared history, media, cuisine, national symbols)
5
Q
defn: hierarchy of salience
A
how our identities are organized
we let the situation dictate which identity holds the most importance for us at any given moment
the more salient the identity, the more we conform to role expectations of the identities
salience is determined by: amt. of work invested into the identity, rewards and gratification assoc. with identity, amt. of self-esteem we have assoc. with the identity
6
Q
defn: self-discrepancy theory
A
each of us have three selves
perceived differences between these selves lead to negative feelings
7
Q
what are the three selves in self-discrepancy theory?
A
- actual self (self-concept –> the way we see ourselves as we currently are)
- ideal self (who we would like to be)
- ought self (our representation of the way others think we should be)
8
Q
how does self-esteem relate to self-discrepancy theory?
A
the closer your three selves are to one another, the higher your self-esteem will be
9
Q
defn: self-esteem vs. self-efficacy
A
self-esteem (self-worth) –> how we feel about ourselves (low: very critical!)
self-efficacy –> our belief in our ability to succeed
10
Q
defn: overconfidence
A
too high-self efficacy
we take on tasks we aren’t ready for
11
Q
defn: learned helplessness
A
low self-efficacy
development of a perceived lack of control over the outcome of a situation
12
Q
summary: Freud’s 5 stages of psychosexual development + their basic characteristics
A
- Oral
- Anal
- Phallic
- Latency
- Genital
Oral: libidinal energy centered on the mouth; fixation can lead to excessive dependency
anal: toilet training occurs; fixation can lead to excessive orderliness or messiness
phallic: oedipal or electra conflict is resolved during this stage
latency: libido is largely sublimated during this stage
genital: starts at puberty; in theory, if previous stages have been successfully resolved, the person will enter into heterosexual relationships
13
Q
what is Freud’s belief of what underpins human psychological processes?
A
libidinal energy
the drive to reduce libidinal tension
14
Q
defn: fixation
A
part of Freud’s theory of psychosexual development
occurs when a child is overindulged or overly frustrated during a development stage
causes anxiety
15
Q
defn: neurosis
A
part of Freud’s theory of psychosexual development
children from a personality pattern based on a particular stage they are in, which persists into adulthood as a functional mental disorder (neurosis)
arises as a response to anxiety from fixation
16
Q
defn, age, char, result: oral stage
A
Freud’s 1st stage of psychosexual development
0 - 1 yrs old
gratification: objects in mouth, biting, sucking
libidinal energy: mouth
fixation: excessive dependency
17
Q
defn, age, char, result: anal stage
A
Freud’s 2nd stage of psychosexual development
1 - 3 yrs old
gratification: elimination and retention of waste materials
libidinal energy: anus
toilet training
fixation: excessive orderliness (anal-retentiveness) or sloppiness as an adult
18
Q
defn, age, char, aka: phallic stage
A
Freud’s 3rd stage of psychosexual development
aka: Oedipal stage
3 - 5 yrs old
resolution of Oedipal conflict for males and Electra conflict for females
19
Q
defn, char: Oedipal conflict
A
- envy father’s intimacy with mother
- fears castration by father
- wants to eliminate father and possess mother
- feels guilty for this
resolution:
1. identify with father
2. establish sexual identity
3. internalize moral values
4. sublimate sexual energy by collecting objects or focusing on school
20
Q
defn, char: Electra conflict
A
- similar desire as Oedipal conflict
- penis envy
- exhibit less stereotypically female behavior
- less morally developed
21
Q
defn, age, char: latency stage
A
Freud’s 4th stage of psychosexual development
5 yrs - puberty
occurs after libido is sublimated
22
Q
defn, age, char, result: genital stage
A
Freud’s 5th stage of psychosexual development
puberty - adulthood
if prior development correct: enter into healthy heterosexual relationships
if sexual trauma resolved: homosexuality, asexuality, fetishism
23
Q
summary: Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development + age + basic question
A
- TRUST vs. MISTRUST / 0 - 1 / can I trust the world?
- AUTONOMY vs. SHAME and DOUBT / 1 - 3 / Is it okay to be me?
- INITIATIVE vs. GUILT / 3 - 6 / Is it okay for me to do, move, and act?
- INDUSTRY vs. INFERIORITY / 6 - 12 / Can I make it in the world of people and things?
- IDENTITY vs. ROLE CONFUSION / 12 - 20 / Who am I? What can I be?
- INTIMACY vs. ISOLATION / 20 - 40 / Can I love?
- GENERATIVITY vs. STAGNATION / 40 - 65 / Can I make my life count?
- INTEGRITY vs. DESPAIR / 65 years to death / Is it okay to have been me?
24
Q
what is the basis behind Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development?
A
Personality development is driven by the successful resolution of social and emotional conflicts
25
defn, why, results: trust vs. mistrust
Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development
newborns are helpless and unsure of their environment, they look to their caretakers to see if they can reliably provide support
positive: trust
negative: mistrust
26
what are the three key features of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development?
1. these conflicts arise because an individual lacks some critical social or emotional skill --> each conflict represents an opportunity to learn a new social or emotional skill --> mechanism for psychosocial development
2. each conflict has either a positive or negative resolution (negative resolution would = a failure to develop)
3. if you fail to obtain a positive resolution at one stage, you can still advance to later stages, AND, you may even learn the skill that you failed to learn during the developmental conflict LATER in life
27
defn, why, results: autonomy vs. shame and doubt
Erikson's second stage of psychosocial development
children begin to explore surroundings and develop their interests
positive: they feel they can exert control over the world and exercise choice and self-restraint
negative: sense of doubt, persistent external locus of control
28
defn, why, results: initiative vs. guilt
Erikson's third stage of psychosocial development
children learn basic cause and effect physics principles, starting and finishing tasks for a purpose
positive: sense of purpose, ability to initiate activities, ability to enjoy accomplishment
negative: overcome by fear of punishment, unduly restriction or overcompensate by showing off
29
defn, why, results: industry vs. inferiority
Erikson's fourth stage of psychosocial development
pre-teens are becoming aware of themselves as individuals
positive: feel competent, can exercise their abilities and intelligence, can affect the world in the way they desire
negative: sense of inadequacy, sense of inability to act competently, low self-esteem
30
defn, why, results: identity vs. role confusion
Erikson's fifth stage of psychosocial development
adolescents explore their independence to determine who they are and what their purpose is in society
positive: form a single identity; fidelity (the ability to see oneself as a unique and integrated person with sustained loyalties)
negative: confusion about one's identity and place in society; amorphous personality that shifts from day to day
31
defn, why, results: intimacy vs. isolation
Erikson's sixth stage of psychosocial dvelopment
people focus on creating long-lasting bonds with others
positive: love, intimate relationships with others, commit oneself to another person and one's own goals
negative: avoidance of commitment, alienation, distancing of oneself from others and one's ideals, withdrawn, superficial relationships
32
defn, why, results: generativity vs. stagnation
Erikson's seventh stage of psychosocial development
focus on advancing present and future society
positive: capable of being a productive, caring, and contributing member of society
negative: self-indulgent, bored, self-centered, little care for others
33
defn, why, results: integrity vs. despair
Erikson's eighth stage of psychosocial development
focus: reflective and contemplative
positive: wisdom (detached concern with life itself), assurance in the meaning of life, dignity, acceptance of the fat that one's life has been worthwhile, ready to face death
negative: bitterness about one's life, life has been worthless, fear over death
34
what is the basis behind Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning?
as our cognitive abilities grow, we are able to think about the world in more complex and nuanced ways and this directly affects the ways in which we resolve moral dilemmas and perceive the notion of right and wrong
35
what is the Heinz dilemma? what was Kohlberg looking for with this?
Man named Heinz, wife dying of disease
druggist selling a drug for too expensive, Heinz asks if he will lower, he says no
Heinz steals the meds
Kohlberg was interested in the reasoning behind the appraisal of if the character acted morally and why or why not NOT if they thought it was right or wrong because he believed either could be justified
36
summary: Kohlberg's stages of moral development + age + category
Preconventional morality (preteen)
1. Obedience
2. Self-interest
Conventional morality (teen to adulthood)
3. Conformity
4. Law and order
Postconventional morality (adulthood if at all)
5. Social contract
6. Universal human ethics
37
defn, char, stages, Heinz: preconventional morality
Kohlberg's first stage of personality development
emphasis on consequences of moral choice
1. obedience / avoid punishment / if I steal the drug, I'll go to jail
2. self-interest / gaining rewards / I need to save my wife because I want to spend more of my life with her (aka : instrumental relativist stage is based on reciprocity and sharing: I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine)
38
defn, char, stages, Heinz: conventional morality
Kohlberg's second stage of personality development
emphasis on understanding and accepting social rules
3. conformity / "nice person" orientation + seeks approval of others / I should not steal the drug because stealing is wrong
4. law and order / maintains social order in highest regard / if everyone stole things they couldn't afford, people who produce those items would not be able to continue business
39
defn, char, stages, Heinz: postconventional morality
not everyone is capable of this level of reasoning
based on social mores, which may conflict with laws
5. social contract / moral rules are conventions designed to ensure the greater good, with reasoning focused on individual rights / everyone has a right to live, business have a right to profit from their products
6. universal human ethics / decisions should be made in consideration of abstract principles / it is wrong for one person to hold another's life for ransom
40
how does one progress through Kohlberg's stages of personality development?
each stage is adopted and abandoned for the next as one progresses
41
what is the basis behind Vygotsky's theory of cultural and biosocial development?
the engine driving cognitive development is the child's internalization of various aspects of culture (rules, symobls, language, etc.)
42
defn: zone of proximal development
the main aspect of Vygotsky's theory of cultural and biosocial development
the skills and abilities that have not fully developed but are in the process of development
requires the help of "a more knowledgeable other" (an adult) in order to gain these skills successfully
if a child struggles on their own, but might be successful with help from an adult: that skill is within the child's zone of proximal development
43
defn: role-taking
as children grow, they are more able to see the identities of others as different from their own
they might experiment with other identities by taking on roles of others (house or school)
44
defn: theory of mind
the ability to sense how another's mind works
45
defn: looking-glass self
our understanding of how others see us, which relies on perceiving a reflection of ourselves based on the words and actions of others
46
defn: reference group
the group we use as a standard to evaluate ourselves
47
defn: identity vs. personality
identity: who we are
personality: howe we act and react to the world around us
48
what are the four main categories of personality?
1. psychoanalytic/psychodynamic
2. humanistic/phenomenological
3. type and trait
4. behaviorist
49
what is the founding assumption behind psychoanalytic theories of personality?
the assumption of unconscious internal states that motivate the overt actions of individuals and determine personality
50
what are the three major entities in Freud's structural model of psychoanalytic personality?
id, ego, superego
51
defn: id
consists of all the basic, primal, inborn urges to survive and reproduce
52
defn: pleasure principle
the principle that the id functions according to
goal: achieve immediate gratification to relieve any pent-up tension
53
defn: primary process
the id's response to frustration based on the pleasure principle (obtain satisfaction now, not later)
54
defn: wish fulfillment
mental imagery such as daydreaming or fantasy that fulfills the id's need for satisfaction
55
why does the ego arise?
the mental image created for the id by wish fulfillment cannot effectively reduce tension permanently
56
defn and goal: reality principle
the principle that the ego functions by
take into account objective reality as it guides or inhibits the activity of the id and the id's pleasure principle
goal: postpone the pleasure principle until satisfaction can actually be obtain
suspends the primary process to meet the demands of objective reality
57
defn: secondary process
the guidance that the ego provides to the id
58
what does the mutual give and take of the ego and reality promote?
the growth of perception, memory, problem solving, thinking, and reality testing
59
what is a metaphor to understand the ego?
it is the organizer of the mind
60
what is the relationship between the id and the ego?
the ego receives power from and can never be fully independent of the id
61
what is the ego's relationship with the superego?
the ego moderates the desires of the superego
62
defn and needs: superego
needs: refined and focused on the ideal self
the personality's perfectionist
judges our actions and responding with pride at our accomplishments and guilt at our failures
63
what are the two divisions of the superego and what are they reflections of?
they are a reflection of the morals taught to children by their caregivers
1. conscience
2. ego-ideal
64
defn: conscience
part of the superego
a collection of the improper actions for which a child is punished
65
defn: ego-ideal
part of the superego
the proper actions for which a child is rewarded
66
what ultimately substitutes for caregiver's rewards and punishments in Freud's psychoanalytic perspective?
a system of right and wrong
67
where does our access to the id, ego, and superego fall?
1. conscious access thoughts
2. thoughts we aren't currently aware of (preconscious)
3. thoughts that have been repressed (unconscious)
68
define: instinct (Freud)
an innate psychological representation of a biological need
the propelling aspect's of Freud's dynamic theory of personality
69
what are the two types of instincts that Freud proposes? define them.
life (Eros) --> promote an individual quest for survival through thirst, hunger, and sexual needs
death (Thanatos) --> an unconscious wish for death and destruction
70
defn: defense mechanism
the ego's recourse for relieving anxiety caused by the clash of id and superego
71
what are two characteristics of all defense mechanisms?
1. deny, falsify, and distort reality
2. operate unconsciously
72
what are the 8 main defense mechanisms?
1. repression
2. suppression
3. regression
4. reaction formation
5. projection
6. rationalization
7. displacement
8. sublimation
73
defn: repression
1/8 defense mechanisms
the ego's way of forcing undesired thoughts and urges to the unconscious (underlies many other defense mechanisms)
aim: disguise threatening impulses that may find their way back from the unconscious
an unconscious forgetting
74
defn: suppression
1/8 defense mechanisms
a more deliberate, conscious form of forgetting
75
defn: regression
1/8 defense mechanisms
reversion to an earlier developmental state
76
defn: reaction formation
1/8 defense mechanisms
when an individual urges by unconsciously converting these urges into their exact opposites
77
defn: projection
individuals attribute their undesired feelings to others
78
assumption and defn: Rorschach inkblot test
relies on the assumption that clients project their unconscious feelings onto shape
79
defn: thematic apperception test
consists of a series of pictures presented to a client, who is asked to make up a story about each
the story will elucidate the client's own unconscious thoughts and feelings
80
defn: rationalization
1/8 defense mechanisms
the justification of behaviors in a manner that is acceptable to the self and society
81
defn: displacement
1/8 defense mechanisms
the transference of an undesired urge from one person or object to another
82
defn: sublimation
1/8 defense mechanisms
the transformation of unacceptable urges into socially acceptable behaviors
83
how does Carl Jung think of the libido in comparison to Freud?
libido as psychic energy in general, not just psychic energy rooted in sexuality
84
defn: ego (Jung)
the conscious mind
85
what are the two parts of Jung's unconscious? describe them.
1. personal unconscious (sim. to Freud's unconscious)
2. collective unconscious (a powerful system shared among all humans; a residue of the experiences of our early ancestors; building blocks: images of common experiences)
86
defn: archetype
images of common experiences (invariably have an emotional element) in Jung's theory
87
what are the four important Jungian archetypes and brief descriptions?
1. Persona
2. Anima
3. Animus
4. Shadow
Persona: the aspect of our personality we present to the world
Anima: a "man's inner woman"
Animus: a "woman's inner man"
Shadow: unpleasant and socially reprehensible thoughts, feelings, and actions experienced in the unconscious mind
88
descrip: persona
one of Jung's archetypes
like a mask we wear in public, the part of our personality we present to the world
adaptive to our social interactions, emphasizing the qualities that improve our social standing and suppressing other less desirable qualities
89
descrip: anima and animus
two of Jung's archetypes
gender-inappropriate qualities
anima: the suppressed female quality in males that explains emotional behavior
animus: the suppressed male quality in females that explains power-seeking behavior
90
descrip: shadow
one of Jung's archetype
responsible for the appearance of unpleasant and socially reprehensible thoughts, feelings, and actions experiences in the unconscious mind
91
defn: self (Jung)
the point of intersection between the collective unconscious, the personal unconscious, and the conscious mind
strives for unity
92
how does Jung view the mandala?
the mythic expression of the self: the reconciler of opposites and the promoter of harmony
93
defn: word association testing
developed by Jung
assesses how unconscious elements may be influencing the conscious mind and thus the self
reveals elements of the unconscious by patient word choice, mood, and response speed
94
what are Jung's three dichotomies of personality? how do they work?
1. Extraversion vs. introversion
2. Sensing (objective info about the world) vs. intuiting (working with info abstractly)
3. Thinking (logic, reason) v. feeling (using value system or personal beliefs)
in most: both sides present, but one dominant
95
defn and basis: Myers-Briggs Type Inventory
a personality test
based on Jung
each of Jung's dichotomies + one more: judging (prefers order) vs. perceiving (prefers spontaneity) is labeled as a specific personality type
96
what is the focus of Alfred Adler's personality theory?
immediate social imperatives of family and society and their effects on unconscious factors
97
defn and who: inferiority complex
Adler
an individual's sense of incompleteness, imperfection, and inferiority physically and socially
98
what drives personality per Adler? what are the two outcomes of this?
striving for superiority
enhances the personality when it is oriented toward benefiting society; yields disorder when selfish
99
what are three other aspects of Adler's theory of personality?
1. creative self
2. style of life
3. fictional finalism
100
defn: creative self
the force by which individuals shape their uniqueness and establish their personality
101
defn: style of life
represents the manifestation of the creative self and describes a person's unique way of achieving superiority
family model is crucial here
102
defn: fictional finalism
the notion that individuals are motivated more by future expectations than past experiences (subjective future not objective past)
103
what is personality based on per Karen Horney?
a result of interpersonal relationships
104
defn and func: neurotic needs (Horney)
neurotic individuals are governed by 1/10
each need is directed toward making life and interactions bearable
examples: need for affection and approval, need to exploit others, need for self-sufficiency and independence
healthy people have these needs to some degree, but they become problematic if they fit one of four critieria
105
what are the four criteria that make a need neurotic per Karen Horney?
1. disproportionate in intensity'
2. indiscriminate in application
3. partially disregard reality
4. have a tendency to provoke intense anxiety
106
what is the premise behind Karen Horney's concept of basic anxiety?
children's early perception of self is important and stems from their relationship with caregivers
107
defn and cause: basic anxiety; basic hostility
basic anxiety:
- vulnerability and helplessness
- caused by inadequate caregiving
basic hostility:
- anger
- caused by neglect and rejection
108
what are the three strategies that children use in relationships with others to overcome basic anxiety and hostility?
1. moving toward people to obtain the goodwill of people who provide security
2. moving against people/fighting them to obtain the upper hand
3. moving away/withdrawing
109
how do the three strategies that children use to overcome basic anxiety and hostility relate to neurotic needs?
the 3 strategies are general headings under which all neurotic needs fall
healthy: all three strategies
traumatized: use one strategy rigidly and only, carry it into adulthood
110
defn: object relations theory
under psychodynamic personality theory
object = the representation of caregivers based on subjective experiences during early infancy
these objects persist into adulthood,, impact our interactions with others including our social bonds we create and our predictions of other's behaviors
111
what is the basis/focus of humanistic/phenomenological theorists?
the value of individuals
person-centered
describes the ways in which healthy people strive toward self-realization
112
defn: Gestalt therapy
part of humanistic theory
holistic view of the self
each individual is a complete person (instead of individual behaviors or drives)
113
where does personality come from for humanists?
the result of conscious feelings we have for ourselves as we attempt to attain our goals and needs
114
defn: Lewin's force field theory
focuses on the present
the field: one's current state of mind = the sum of forces (influences) on the individual at that time
these forces are divided into two large groups: 1. assist goal attainment 2. block goal path
115
what do self-realized individuals have in common per Maslow? (5 characteristics)
1. nonhostile humor
2. originality
3. creativity
4. spontaneity
5. need for privacy
116
defn and who: peak experiences
profound and deeply moving experiences in one's life that have important and lasting effects on them
117
defn and who: personal construct psychology
George Kelly
individual is a scientist who devises and tests predictions about the behavior of significant people in the individual's life
118
defn and who: client-centered/person-centered/non-directive therapy
Carl Rogers
people have the freedom to control their own behavior
helps clients reflect on problems, make choices, generate solutions, take positive action, determine their own destiny
119
defn: unconditional positive regard
therapeutic technique by which the therapist accepts the client completely and expresses empathy in order to promote a positive therapeutic environment
120
defn: type theorists
attempt to create a taxonomy of personality types
121
defn: trait theorists
describe individual personality as the sum of a person's characteristic behavior
122
defn: somatotypes
personality types based on body type
123
defn: Type A and Type B
Type A: competitive and compulsive
Type B: laid-back and relaxed
124
what are three big types of type theories?
1. somatotypes
2. type A and type B
3. Myers-Briggs
125
defn: trait
groups of behaviors that typically occur together
126
defn: PEN model (trait theory)
Psychoticism (a measure of noncomformity or social deviance)
Extraversion (a measure of tolerance for social interaction and stimulation)
Neuroticism (a measure of emotional arousal in stressful situations)
127
defn: negative affect. what if high?
related to neuroticism
describes how a person thinks of themselves and experiences negative emotions
high? neuroticism, anxiety, mood disorders
128
defn and mnemonic: Five Factor Model/Big Five
OCEAN
Openness (to experience, willingness to engage with world, desire to try new things)
Conscientiousness (self control)
Extraversion
Agreeableness (degree to which one is concerned with keeping peace and harmony with others)
Neuroticism
129
what are Allport's three basic trait types?
1. cardinal
2. central
3. secondary
130
defn: cardinal trait
traits around which people organize their lives
not all have this
131
defn: central trait
major characteristics of personality that are easy to infer
132
defn: secondary traits
other personal characteristics that are limited in occurrence (only appear in close groups or certain social situations)
133
defn and who: functional autonomy
who? allport
a behavior continues despite satisfaction of the drive that originally created the behavior
the means to obtain a goal becomes the goal itself
134
defn and who: behaviorist perspective of personality
B. F. Skinner
based on operant conditioning concepts
personality is a reflection of behaviors reinforced over time
135
defn: token economies
part of behaviorist perspective of personality
therapy approach
behavior rewarded with tokens that can be exchanged for privileges, treats, other reinforcers
136
defn: social cognitive theory of personality
1. how our environment influences our behavior
2. how we interact with that environment
137
defn and category: reciprocal determinism
part of social cognitive theory
the idea that our thoughts, feelings, behavior, and environment all interact with each other to determine our actions in a given situation
138
defn: biological theory of personality
personality can be explained by a genetic expression in the brain
