Personality part 2 Flashcards

Question

What are projective techniques, and give an example?

Answer 1

Ambiguous stimuli used to reveal hidden thoughts. Example: Rorschach inkblot test—how a person interprets inkblots reflects their personality.

Answer 2

Introduced the talking cure (basis of modern therapy). Emphasized the role of the unconscious mind. Developed the idea of defense mechanisms.

Answer 3

Lack of scientific support: Based on case studies, not experiments. Limited generalizability: Studies focused on neurotic, wealthy women. Overemphasis on sexuality in development. Gender bias: Negative view of women (e.g., “penis envy”).

Answer 4

Provided the foundation for modern psychotherapy. Concepts like the unconscious, defense mechanisms, and the talking cure still influence psychology today.

Answer 5

A revision of Freud’s theory that focuses more on relationships, childhood development, and personality conflicts rather than just unconscious drives. Example: Instead of focusing on hidden sexual desires, Neo-Analytic theorists explore how childhood friendships shape adult personality.

Answer 6

It reduced the focus on sex and aggression and emphasized emotions, childhood experiences, and relationships in personality development. Example: Modern therapists explore how family dynamics influence self-esteem rather than focusing on repressed sexual urges.

Answer 7

Memory is reconstructive, meaning recovered memories may be false and influenced by therapy, self-help books, or suggestive questioning. Example: A person undergoing hypnosis recalls childhood abuse, but later evidence suggests the memory was implanted by suggestive questioning.

Answer 8

Unconscious cognition: Processing information without awareness. Example: Learning to ride a bike becomes automatic over time. Unconscious motivation: Hidden desires influencing behavior. Example: Someone afraid of commitment sabotages relationships without realizing why.

Answer 9

A theory that personality develops throughout life in 8 stages, each involving a psychological conflict that must be resolved. Example: A teenager struggling with their identity tries different hairstyles, clothing, and friend groups to find their sense of self.

Answer 10

Trust vs. Mistrust (0-1 year): Babies learn to trust caregivers who provide consistent care. Example: A baby with loving, responsive parents grows up feeling safe; one with neglectful parents may develop trust issues.

Answer 11

Identity vs. Role Confusion: Teens explore different roles to develop a sense of identity or struggle with uncertainty about who they are. Example: A teen joins various clubs and experiments with different social groups before deciding they are passionate about music.

Answer 12

Infancy (0-1) – Trust vs. Mistrust Reliable caregivers → Trust; Unreliable → Mistrust. Toddlerhood (2-3) – Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt Learning self-control (toilet training). Criticism → Doubt in abilities. Preschool (3-5) – Initiative vs. Guilt Curiosity & exploring the world. Too much punishment → Guilt. Grade School (6-11) – Industry vs. Inferiority Mastering skills (school, sports). Repeated failure or criticism → Inferiority.

Answer 13

5. Adolescence (12-20) – Identity vs. Role Confusion "Who am I?" Teens explore values and goals. Lack of direction → Confusion. Young Adulthood (20s) – Intimacy vs. Isolation Seeking deep relationships. Fear of commitment → Isolation. Middle Age (40s-60s) – Generativity vs. Stagnation Giving back (mentoring, parenting, career). Self-centeredness → Stagnation. Old Age (60+) – Ego Integrity vs. Despair Looking back at life. Satisfaction → Wisdom; Regret → Despair.

Answer 14

She rejected Freud’s ‘penis envy’ and argued that gender roles and social power shape personality more than biology. Example: Women’s anxiety about success in male-dominated fields comes from societal expectations, not biological inferiority.

Answer 15

Focuses on relationships, not instincts. Early bonds (especially with caregivers) shape personality. Internalized relationships guide future interactions. Example: A child with a loving mother internalizes "people are trustworthy," leading to secure relationships in adulthood.

Answer 16

Secure: Trust in relationships. Example: A person in a relationship feels comfortable expressing their needs. Anxious: Fear of abandonment. Example: Someone constantly texts their partner, fearing they will leave. Avoidant: Fear of intimacy. Example: A person pulls away emotionally when their partner gets too close.

Answer 17

Yes, later experiences can reshape attachment patterns and relationship behaviors. Example: A child with avoidant attachment may develop secure attachment after a loving relationship in adulthood.

Answer 18

We store mental images of relationships. These images affect how we interact with people later. Example: If a child’s parent was neglectful, they may struggle to trust partners as an adult.

Answer 19

Proposed by John Bowlby. Explains how early relationships shape future relationships. A secure bond with a caregiver leads to healthier social relationships. Example: A child who trusts their parent to return will likely develop trusting relationships as an adult.

Answer 20

Internal states that push us toward goals. They create tension (e.g., hunger makes us look for food). Can be conscious or unconscious. Example: A student studies hard because they feel the need for achievement.

Answer 21

They create a need or tension that drives action to satisfy them (e.g., thirst leads to drinking water). Example: If someone feels lonely (social need), they might join a club or reach out to friends.

Answer 22

They are internal needs, often unconscious, and projective tests like TAT help reveal them. Example: A person might think they just enjoy working late, but deep down they crave recognition and success.

Answer 23

Developed the concept of need, press, and apperception. Created the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) to measure unconscious motives. Example: Murray’s research helped explain why some people seek leadership roles while others prefer to support from behind.

Answer 24

Readiness to respond in a specific way. Creates tension that motivates action (e.g., hunger pushes us to seek food). Example: A person with a high need for dominance might take charge in group projects, while someone with a high need for affiliation prioritizes teamwork.

Answer 25

Alpha Press: Objective reality (e.g., a person smiles). Beta Press: Perceived reality (e.g., one person sees the smile as kind, another as fake). Example: Two people see a professor’s neutral expression. One thinks the professor is annoyed (Beta Press), while the other sees them as calm (also Beta Press). The reality (Alpha Press) is that the professor is just thinking.

Answer 26

The way people interpret events based on their motives. Used in the TAT to uncover hidden needs. Example: A child drawing a lonely figure in a TAT test may reveal an unmet need for social connection.

Answer 27

People describe ambiguous images, revealing their unconscious motives. Measures both temporary states and stable traits. Example: A person who sees an image of two people talking and describes them as arguing might have an unconscious fear of conflict.

Answer 28

People differ in the type and strength of their motives. These differences are measurable. Motives influence important life outcomes (e.g., success in business, relationships). Motive differences remain stable over time. Studying motives helps answer: "Why do people do what they do?" Example: One person may have a high need for achievement, making them work extra hours, while another may prioritize affiliation, focusing on friendships.

Answer 29

The desire to do better, be successful, and feel competent. People with high nAch prefer challenging but realistic tasks. Example: A student picks a moderately difficult math problem over an easy or impossible one.

Answer 30

Motivated by challenges (not too easy, not too hard). 📌 Example: A chess player prefers an opponent slightly above their skill level. Prefer personal responsibility for results. 📌 Example: Entrepreneurs love taking credit for business success. Seek feedback to improve. 📌 Example: An artist asks for critiques to refine their work.

Answer 31

Praise effort, not ability (Growth Mindset). 📌 Say “You worked hard” instead of “You’re smart”. Set age-appropriate challenges (not too easy or too hard). Celebrate success but normalize failure as a learning step. Avoid creating a fear of failure, emphasize improvement.

Answer 32

The desire to influence, control, and be recognized by others. High nPow individuals seek leadership, assert dominance, and value social status. 📌 Example: A politician thrives on public influence and recognition.

Answer 33

Recognize emotions in others quickly. 📌 Example: A sales manager reads customer reactions to close deals. Enjoy debates and risk-taking. 📌 Example: A CEO takes bold business risks to expand a company. Struggle with frustration if their power is blocked. 📌 Example: A leader gets stressed when their authority is questioned.

Answer 34

The desire for strong and meaningful relationships. Preference for deep, personal interactions over surface-level conversations. 📌 Example: A person enjoys heart-to-heart talks rather than casual party chatter.

Answer 35

Deep conversations > Small talk 📌 Example: Prefers discussing life goals rather than gossiping. Feel happy and connected in relationships 📌 Example: Smiles and makes eye contact in conversations. Initiates social contact often 📌 Example: Frequently checks in on friends. Copes well with stress due to strong relationships 📌 Example: Talks to close friends for emotional support.

Answer 36

nInt = deep and meaningful relationships. Extraversion = enjoys social settings but not necessarily deep connections. 📌 Example: A high-nInt person enjoys close friendships, while an extrovert loves being around people but may not form deep bonds.

Answer 37

Achievement (nAch) – Success through effort and challenges. Power (nPow) – Influence and control over others. Intimacy (nInt) – Deep, meaningful relationships. 📌 Each affects personal and professional life in different ways.

Answer 38

Humanistic psychology focuses on personal growth, self-awareness, and achieving full potential (self-actualization). It emphasizes positive human nature, personal responsibility, and growth rather than fixing deficiencies. Example: Instead of treating depression by analyzing childhood trauma, a humanistic therapist might help the client explore personal goals and self-improvement.

Answer 39

Maslow proposed that human needs follow a hierarchy, from basic survival to self-fulfillment: Physiological needs – Food, water, sleep. (Example: A person without food will prioritize eating over career goals.) Safety needs – Security, stability, financial safety. (Example: Finding a stable job to ensure rent is paid.) Belongingness & Love needs – Relationships, friendships, intimacy. (Example: Seeking companionship or joining social groups.) Esteem needs – Achievement, recognition. (Example: Wanting to be respected in a workplace or community.) Self-actualization – Fulfilling one’s potential and creativity. (Example: An artist who pursues creative expression despite societal pressure.)

Answer 40

Self-actualization is reaching one’s full potential and becoming the best version of oneself. A self-actualized person is creative, problem-solving, and true to themselves. Example: Oprah Winfrey, who overcame hardships to become a leader in media and philanthropy.

Answer 41

Unlike Freud, who focused on unconscious conflicts and past trauma, Maslow emphasized growth and fulfillment. Instead of being driven by hidden urges, people are seen as actively striving for improvement. Example: Instead of seeing someone’s fear of public speaking as repressed childhood trauma, Maslow would view it as a need for esteem and confidence.

Answer 42

Developed Client-Centered Therapy – Therapy based on acceptance, empathy, and self-discovery. Personality grows through experiences that bring people closer to their “true self.” Introduced unconditional positive regard – people thrive when they are accepted without judgment. Example: A teacher who supports students’ ideas instead of criticizing them helps them grow.

Answer 43

A therapy method developed by Carl Rogers where therapists provide support but do not give direct advice. Encourages self-discovery and self-acceptance. Example: Instead of telling a client what decision to make, the therapist asks open-ended questions to help them figure it out themselves.

Answer 44

Accepting someone without judgment. Essential for personal growth and developing self-worth. Example: A parent who loves their child even if they fail a test, encouraging them to improve rather than criticizing.

Answer 45

Esteem needs involve external validation (recognition, respect). (Example: Wanting an award for good performance at work.) Self-actualization is about internal fulfillment (creativity, authenticity). (Example: A person who pursues painting not for fame but for personal joy.)

Personality part 2 Flashcards

(69 cards)