W2 Chapter 4.10 - Problems In Behaviour, And Behaviour Change, From The Trait Perspective

Question 1

What is one reason that a trait based approached to behaviour is problematic?

Answer 1

Some traits relate to problems because they are problematic themselves

Question 2

What are personality disorders?

Answer 2

stable, enduring patterns of behaviour that deviate from normal cultural expectations and interfere with the person’s life or the lives of others

Question 3

What is the relationship between personality disorders and the big 5?

Answer 3

personality disorders are extreme manifestations of the big five traits

Question 4

Are the big 5 useful in understanding personality disorders?

Answer 4

Yes.
The big five do a good job in representing personality disorders and the facet scales (the narrow scales within the five domains) do an even better job

Question 5

What is an important distinction between traits and actions based on the interactionist perspective?

Answer 5

That traits are equivalent to a vulnerability to a problem and will matter in some situations but not others

Question 6

What is the diathesis-stress model?

Answer 6

A theory holding that a vulnerability plus stress creates problems in behaviour

Question 7

What is the problem with traits when considering behaviour change?

Answer 7

As trait are considered stable then changing behaviour would mean changing personality

Question 8

How is the problem of behaviour change in relation to the trait perspective resolved?

Answer 8

Traits can be thought of as being more malleable than they seem