3A Self: The Psychology of Personality Flashcards
Define personality.
- Personality: characteristic ways in which we think, feel and behave. Personality makes each person unique and different, and are relatively unchanging psychological characteristics and behaviours
Define ‘ID’ in relation to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory.
- ID: represents the innate, raw biological urges which help us to survive, unconscious below the surface of thoughts, feelings, memories and wishes
Define ‘EGO’ in relation to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory.
- EGO: tries to ensure that the needs of ID are met whilst ensuring it is done in a socially acceptable way, is conscious
Define ‘SUPEREGO’ in relation to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory.
- SUPEREGO: The voice of conscious of how we should behave, incorporating the values and morals of society which have been learned by the individual, is preconscious
How does ID, EGO and SUPEREGO play a role in the development of personality?
- Conflict between these parts and the way in which each conflict is resolved determines almost all behaviour and shapes personality.
Define ‘fixation’
- Fixation: an emotional hang up caused by the person being frustrated or overindulged (e.g. freudian example - binge eating or smoking)
Explain the contributions of Freud’s psychoanalytic theory.
- Explains how personality differences occur as a result of development/childhood experiences
- Explains how people with different personality types will behave
- Explains defence mechanisms and why people react differently in the same situations
Explain the limitations of Freud’s psychoanalytic theory.
- Not falsifiable
- Failed to include the impact of the environment
- Lacked empirical evidence
- Lacks consideration of culture
Describe the first stage of Freud’s psychosexual stages of development.
- Oral stage (0-1 years): centre of pleasure is the mouth, shown through weaning. If cease to breastfeeding occurs too early or late, fixation can occur where it can be manifested into adult behaviour
Describe the second stage of Freud’s psychosexual stages of development.
- Anal stage (2-3 years): centre of pleasure is the anus, shown through potty training. In this stage, individuals are said to become healthy and well-adjusted
Describe the third stage of Freud’s psychosexual stages of development.
- Phallic Stage (4-5 years): centre of pleasure is the genitals, as the child develops a strong sense of affection for the opposite sex parent.
- Male resentment towards father = castration anxiety
- Female resentment towards mother = penis envy
Describe the fourth stage of Freud’s psychosexual stages of development.
- Latency stage (6-12 years): no sexual urges and the child focuses on same-sex friendships and relationships
Describe the fifth stage of Freud’s psychosexual stages of development.
- Genital stage (13-adulthood): centre of pleasure is the genitals, focus of attracting and maintaining a sexual partner, rather than parents
What are humanistic theories based upon in relation to personality?
- Assumption that all people are born good
- Personality is a result of people trying to achieve their potential
Explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
- Human motives are categorised into a hierarchy of needs
- Gratification needs must be met before person moves to the next level, and basic needs must be met before less basic needs
- Physiological – safety – love and belonging – esteem – self actualisation
