Chapter 5 - Personality Flashcards
Personality
the stable and distinct ways in which individuals think, feel, and behave in social interactions
Psychodynamic Perspective
personality is the product of a dynamic interaction between conscious and unconscious mental structures
Trait Perspective
personality is the combination of various stable dispositional qualities that a person exhibits
Id
basic unconscious human drives (pleasure principle)
Ego
regulation of id impulses according to environmental demands (reality principle)
Super Ego
conscience, internalized standards of right and wrong (moral principle)
Fixation
failure to resolve a conflict at a particular stage of development
Anxiety and Defence Mechanisms
ego’s protective methods of reducing anxiety by unconsciously distorting reality
Weak Superego Offender
an offender who possesses a weak or incomplete superego that is unable to control the instincts of the id, resulting in a lock of internalized representations of mortality and ethics
Weak Ego Offender
an offender who possesses an underdeveloped ego, resulting in an inability to adapt his or her behaviour to the particular demands on the situation
“Normal” Antisocial Offender
an offender who is a fully functioning adult with no maladaptive features but whose superego formation includes internalized pro-criminal attitudes and sentiments as a result of being primarily socialized by, and identifying with, a criminal parent
Neurotic Offender
an offender who possesses an overactive or strong superego, resulting in over-socialization and a potential tendency to perceive and judge moral transgressions more harshly
Attachment Theory
the idea that early relationships and bonds formed with caretakers in infancy significantly influence our capacity to form meaningful relationships with others as adults
Secure Adult Attachment Style
- emerges from a secure attachment in childhood
- high self-esteem and views others as warm and accepting
- enjoy happier and healthier relationships
Dismissing Adult Attachment Style
- emerges from avoidant attachment in childhood
- harbours a strong positive self-image that is contrasted by a poor, mistrusting regard of others
Preoccupied Attachment Style
- emerges from ambivalent/anxious attachment in childhood
- a negative view of himself or herself and a positive view of others
Disorganized/Fearful Adult Attachment Style
- emerges from disorganized attachment in childhood
- exhibits a desire to be around others but at the same time avoids getting too emotionally close to people out of fear of rejection
Personality Trait
durable disposition to behave in a particular way in a variety of situations
Cardinal Traits
dominant personality traits that are external characteristics of an individual
Secondary Traits
personality traits that are related to specific attitudes or preferences and typically appear only in certain situations or under specific circumstances
Extraversion
talkative, sociable, fun-loving, assertive
Neuroticism
anxious, self-conscious, insecure, irritable
Openness
creative, non-conforming, broad interests
Agreeableness
sympathetic, kind, trusting, cooperative
Conscientiousness
ethical, dependable, efficient, organized
Eysenck’s Theory of Personality and Crime
interaction between biology and the environment
Psychoticism
generally characterized by aggression, tough-mindedness, egotism, non-conforming, and coldness (Eysnecks definition does not imply the presence of a serious mental illness)
Personality Disorder
enduring pattern of thinking and feeling about oneself and others that significantly and adversely affects how one functions in many aspects
Antisocial Personality Disorder
pervasive pattern of disregard for violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years (failure to conform to social norms, deceitfulness, impulsivity or failure to plan ahead, etc.)
