Chapter 6 - Personality, Motivation, Attitudes, and Psychological Disorders Flashcards
Describe the psychoanalytic theory of personality
Personality is shaped by a person’s unconscious thoughts, feelings, and memories.
The existance of unconscious is inferred from behaviors such as dreams, slips of the tongue, posthypnotic suggestions, and free associations.
Which theory on personailty is Sigmund Freud associated with?
psychoanalytic theory
Freud believed what two instinctual drives motivate human behavior?
- libido/life instinct
- death instinct
Libido drives what kind of behaviors?
those focused on survival, growth, creativity, pain avoidance, and pleasure
Death instinct drives what kind of behaviors?
aggressive behaviors fueled by an unconscious wish to die or hurt oneself or others
Freud said that psychic energy is distributed among what 3 personality components?
- id
- ego
- superego
What is the function of the id and what is it ruled by?
It is the unconscious source of energy and instincts ruled by the pleasure principle that avoids pain. It is not logical or moral. Young children function almost entirely from the id.
What is the function of the ego and what is it ruled by?
It preconsciously uses logical thinking and planning to control consciousness and the id. It tries to find realistic ways to satisfy the id’s desire for pleasure. It is ruled by the reality principle.
What is the function of the superego?
It inhibits the id and influences the ego to follow moralistic and ideals goals rather than just realistic goals. It strives for a higher purpose. It strives for self-love and avoidance of guilt.
What purpose do ego defense mechanisms serve?
They help cope with anxiety and protect the ego.
We mature through what 5 psychosexual stages according to Freud?
1) oral - sensual pleasure through oral activities
2) anal - sensual pleasure through control of elimination
3) phallic - sensual pleasure through genitals (incestuous desire for opposite sex parent)
4) latency - sexual interests subside to pursue other interests
5) genital - sexual energy fuels activities
What did Frued mean by psychological fixation?
If a child does not resolve a psychosexual stage’s developmental conflicts, they will grow up continuing to seek pleasure through behaviors related to that stage.
What is the Oedipus complex/Electra complex?
a boy sexually attracted to his mom/a girl sexually attracted to her dad
In which stage would girls supposedly exhibit penis envy?
phallic stage
Describe Erikson’s developmental stage of infants
They must resolve the crisis of trust versus mistrust (physical and emotional needs must be met otherwise they will mistrust as an adult).
Describe Erikson’s developmental stage of toddlers
They must resolve the crisis of autonomy versus shame and doubt (must explore and make mistakes otherwise will be dependent as an adult).
Describe Erikson’s developmental stage of preschool-age children
They must resolve the crisis of initiative versus guilt (must meet need to make decisions otherwise will feel guilty choosing as an adult).
Describe Erikson’s developmental stage of school-age children
They must resolve the crisis of industry versus inferiority (must meet needs to attain personal goals and understand the world, otherwise will feel inadequate as an adult).
Describe Erikson’s developmental stage of adolescents
They must resolve the crisis of identity versus role confusion (must test limits and clarify their life meaning or will develop role confusion as an adult).
Describe Erikson’s developmental stage of young adults
They must resolve the crisis of intimacy versus isolation (must form intimate relationships or will become alienated and isolated).
Describe Erikson’s developmental stage of middle age
They must resolve the crisis of generativity versus stagnation (must feel productive or will become stuck in psychological stagnation).
Describe Erikson’s developmental stage of later life
They must resolve the crisis of inegrity versus despair (must not look back with regret and lack of personal worth or will feel hopeless).
What is the endgoal of psychoanalytic therapy/talk therapy?
to help the patient become more able to choose behaviors consciously and strength the ego to make choices based in reality
Describe the humanistic theory of personality
The basic motive of all people is the actualizing tendency, which is an innate drive to maintain and enhance the organism.