Exam Review: Short Answer B

Question 1

For EXTRAVERSION: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 1

a) Energetic approach to social and material world, includes traits such as sociability, activity, assertiveness, positive emotionality.
b) Dispositional trait, describes an overall tendency to respond to situations in stable, consistent ways.
c) Social allies; physical risks.

Question 2

For OPENNESS TO EXPERIENCE: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 2

a) Cluster of characteristics that describe breadth, depth, originality, complexity of mental and experiential life.
b) Dispositional trait, describes an overall tendency to respond to situations in stable, consistent ways.
c) Creativity, effect on attractiveness; unusual beliefs, potential psychosis.

Question 3

For CONSCIENTIOUSNESS: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 3

a) Socially prescribed impulse control that facilitates task- and goal-directed behaviour.
b) Dispositional trait, describes an overall tendency to respond to situations in stable, consistent ways.
c) Higher life expectancy; obsessionality.

Question 4

For AGREEABLENESS: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 4

a) Contrasts prosocial and communal orientation with others with antagonism.
b) Dispositional trait, describes an overall tendency to respond to situations in stable, consistent ways.
c) Harmonious interpersonal relationships; subject to social cheating.

Question 5

For NEUROTICISM: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 5

a) Tendency to experience negative emotions more strongly than others (e.g., sadness, anger, etc.)
b) Dispositional trait, describes an overall tendency to respond to situations in stable, consistent ways.
c) Vigilance to dangers; stress and depression.

Question 6

For HONESTY-HUMILITY: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 6

a) Tendency to avoid manipulating others for personal gain, disinterest in prestige/wealth, little temptation to break rules.
b) Dispositional trait, describes an overall tendency to respond to situations in stable, consistent ways.
c) Sincerity, with effect on interpersonal relationships; failure to maximize selfish advantage.

Question 7

For PERFECTIONISTIC CONCERNS: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 7

a) Encompasses socially prescribed perfectionism (i.e., perceiving that others require perfection out of oneself), concern over mistakes, doubts about abilities.
b) Dispositional trait, describes an overall tendency to respond to situations in stable, consistent ways.
c) Vigilance for errors; risk factor for depression.

Question 8

For PERFECTIONISTIC STRIVINGS: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 8

a) Encompasses self-prescribed perfectionism (i.e., demanding perfection out of oneself) and personal standards.
b) Dispositional trait, describes an overall tendency to respond to situations in stable, consistent ways.
c) Higher levels of achievement; more severe decreases in well-being after failure.

Question 9

For OTHER-ORIENTED PERFECTIONISM: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 9

a) Requiring perfection out of other people.
b) Dispositional trait, describes an overall tendency to respond to situations in stable, consistent ways.
c) Inciting higher levels of achievement in others; low agreeableness, higher levels of interpersonal conflict.

Question 10

For PSYCHOPATHY: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 10

a) Central character elements include high impulsivity and thrill-seeking along with low empathy and anxiety.
b) Dispositional trait, describes an overall tendency to respond to situations in stable, consistent ways.
c) Maximize own individual utility; higher engagement in risky behaviours (e.g., substances, promiscuity).

Question 11

For NARCISSISM: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 11

a) Egotistical attention-seeking, bragging, derogative towards others, inflated self-worth, feeling entitled to special treatment.
b) Dispositional trait, describes an overall tendency to respond to situations in stable, consistent ways.
c) Higher levels of career advancement; impaired ability to recognize and identify feelings of others, negatively affecting interpersonal relationships.

Question 12

For ATTACHMENT ANXIETY: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 12

a) Denotes worries pertaining to abandonment and relationships, and a fear that romantic partners will not provide reciprocal levels of care.
b) Characteristic adaptation, environment can produce multiple variations in attachment, which may carry from childhood into adult relationships.
c) Quicker to detect threats in or to a relationship; may overburden partners, resulting in a “self-fulfilling prophecy.”

Question 13

For ATTACHMENT AVOIDANCE: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 13

a) Denotes dismissal of intimacy, strong independence and/or social avoidance towards relationships.
b) Characteristic adaptation, environment can produce multiple variations in attachment, which may carry from childhood into adult relationships.
c) Minimize personal vulnerability; poor collaboration with other people.

Question 14

For SELF-ESTEEM: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 14

a) Amount of value people place on themselves, either overall (global self-esteem) or within particular domains such as physical ability of academics (multidimensional self-esteem).
b) Characteristic adaptation, malleable and contextualized within specific situations and social roles (i.e., varies across situations).
c) Associated with higher levels of happiness and confidence; may result in fragility and exaggerated tendencies to defend self-worth.

Question 15

For ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVES: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 15

a) One’s desire for significant accomplishment, mastering of skills, control, or high standards.
b) Characteristic adaptation, reflects general pattern of responding to certain situations (i.e., varies across situations).
c) Success in business, social mobility, education; may break rules for the sake of productivity.

Question 16

For INTIMACY MOTIVES: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 16

a) Recurrent preferences for experiences of warm, close, communicative interaction with others.
b) Characteristic adaptation, contextualized within specific situations and social roles (i.e., varies across situations).
c) Values close one-on-one relationships, enhancing interpersonal relationships; generally risk-averse and prefer collaborative activities, lowering self-sufficiency.

Question 17

For POWER MOTIVES: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 17

a) A preference for having an impact on others. Want to wield power and to feel stronger, more masterful, more influential than others.
b) Characteristic adaptation, contextualized within specific situations and social roles (i.e., varies across situations).
c) Effective organizational leaders; men may have more unstable romantic relations.

Question 18

For REDEMPTION: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 18

a) Themes in one’s personal narrative that constitute a shift from negativity to positivity, and may lead to an enhancement of agency, personal relationships, and/or confrontation with fundamental existential issues.
b) Life stories, is part of one’s internalized narrative that provides life with a sense of unity, purpose, and meaning.
c) Linked to generativity, which is associated with generosity and selflessness; must overcome difficult challenges and failures.

Question 19

For CONTAMINATION: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 19

a) A theme in one’s personal narrative in which an initial positive event or state is spoiled. The essential component is that the event/state deteriorates.
b) Life stories, is part of one’s internalized narrative that provides life with a sense of unity, purpose, and meaning.
c) May lead to avoidance of contaminated event, preventing recurrence; correlated with lower well-being.

Question 20

For AGENCY: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 20

a) Themes in one’s personal narrative that revolve around self-mastery, achieving prestige and instrumental goals, and empowerment via something larger or more powerful than the self.
b) Life stories, is part of one’s internalized narrative that provides life with a sense of unity, purpose, and meaning.
c) Higher levels of self-control; personal power may come at the expense or inconsideration of others.

Question 21

For COMMUNION: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 21

a) Themes in one’s personal narrative that revolve around the enhancement of friendship or erotic love, reciprocal and non-instrumental communication, caring for and assisting others, and a sense of unity or togetherness with others.
b) Life stories, is part of one’s internalized narrative that provides life with a sense of unity, purpose, and meaning.
c) Strengthening of social allies; overreliance on others to provide life with meaning.

Question 22

For the OEDIPUS COMPLEX: (a) Define the construct in words; and (b) describe which level of personality in McAdams & Pals (2006) model best describes this construct, providing at least 1 reason WHY it belongs at that level and (c) describe 1 potential advantage and 1 disadvantage of being HIGH in this construct.

Answer 22

a) Proposed by Freud to be a script that plays out in the unconscious of every young boy, where he desires sexual involvement with his mother and feels a sense of rivalry with his father. The unconscious conflict can be overcome by the boy identifying with his father and taking on his qualities.
b) Life stories, is part of one’s internalized narrative that provides life with a sense of unity, purpose, and meaning.
c) Provides one with a sense of purpose; unresolved feelings of anger or rivalry towards father.