Gordon Alport "Dispositional Or Traits Theory" Flashcards
focuses on the idea that individual differences in behavior, emotions, and other psychological attributes are primarily due to stable, enduring traits or dispositions that people possess
Dispositional or traits theory
prioritize the identification and study of personality traits or dispositions that characterize individuals. These traits are seen as fundamental building blocks of personality and are thought to manifest in various aspects of behavior, cognition, and emotion
EMPHASIS ON TRAITS
posits that personality traits are relatively stable over time and consistent across different situations. This means that individuals are expected to display characteristic patterns of behavior and reactions across diverse contexts
STABILITY AND CONSISTENCY
often propose hierarchical models of traits, with broad, overarching dimensions (e.g., the Big Five factors: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) encompassing more specific, narrower traits. This hierarchical organization helps capture the complexity and diversity of individual differences in personality
TRAIT HIERARCHIES
suggest that personality traits have ________ in understanding and predicting various outcomes, such as academic achievement, job performance, Interpersonal relationships, and mental health. Individuals with certain trait profiles may be more likely to exhibit particular behaviors specific outcomes. or experience
PREDICTIVE POWER
the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his [unique adjustments to his environment] characteristic behavior and thought
PERSONALITY
Allport emphasized ________ more than any other personality theorist.
conscious motivation
He believed that healthy adults are _________ and the reasons behind them.
generally aware of their actions
His emphasis on conscious motivation stemmed from his encounter with ______ in Vienna.
Freud
Allport’s emotional reaction to Freud’s question about a _______ led him to assert the conscious nature of his motivation
clean little boy
While Freud would interpret such stories as having unconscious meanings, Allport preferred to accept __________.
self-reports at face value
Allport cautioned against delving too deeply into unconscious motives, suggesting that psychologists should recognize ________ first.
manifest motives
Despite his emphasis on conscious motivation, Allport acknowledged the existence and significance of _________.
unconscious processes
He believed that some motivations are driven by ___________, Allport argued that compulsive behaviors, often originating in childhood, are motivated by unconscious tendencies and can persist into adulthood.
hidden impulses and sublimated drives
WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHY PERSON?
Proactive behavior
Conscious motivation
Relatively trauma-free childhood
Foibles and idiosyncrasies
Maturity regardless of age
Psychologically mature individuals exhibit ________, consciously acting on their environment in new and innovative ways rather than simply reacting to external stimuli.
PROACTIVE BEHAVIOR
Healthy individuals are more likely to be motivated by conscious processes rather than unconscious ones.
CONSCIOUS MOTIVATION
Despite being psychologically healthy, individuals still possess unique quirks and imperfections that make them distinctive
FOIBLES (MINOR WEAKNESSES OR ECCENTRICITIES) AND IDIOSYNCRASIES
Age is not necessarily a prerequisite for maturity, although healthy individuals tend to become more mature as they age. Psychological maturity is characterized by proactive behavior, conscious motivation, resilience, and a relatively trauma-free childhood, contributing to overall psychological health,
MATURITY REGARDLESS OF AGE
SIX CRITERIA FOR THE MATURE PERSONALITY
- EXTENSION OF THE SENSE OF SELF
- WARM RELATING OF SELF TO OTHERS
- REALISTIC PERCEPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
- EMOTIONAL SECURITY OR SELF-ACCEPTANCE
- INSIGHT AND HUMOR
- UNIFYING PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE
Mature individuals seek to identify with and participate in events beyond themselves. They develop an unselfish interest in work, play, and social and spiritual activities, integrating these aspects into their being.
EXTENSION OF THE SENSE OF SELF