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Intro to Psyc McGill (PSYC 100 - 2022 fall) > L011 - Personality > Flashcards

L011 - Personality Flashcards

1
Q

What is Personality ?

A

Isn’t anything concrete, it is what you think it is.
Stable way of thinking, feeling and acting

Ex. Stable cognitions, emotions and behaviors
Stable = across time, place and situations
Ex. Extroversion or introversion

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2
Q

What is Reification ?

A

Occurs when abstract constructs [someone having depression, someone being extrovert] are treated as if they are real or tangible
They are not

Extraversion is not likely like your liver or your occipital cortex
It is not located in one place in the brain/body
Cannot be directly measured
Is not objectively defined

We can disagree on the shape of the extroversion
What it is, if it counts or not, how to measure it

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3
Q

What is Phrenology?

A

Judging a person’s character by reading the “bumps” on one’s head

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4
Q

What is the Gall?

A

Argued that skull bumps were a sign of specific brain enlargements

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5
Q

What is a Psychograph?

A

A machine meant to measure the bumps on your head and give a rating for each of the 35 personality categories from the brain map

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6
Q

What are blot tests?

A

In contrast to objective traits, which are obvious about what is being studied, projective tests were used to uncover hidden thought processes

Examples
Rorschach’s ink blot
Draw a person, person-house-tree - is it has a big head it means xxx, if he has a wide neck it means xxx…
Thematic apperception test

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7
Q

What are the bodily type theories?

A

Fluid types and Body somatotypes

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8
Q

What is the fluid bodily types theory?

A

Galen; temperament related to four bodily fluids

Sanguine – excess of blood =vigor and athleticism

Choleric – excess of urine = easily angered

Melancholic – excess of feces = depressed or sad

Phlegmatic – excess of mucus = tired or lazy

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9
Q

What is the body somatotypes bodily type theory?

A

Endomorph – overweight = jolly, extraverted, slow

Mesomorph – muscular = athletic, aggressive

Ectomorph – skinny = thinking, withdrawn, fearful

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10
Q

What is the psychoanalytic theory?

A

Freud’s theory

The conscious mind is what you are presently aware of, what you are thinking about right now

The preconscious mind is stored in your memory that you are not presently aware of but can gain access to
Contains:
Ego
Develops in the first year of life
OPERATES ON THE REALITY PRINCIPLE
“Adult” - middle ground

Super ego
Represents one’s conscience and idealized standards
MORALITY PRINCIPLE
“Parent”

The unconscious mind is the part of the mind that we cannot become aware
It contains however, the primary motivations doe all of our actions and feelings – our biological, instinctual drive (like food and sex)and repressed unacceptable thoughts, memories and feelings, especially unresolved conflicts from our early childhood experiences
Contains the Id – the original personality (only part present at birth)
Unconscious
Biological instinctual drives
OPERATES ON THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLE
“Child”

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11
Q

What are unhealthy personalities?

A

Develop when we become too dependent on defense mechanisms

When the id or the supego are too strong (overly hedonic or moralistic)

When the ego is too weak – bad mediator

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12
Q

What are Freud’s psychosexual stages?

A

The erogenous zone and fixation

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13
Q

What is the erogenous zone stage in Freud’s psychosexual stages?

A

Area if the body where the Id’s pleasure-seeking psychic energy is focused during a particular stage of psychosexual development

a change in erogenous zones designates the beginning of a new stage - fixation

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14
Q

What is the fixation stage in Freud’s psychosexual stages?

A

Occurs when a portion of the Id’s pleasure-seeking energy remains in a stage because of excessive gratification or frustration

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15
Q

What are Freud’s psychosocial states of personality development? Hint - sensory input is larger from these areas at specific ages.

A

Birth-1 and a half years – ORAL = mouth, lips, tongue
Sucking and biting and chewing

1 and a half years-3 years – ANUS
Bowel retention and elimination

3-6 years – GENITALS
Identifying with same sex parent to learn gender roles and sense of morality

6 years-puberty – NO EROGENOUS ZONE
Cognitive and social development

Puberty-adulthood – GENITALS
Development of sexual relationships, moving towards intimate adult relationship

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16
Q

What are the Phallic Stage Conflict types?

A

Oedipus conflict and Electra conflict

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17
Q

What is the Oedipus conflict?

A

The little boy becomes sexually attracted to his mother and fears that his father (his rival) will find out and castrate him

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18
Q

What is the Electra conflict?

A

The little girl is attracted to her father because he has a penis; she wants one of her own and feels inferior without one

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19
Q

What are the three Neo-Freudian theories of personality?

A

Carl Jung’s Collective unconsciousness
Alfred Adler’s striving for superiority
Karen Horney and the need for security

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20
Q

What is Carl Jung’s theory of Collective unconsciousness?

A

The collective unconsciousness represents the universal human experiences that we all share

Manifested in archetypes which are images and symbols of all the important themes in the history of humankind (ex. explorer, mother, hero)

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21
Q

What is Alfred Adler’s theory of striving for superiority?

A

Striving for superiority to overcome the sense of inferiority that we feel as infants given our totally helpless and dependent state.

A healthy person learns to cope with these feelings, becomes competent, and develops a sense of self-esteem

Inferiority complex is the strong feeling of inferiority felt by those who never overcome this initial feeling of inferiority

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22
Q

What is Karen Horney’s theory and the need for security?

A

Focused on dealing with our need for security, rather than a sense of inferiority

The closest of the three Neo-Freudian theories to being true.

A child’s caregivers must provide a sense of security for a healthy personality to develop or else neurotic personality types will develop

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23
Q

What are archetypes?

A

Archetypes represent personality styles – each one has a primary desire (ex. To connect with others)

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24
Q

What are notions of collective unconsciousness?

A

Notions of collective unconsciousness and archetypes are more mystical than scientific and cannot be empirically tested.

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25
According to Karen Horney's theory and the need for security, what are the three neurotic personality patterns?
Moving toward people Moving against people Moving away from people
26
What is moving towards people according to the three neurotic personality patterns?
A compliant, submissive person
27
What is moving against people according to the three neurotic personality patterns?
An aggressive, domineering person
28
What is moving away from people according to the three neurotic personality patterns?
A detached, aloof person
29
What is the Humanistic approach?
Developed in the 1960s in reaction to the psychoanalytic theories (too deterministic) and behavioural theories (too mechanical) The humanistic approach emphasizes conscious free will in one's actions, the uniqueness of the individual person and personal growth. Developed by Maslow
30
What did Maslow study?
Studied the lives of very healthy and very creative people to develop his theory of personality Based his research on the strength of people's personalities not on their weaknesses. Came up with the pyramid of hierarchy of needs
31
What are the needs in Maslow's pyramid of hierarchy of needs? (Bottom to top - strongest to weakest))
Physiological needs Need to satisfy hunger and thirst (usually need this to get therapy in the first place) Safety needs Need to feel safe, secure and stable (usually need this to get therapy in the first place) Belongingness and love needs Need to be loved and to love, to belong and to be accepted Esteem needs Need for self-esteem, achievement, competence and independence Self-actualization need Needs to live up to one's fullest unique potential
32
What is Maslow's theory of self-actualization?
Characteristics of self-actualized people (who have met all their needs) include; Accepting themselves, others and the nature for who/what they are Being independent, democratic and very creative Having peak experiences, which are experiences of deep insight, wonder, awe or ecstasy
33
What is Unconditional positive regard in Maslow's theory of self-actualization?
Acceptance and approval without conditions Empathy from others, and having others be genuine with respect to their own feelings, is necessary if we are to feel self-actualized
34
What is Roger's self-theory?
'Here's how you are worthy or how you should be' Our parents set up conditions of worth. Our parents set up conditions of worth, the behaviours and attitudes for which they would give us positive regard Meeting conditions of worth continues throughout life, and people develop a self-concept of what others think they should be
35
Who is Hans Eysenck and what did he argue? What did he argue it was determined by?
Used factor analysis and argued for 3 trait dimensions Extroversion – introversion Neuroticism – emotional stability Psychoticism – impulse control Eysenck argued that these traits are determined by heredity
36
What are traits?
Personality traits are individual dimensions, a continuum ranging from extremely low to extremely high Like a volume of how (i.e.) extroverted you are – not only "I am extroverted" or "I am not extroverted" Trait theorists use factor analysis and other statistical techniques to tell them the number and the kind of traits in a person
37
According to Hans Eysenck, what causes extroversion or introversion?
Biological basis – level of cortical arousal (neuron activity) Introvert have higher levels of arousal than extroverts
38
According to Hans Eysenck, what causes neuroticism or emotional stability?
People who are high on these dimensions tend to be overly anxious, emotionally unstable and easily upset This is because of a more reactive sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system
39
According to Hans Eysenck, what causes psychoticism or impulse control?
Due to either a high level of testosterone or a low level of monoamine oxidase-A
40
What is the Lexical hypothesis?
A factor analysis of all the adjectives from a dictionary, modern studies converge on the “Big Five” factors
41
What are the "Big Five"?
OCEAN Openness Whether a person is open to new experiences or not Conscientiousness Whether a person is disciplined and responsible Extroversion Whether a person is sociable, outgoing and affectionate Agreeableness Whether a person is cooperative, trusting and helpful Neuroticism Whether a person is unstable and prone to negative emotions and insecurity
42
What is the prevalence of personality disorders?
Prevalence – around 9-15% of the general population (rates much higher in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics) Prevalence of individual PDs is around 1-5%
43
What is the prevalence of personality disorders?
Prevalence – around 9-15% of the general population (rates much higher in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics) Prevalence of individual PDs is around 1-5%
44
What does comorbidity mean?
The simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient
45
What is the prevalence of personality disorders?
Prevalence – around 9-15% of the general population (rates much higher in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics) Prevalence of individual PDs is around 1-5%
46
True or false; Is comorbidity among PDs high? Explain
True! Comorbidity among PDs are VERY high. People with PD have an average of 6 comorbid PDs Comorbidity with other disorders are also high.
47
Is prevalence higher in men or women?
Prevalence is generally higher in women although it depends on the personality disorder. Generally just more likely to report it.
48
Give examples of what PDs are generally higher in men.
Antisocial PD and Narcissistic PD
49
Give examples of what PDs are generally higher in women.
Dependent, Histrionic and Borderline
50
What are the general criteria's for personality disorders?
A pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from expectations of the individual's culture in at least 2 of the following areas. Cognition Affect Social Impulse control This pattern is inflexible and pervasive across different situations It causes clinically significant distress or impairment The pattern is stable and it has early onset (traced back to at least adolescence or early adulthood)
51
Are personality disorders ego-syntonic or ego-dystonic?
EGO-SYNTONIC most other disorders are ego-dystonic
52
What does ego-syntonic mean?
People feel their PD symptoms are a part of who they are Often have no desire to change them However, they may want to change their consequences (ex. Paranoid PD, losing jobs etc...)
53
What does ego-dystonic mean?
Symptoms do not feel like a part of the individual Patients are much more eager to get rid of them. Ex. Panic disorder
54
What are the three different cluster in the 10 DSM disorders? Describe them a bit.
Cluster A – Odd / Eccentric (schizophrenic type) Cluster B – Dramatic / Erratic (Dramatic / loud) Cluster C – Anxious / Fearful (attachment based)
55
What are the 10 DSM disorders?
Cluster A – Odd / Eccentric (schizophrenic type) Paranoid Schizoid Schizotypal Cluster B – Dramatic / Erratic (Dramatic / loud) Antisocial Borderline Histrionic Narcissistic Cluster C – Anxious / Fearful (attachment based) Avoidant Dependent Obsessive-compulsive
56
Describe paranoid PD.
"The world is out to get me" mindset Pervasive suspiciousness and distrust of others See self as blameless Always on guard for perceived attacks and betrayal by others Hostile world attribution bias Reads hidden insults in benign remarks Holds a grudge Recurrent suspicions about fidelity of partner
57
Describe Schizoid PD.
"I don't want anything to do with anyone else" Pervasive detachment from social relationships Low pleasure Flat emotional expressions Preference for solitary activities Few friends and family Indifferent to praise or criticism
58
Describe Schizotypal PD. Hint - schizophrenia.
Interpersonal problems Eccentric / odd Strange beliefs Unusual perception Inappropriate effects Lack of close friends Extreme social anxiety Believe they have magical powers or engage in magic rituals
59
Describe Antisocial PD.
(chronic crime / toxic; psychopaths, chronic criminals) Violate others' rights Aggressive Impulsive Illegal behaviors Irritable / angry Deceitful Lack of remorse
60
Describe Borderline PD.
(unstable, have problems: tend to grow out of it) Unstable emotions, relationships, identity Impulsive behavior Feeling of emptiness Flash ager Recurrent of suicidal behaviors, gestures or threats (or self-stimulating behaviors)
61
Describe Histrionic PD.
(need attention all the time) Excessive attention-seeking behaviors Excessive emotionality Dramatic / theatrical Center of attention Uses physical appearance to draw attention
62
Describe Narcissistic PD.
"I'm the only thing that matters" / "Everybody loves me" / "I don't care about others" Grandiosity Preoccupied with unlimited success Requires excessive admiration Sense of entitlement Exploits others Believe others envy them Lacks empathy
63
Describe avoidant PD.
Extreme social avoidance, introversion, loneliness Do not want to be alone but fears socializing (being rejected, criticized or embarrassed) Feels socially inadequate
64
Describe Obsessive-compulsive PD.
(NOT OCD; obsessed with perfectionism not specific things) Perfectionism Excessive concern for order and control Preoccupied with rules Rigid and stubborn Devoted to work Does not trust others to do work, takes control (if you want something done right...)
65
What is the psychopathy checklist?
Scale of 0-2 (0 = NO, 2 = YES) 1-40 score, anything above 30 = psychopath! DO NOT NEED TO REMEMBER BUT; *Affective/interpersonal components * Glib and Superficial Charm Grandiose Self-worth Pathological Lying Conning and Manipulative Lack of Remorse or Guilt Shallow Affect Callousness or Lack of Empathy Failure to Accept Responsibility *Impulsive/antisocial components* Many Short-term Marital Relationships Promiscuity Parasitic Lifestyle Poor Behavioral Controls Early Behavioral Problems Lack of Realistic Long-term Goals Need for Stimulation Impulsivity Irresponsibility Juvenile Delinquency Revocation of Conditional Release Criminal Versatility
66
What are the two factors of psychopathy?
Factor 1 – affective/ interpersonal components Sometimes referred to as the primary essence of psychopathy Factor 2 – impulsive/antisocial components (ASPD)
67
Psychopathy vs. ASPD in prison ratios
Prison prevalence of ASPD – 60-85% Prison prevalence of psychopathy – 15-25%
68
What is the Personality disorders diagnostic problems?
Is it ever right to say someone’s personality—who they are as a person—is disordered? Culture and norms are extremely important (and both are moving targets) Extremely high comorbidity are PDs even distinct constructs? Stigma is a big issue PDs end up on permanent record Not otherwise specified (NOS) is most common PD diagnosis problems with coverage? Polythetic criteria e.g. 4/8 symptoms required for a PD means 2 people could have same PD but share no symptoms!

Intro to Psyc McGill (PSYC 100 - 2022 fall) (10 decks)

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