Lecture 3

Question 1

What is Freud’s concept of conflict?

Answer 1

That our lives are a constant negotiation of opposing impulses (Es. Desires vs. Fear, love vs. Hate). The I’d ego, and superego are constantly battling for control, creating anxiety.

Question 2

What is the purpose of defense mechanisms?

Answer 2

They are used to reduce anxiety and distress by distorting reality. They operate unconsciously and are managed by the ego.

Question 3

What is repression?

Answer 3

Repression is the process of pushing traumatic memories or unacceptable desires out of conscious awareness to avoid anxiety.

Question 4

What is rationalization?

Answer 4

Rationalization involves generating logical reasons for outcomes that are otherwise unacceptable.

Question 5

What is reaction formation?

Answer 5

It involves displaying the opposite behavior or desire to suppress an unacceptable impulse. Eg, someone who feels homosexual attraction may display homophobia.

Question 6

What is sublimation?

Answer 6

Sublimation is the process of converting unacceptable desires into socially acceptable behaviors, such as channeling aggressive urges into sports.

Question 7

What aspects of frauds theory are retained in contemporary psychoanalysis?

Answer 7

Contemporary approaches retain the idea of
unconscious influences,

the impact of childhood on adulthood,

and the idea that behavior reflects conflicts between desires and societal norms.

Question 8

What are the key areas of contemporary psychoanalytic research?

Answer 8

1. Modern views of repression
2. Cognitive views of the unconscious
3. Ego psychology
4. Narcissism
5. Object relations theory (attachment)

Question 9

What is the modern view of repression?

Answer 9

Modern views question whether repressed memories, especially those “recoverd” in therapy, are reliable. Some argue they may net be based on actual events.

Question 10

What is the cognitive view of the unconscious?

Answer 10

The cognitive views suggests that information may be processed unconsciously, but this information is not buried due to repression. Instead, his simply not in conscious awareness.

Question 11

What is narcissism?

Answer 11

Narcissism involves exaggerated positive self-esteem, entitlement, and superiority. Narcissists may have a fragile self-esteem underneath, compensating with self-aggrandizing behavior.

Question 12

What is the narcissistic paradox?

Answer 12

The narcissistic paradox refers to the idea that people who seem to have high self-esteem may actually feel deeply insecure?

Question 13

How is narcissism measured?

Answer 13

Through self-report scales like the Narcissistic Personality Inventory , where individuals agree or disagree with statements like “I am an extraordinary person”

Question 14

What is object relations theory?

Answer 14

Object relations theory focuses on how early relationships, particularly with parents, shape an individuals internal models of relationships that guide their behavior in adulthood.

Question 15

What are the three attachment styles identified by Ainsworth?

Answer 15

1. Secure
2. Avoidant
3. Anxious-ambivalent

Question 16

What is the strange situation procedure?

Answer 16

The strange situation procedure assesses attachment by observing how a child responds to being hell alone with a stranger and reuniting with their mother.

1, secure, infant is distressed when caregiver leaves but is easily comforted and os happy upon return. Child is confident caregiver will meet their needs and secure base for exploration
2. Avoidant attachment, infant shows little distress, avoids or ignore caregiver after return, child has learned to be self reliant and does not depend on caregiver for comfort (due ti inconsistent caregiving)
3. Anxious ambivalent, extremely distressed when they leave and is not easily comforted, uncertain about caregivers responses, they show clinginess and anger , seeking contact but resists it.

Question 17

How do attachment styles affect adult relationships?

Answer 17

Attachment styles influence behaviors in relationships, such as intimacy needs, responses to conflict, and the ability to form healthy partnerships.

Question 18

What are motives in personality psychology?

Answer 18

Motives are internal states that direct behavior, often based on needs or tension. These motives can be unconscious and vary between individuals.

Question 19

What are Murray’s needs?

Henry Murray – Needs Theory

What are the key concepts in Murray’s Needs Theory?

Answer 19

Achievement,
Dominance
Affiliation
Nurturance
Autonomy

Needs: Fundamental forces that motivate human behavior.

Primary needs: Biological (e.g., food, water).

Secondary needs: Psychological (e.g., achievement, affiliation).

Press: Environmental factors that influence how needs are expressed.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): A projective test designed to uncover dominant needs through storytelling.

Question 20

What are the big 3 motives identified by McClelland?

David McClelland – Achievement Motivation Theory

Answer 20

1. Achievement: Desire for excellence and success.
2. Power: Desire to influence others.
3. Affiliation/Intimacy: Desire for close and friendly relationships.

Motivational research: Focuses on how these needs drive behavior, especially in professional and personal settings.

Question 21

What is subliminal priming?

Answer 21

subliminal priming affects people’s responses without them being aware (not in conscious awareness) of the stimuli that are influencing their behavior.

Concepts may be perceived and influence us, without our know

Question 22

What is Erikson’s theory on the development of personality?

Answer 22

Personality development occurs across the lifespan.
Each stage involves a psychosocial conflict.
Resolution of the conflict is crucial for healthy development.

Question 23

What characterizes the Trust vs. Mistrust stage (0-1 year)?

What happens in the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage (1-3 years)?

What is the Initiative vs. Guilt stage (3-6 years)?

Answer 23

Infants depend on caregivers for their basic needs.
Successful care leads to trust in others and the world.
Lack of care results in mistrust, suspicion, and insecurity.

Children explore their ability to control their environment.
Encouragement fosters independence and autonomy.
Over-restriction or punishment leads to shame and doubt about capabilities.

Children initiate activities and enjoy accomplishments.
Success in tasks promotes initiative and leadership.
Over-criticism or failure leads to guilt and reluctance to try new things

Question 24

What defines the Industry vs. Inferiority stage (6-12 years)?

What is the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage (12-18 years)?

Answer 24

Children compare themselves with peers.
Achievements lead to a sense of competence and industry.
Frequent failure can result in feelings of inferiority and inadequacy.

Adolescents explore different roles to form a personal identity.
Successful resolution leads to a stable sense of self.
Failure results in role confusion and uncertainty about future goals.

Question 25

What is Intimacy vs. Isolation (young adulthood)?

What is Generativity vs. Stagnation (middle adulthood)?

What is Integrity vs. Despair (late adulthood)?

Answer 25

Focus is on forming intimate, loving relationships with others.
Success leads to strong relationships and feelings of intimacy.
Failure results in isolation and fear of commitment.

Adults strive to create or nurture things that will outlast them (e.g., raising children, contributing to society).
Success leads to feelings of productivity and accomplishment.
Failure results in shallow involvement in the world, leading to stagnation.

Reflection on life determines feelings of satisfaction or failure.
Success leads to a sense of fulfillment and integrity.
Failure results in regret and despair over a life not well-lived.

Question 26

Dan McAdams – Narrative Identity Theory Q: What are the main ideas behind McAdams’ Narrative Identity Theory?

Answer 26

Narrative identity: People form their identity through the stories they tell about their lives.

Life stories: Serve as a framework for understanding the self and provide meaning and coherence.

Redemptive vs. Contamination narratives: Focus on whether life stories feature overcoming obstacles (redemptive) or being trapped by negative events (contamination).

Identity: Shaped by motivations, life themes, and cultural influences.