Personality

Question 1

What is personality?

Answer 1

Stable internal factors that are relatively constant over time which account for individual differences in behaviour.

Question 2

Describe Freud’s theory of personality

Answer 2

Psychoanalytic of personality. Assumes that all behaviour is driven by the unconscious mind.
“Tripartite” model. Three distinct components (Id, Ego, and Superego).

Suggests that if dynamic equilibrium is not established between these 3 components, unpleasant emotions such as anxiety, can lead to defensive behaviour.

Question 3

Defence mechanisms?

Answer 3

Repression
Regression 
Denial 
Displacement 
Rationalisation 
Reaction Formation 
Sublimation 
Projection 
Intellectualisation

Question 4

Describe Eysenck’s theory/ Big 5 theory of personality?

Answer 4

Largely trait based theory.
“Personality is largely determined by a person’s genes”.
A person’s genetic predispositions and physiological functioning influences the amount of conditioning they experience.

1) Extroversion
2) Neuroticism
3) Conscientiousness
4) Agreeableness
5) Openness