Personality

Question 1

Personality

Answer 1

• Refers to the enduring patterns of thought, feeling, motivation and behaviour that are expressed in different circumstances

Question 2

Content models

Answer 2

What are we like? How many elements are there? Focus on explaining stable elements E.g. traits, values

• Level one (most generic)
• Level two (more personal)
• Level three (most personal)

Question 3

Process Models

Answer 3

How do we come to be like we are? What processes result in behaviour? Focus on explaining dynamic elements. Examples: Psychodynamics, social cognitive theories

Question 4

The dark triad of personality

Answer 4

Personality characteristics most people find offensive but not necessarily pathological

Question 5

Machiavellianism

Answer 5

• Machiavellianism: Manipulative, deceitful, usually for personal gain → “He who seeks to deceive will always find someone who will allow himself to be deceived”, “The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is the necessity of the present”

Question 6

Life Narratives

Answer 6

Internalised stories about our past, present and future. Integrates our traits, values, concerns, dreams and personal histories.
- Used in therapy/treatment for depression and grief

Question 7

Five Factor model

Answer 7

Openness to Experience 
Conscientiousness
Extraversion 
Agreeableness 
Neuroticism