Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Theory of Personality > The Psychodynamic Lens > Flashcards

The Psychodynamic Lens Flashcards

1
Q

What is the premise of Freud’s psychosexual theory?

A

Individuals progress through specific stages during childhood.

Each stage involves a unique conflict and focus on particular areas of the body.

The resolution of these stage-specific conflicts plays a critical role in shaping personality across the life span.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What theory considers early childhood experiences and the unconscious mind to explain a person’s behaviors and mental processes.?

A

Psychodynamic theory.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How is trust versus mistrust defined in Erikson’s stages of development?

A

This is the shortest stage (0–1) when babies learn to trust (or mistrust) that basic needs, such as nourishment and affection, will be met.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is a love task, according to Adler?

A

Finding an intimate partner.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Which of Jung’s approaches to life is still widely accepted today in the field of personality psychology?

A

Almost all models of personality now include the concepts of extroversion and introversion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the part of the psyche that operates on the “pleasure principle” and represents innate, instinctual desires and drives, seeking immediate gratification?

A

The id.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What theory proposed by Freud suggests personality development during early childhood is influenced by a series of stages, each associated with a different area of the body and a set of primary desires and conflicts?

A

The psychosexual development stages.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the rational part of the personality responsible for mediating between the id and the superego, striving to satisfy the id’s desires in a realistic way while operating on the “reality principle”?

A

The Ego.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is a tendency to experience negative emotions or anxiety disorders caused by imbalances in the psyche, often due to conflicts between the id and the superego?

A

Neurosis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the moral component of the personality that develops through social interactions and enforces societal norms and rules, leading to feelings of guilt or pride based on one’s behavior?

A

The Superego.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the differentiation between mental processes and information that we are aware of and those that are inaccessible and occur beyond our awareness?

A

The conscious vs the unconscious experience.

(Sidenote: According to Freud, the unconscious contained repressed, unacceptable urges and desires.)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are universal themes and symbols present in the collective unconscious that are common to all cultures, such as the hero, the maiden, the sage, and the trickster?

A

Archetypes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are variations among individuals, including tendencies to be open to intuitive experiences and different psychological functions?

A

Individual experiences.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the part of the unconscious mind responsible for automatic processes and quick decision-making?

A

Adaptive unconscious.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the conscious part of the mind that deals with reality and mediates between the id and the superego?

A

Ego.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What term did Freud coin as the defense mechanism where unacceptable urges and desires are pushed into the unconscious?

A

Repression.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the part of the unconscious that holds an individual’s unique experiences and memories?

A

Personal unconscious.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the process of achieving a deeper understanding of oneself and integrating unconscious elements into consciousness?

A

Self-realization. (Jung)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is an awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings, considered important in Adler’s psychology?

A

Conscious experience and thought.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the process of modifying one’s behavior and mindset to fit into society and effectively manage life’s challenges?

A

Adaptation and adjustment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are variations in personality, behavior, and motivations among individuals?

A

Individual differences.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are factors related to a person’s genetics and physiological aspects that contribute to their personality development?

A

Biological influences.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

At which stage of psychosocial development does a sense of independence in many tasks develop?

A

Autonomy vs shame/doubt. (Stage 2 / virtue: will / 1-3 yrs)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

At which stage of psychosocial development does one learn to trust (or mistrust) that basic needs, such as nourishment and affection, will be met?

A

Trust vs mistrust. (Stage 1 / virtue: hope / 0-1 yrs)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

At which stage of psychosocial development does one begin taking initiative on some activities, possibly developing guilt when success is not met or boundaries overstepped?

A

Initiative vs guilt (Stage 3 / virtue: purpose / 3-6 yrs)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

At which stage of psychosocial development does one build self-confidence in abilities when competent or sense of inferiority when not?

A

Industry vs inferiority (Stage 4 / virute: competence / 7-11 yrs)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

At which stage of psychosocial development does one experiment with and develop identity and roles?

A

Identity vs confusion (Stage 5 / virtue: fidelity / 12-18 yrs)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Which stage of psychosocial development focuses on forming close, meaningful relationships with others?

(The challenge is to develop intimacy—the ability to create deep, committed connections—while avoiding isolation, or the feeling of loneliness and disconnection from others.)

A

Intimacy vs isolation (Stage 6 / virtue: love / 19-29 yrs)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Which stage of psychosocial development focuses on contributing to society and helping to shape the next generation?

(The key challenge is to find ways to feel productive and meaningful in life through work, family, or community involvement. People at this stage want to leave a legacy or make a positive impact on others.)

A

Generativity vs stagnation. (Stage 7 / virtue: care / 30-64 yrs)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

At which stage of psychosocial development does one reflect on life, accept its meaning, and come to terms with mortality?

A

Integrity vs despair. (Stage 8 / virtue: wisdom / 65+ yrs)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Which coping style involves aggression and assertiveness in response to childhood experiences of an unhappy home situation?

A

Moving against people.
(Karen Horney)

32
Q

Which coping style is characterized by detachment and isolation in adulthood?

A

Moving away from people.
(Karen Horney)

33
Q

Which coping style relies on affiliation and dependence, where individuals seek attention and affection as a relief from anxiety?

A

Moving toward people.
(Karen Horney)

34
Q

What fundamental emotion of childhood results from needs not being met, such as childhood experiences of loneliness and isolation?

A

Basic anxiety.
(Karen Horney)

35
Q

What is a psychoanalytic approach based on Freud’s notion that mothers and other persons serve as the “objects” through which drives can be satisfied, influencing personality development?

A

Object relations theory.
(Melanie Klein)

36
Q

What is the male spirit that is repressed in women?

A

Animus.

(This is a key component of Jung’s view on the structure of personality.)

37
Q

What is the female spirit that is repressed in men?

A

Anima.

(This is a key component of Jung’s view on the structure of personality.)

38
Q

What are strategies employed by the ego to cope with intrapsychic conflicts, including denial, projection, and rationalization?

A

Defense mechanisms.
(Freud)

39
Q

What are the stages in which a child’s pleasure-seeking urges arise from the id and are focused on different areas of the body, called erogenous zones?

A

The psychosexual stages.
(Freud)

40
Q

What is a manifestation from the collective unconsciousness to explain illogical and meaningful phenomena?

A

Synchronicity. (Jung)

41
Q

According to Adler, what 3 life tasks must an individual succeed at to be psychologically healthy?

A

Work, love, & social interaction.

42
Q

How does Erikson describe relationships?

A

As the strength of love.

43
Q

According to Freud, what is the purpose of the ego?

A

To behave in socially acceptable ways.

(The ego operates on the reality principle, meaning it tries to find realistic and socially appropriate ways to satisfy the id’s desires. It does this by balancing the general gratification of the id with the moral ground of the superego.)

44
Q

Which personality development theory places a high emphasis on relational factors in personality formation?

A

Interpersonal psychoanalysis.
(Harry Stack Sullivan)

Sullivan believed that personality emerges within the context of social interactions, particularly early ones.

45
Q

Which theory of psychodynamics describes individual differences in terms of a person’s unifying style of life?

A

Individual psychology.
(Alfred Adler)

Adler proposed that each person develops a unique “style of life” that reflects their approach to overcoming feelings of inferiority and achieving personal goals, with this style being shaped by early experiences and social context.

46
Q

What is the importance of Horney’s three interpersonal orientations as they relate to personality development?

A

They provide parents with guidelines on interactions for healthy personality development in children.

(Karen Horney’s interpersonal theory of adjustment defined three different neurotic trends involving characteristic social behavior and motives.)

47
Q

What is Horney’s perspective of adaptation and acceptance?

A

Positive interpersonal connections foster adjustment, rooted in embracing the authentic self over a defensive idealized self.

48
Q

What biological factor influences the unconscious, according to Carl Jung?

A

Organ inferiority.

(Jung’s broader work primarily focused on the collective unconscious and archetypes as major forces shaping the unconscious mind, but the biological concept of organ inferiority [borrowed from Alfred Adler] also played a role in his thinking about how unconscious drives and conflicts could manifest.)

49
Q

How did Erikson define cognitive processes?

A

Erikson proposed that experiences are shaped by biology, manifesting through symbols and play.

50
Q

How did Adler define cognitive processes?

A

Adler asserted the significance of conscious experience and genuine thoughts.

51
Q

How did Horney define cognitive processes?

A

Horney suggested that courageous self-reflection fosters growth and minimizes overlooked aspects (blind spots).

52
Q

How did Jung define cognitive processes?

A

Jung asserted that unconscious images can shape perceptions, potentially distorting one’s sense of reality.

53
Q

How does Freud explain the impact of cultures?

A

According to Freud, all societies deal with universal human conflicts, which leads to the repression of individual desires.

54
Q

How does Jung explain the impact of cultures?

A

According to Jung, cultural myths and rituals provide ways of dealing with the unconscious.

55
Q

How does Erikson explain the impact of cultures?

A

According to Erikson, cultural institutions support ego strengths (e.g., religion supports trust or hope).

56
Q

How does Horney explain the impact of cultures?

A

According to Horney, culture shapes the personality through gender roles and parenting.

57
Q

What are inner struggles and unresolved issues that occur at an unconscious level and can affect behavior and mental well-being?

A

Unconscious psychological conflicts.

58
Q

What is Freud’s therapeutic method for exploring unconscious conflicts and emotions, often involving free association and the analysis of dreams and symbols?

A

Psychoanalysis.

59
Q

What are mental activities, including thinking, perception, and reasoning, which contribute to conscious experience and understanding?

A

Cognitive processes.

60
Q

What are variations in personality traits and characteristics that distinguish one person from another, such as ego defense mechanisms?

A

Individual difference.

61
Q

What are factors related to an individual’s physical and genetic characteristics, such as hereditary differences and the impact of biological drives on personality?

A

Biological influences.

62
Q

How does Erikson address the theoretical issue of development?

A

Individuals progress through 8 psychosocial stages corresponding to particular ego strengths.

63
Q

How does Adler address the theoretical issue of development?

A

Birth order theory:
Relationships with siblings are important, and birth order affects personality.

64
Q

How are Erikson’s psychosocial stages of personality development different than Freud’s stages of development?

A

Erikson’s psychosocial stages reinterpret Freud’s psychosexual stages and address development throughout the lifespan.

65
Q

How does Freud address the theoretical issue of individual differences?

A

Freud believed individuals differ in their defense mechanisms of the ego, which control expression of primitive personality forces.

66
Q

Which focus is characteristic of Erikson’s integrity versus despair stage?

A

Feeling a sense of fulfillment and wisdom or experiencing regret and bitterness.

(Integrity vs. Despair includes, “a retrospective accounting of one’s life to date; how much one embraces life as having been well lived, as opposed to regretting missed opportunities.)

67
Q

What does the theory of psychodynamics emphasize?

A

Hidden desires underlying choices.

(Psychodynamic theory, primarily developed by Freud, emphasizes the role of unconscious desires, repressed memories, and internal conflicts in shaping our behavior and choices. It focuses on how hidden desires, often rooted in early childhood experiences, influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions. This theory explores how unconscious drives affect our decisions and personality development.)

68
Q

What is the focus of Carl Jung’s concept of analytical psychology?

A

Balancing opposing forces of conscious and unconscious thought and experience within one’s personality.

69
Q

Who is the concept of the “inferiority complex” attributed to?

A

Alfred Adler.

70
Q

A person shows a pattern of detachment from others, seeking freedom even at the expense of achievement and relationships. Who would explain this behavior as the resignation solution to neurotic conflict?

A

Karen Horney.

(Conflict resolution looks like acknowledging that all three solutions are healthy and essential and allowing yourself to be aggressive, accommodating, or detached as the situation calls for it. There’s a similar notion about use of defenses; health is about having access to the best defense mechanism for the moment.)

71
Q

Who boiled neuroticism down to a conflict between two opposing forces, one of a libidinal (internal) type and one of a perceptive (external) type. The conflict between the two was the source of neurotic symptoms.

A

Sigmund Freud.

72
Q

Whose concept of crisis is based on their psychosocial theory, which focuses on the impact of social and cultural factors on individual development?

A

Erik Erikson.

73
Q

Whose basic hypothesis in working with neurotic conflict was that separate personalities in oneself (aka complexes) were involved. If these are not made conscious, they are acted out externally, through projection.

A

Carl Jung.

74
Q

According to Jung, what is a cognitive blind spot of our psyche, an undercurrent of who we are that we’re completely unaware of?

A

The “shadow”

(Per Jung, it’s an element of our own nature that exists in our unconscious and is made from our repressed desire, ideas, instincts, weaknesses, and shortcomings.)

75
Q

How do psychodynamic therapists use projective tests to understand their patients?

A

By interpreting responses to ambiguous cues (images, words, situations).

(Projective tests are meant to uncover unconscious feelings that might be causing problems in a person’s life.)

76
Q

How should individuals adapt to having basic anxiety, according to Horney’s perspective?

A

They should develop healthy interpersonal relationships and a sense of security.

(To cope with basic anxiety, individuals develop specific clusters of interpersonal behaviors and perceptions [aka TRENDS], which help the child adapt to whatever adverse environmental factors he or she is exposed to.)

77
Q
A

Theory of Personality (2 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions