The Self Flashcards
Define Unique?
An individual or characteristic which is unlike anything else. (cant be repeated)
What is free will?
The ability to make our own, uninfluenced decisions
Name the core theory?
The humanistic theory of self (1950 maslow and Rogers)
Describe the core theory?
- We all have free will
- We should focus on the present and not the past
- We are all motivated to be the best that we can be (fulfil our potential)
What is self concept and what affects it? (humanistic theory)
Self concept - how we view ourselves. This develops from an early age and is affected by how others react to us and social roles
What is the ‘ideal self’
Ideal self - The type of individual a person wants to be. Maslow says we are all motivated to eventually be our ideal self
What is self esteem and what can determine self esteem?
Self esteem is how high/low an individual thinks of themselves. It is suggested that it is affected by the difference between our self concept and our ideal self
Big difference - low self esteem
Small difference - high self esteem
What can be used to raise self esteem?
Unconditional positive regard - showing love/kindness regardless of the individual. (without expecting conditions
What is self actualisation?
Becoming our best possible selves (achieving our ideal selves) The theory states that we need the help and support of others to achieve self actualisation
What is the hierarchy of needs?
- Self actualisation
- Self esteem
- Social needs
- health and safety
- Basic needs
What are some criticisms of the humanistic theory?
- Unreliable - The ideas can be vague and can’t be measured scientifically.
- Not scientific and rogers research is unrepresentative
- Ignored the role of genetics
What is the alternative theory?
Trait theory - Eysneck
Describe the alternative theory?
Personality has genetic basis and can be explained through biology and this is controlled by the reticular activating part of the brain. The arousal level of our nervous system determine our personality
What 2 traits can assess our personality?
Extraversion - how outgoing an individual is Neuroticism - how emotionally stable an individual is
What is the core study?
Van houtte and Jarvis (1995)