Theories of Personality- Exam 2 Flashcards
1
Q
What was Karen Horney’s family background?
A
She was a neglected secondborn with a favored brother.
2
Q
What type of analysis did Horney intially undergo?
A
Freudian Psychoanalysis
3
Q
Who did Horney marry?
A
Oscar Horney, a law student.
4
Q
What did Horney believe about the origins of neurosis?
A
It often originates in the family environment.
5
Q
What can lead to neurotic tendencies according to Horney?
A
Lack of genuine love and sibling rivalry.
6
Q
What did field did Horney found?
A
Psychoanalytic associations
7
Q
What is hypercompetiveness?
A
An excessive need to compete and win.
8
Q
How does healthy competitiveness differ from unhealthy competitiveness?
A
Healthy competitiveness aligns with the real self.
9
Q
What is basic anxiety according to Horney?
A
Pervasive feelings of loneliness and helplessness
10
Q
What are self-protective mechanisms against anxiety?
A
Securing affection and attaining power
11
Q
What are neurotic needs?
A
Irrational defenses that become part of personality
12
Q
What are neurotic trends?
A
Categories of behaviors expressing a person’s needs
13
Q
What is the tyranny of the shoulds?
A
An attempt to realize an unattainable idealized self-image
14
Q
What does externalization refer to in Horney’s theory?
A
Projecting conflict with the outside world
15
Q
What is the real self according to Horney?
A
Represents a person’s true potential and desires. Core of who a person is, free from external pressures or distortions.
16
Q
A
17
Q
What is womb envy?
A
Male envy toward women’s capacity for motherhood. Horney’s counter concept to Freud’s penis envy.
18
Q
Oedipus complex- Horney’s View
A
Removed focus on sex. Reinterpreted the situation as a neurotic conflict between dependence and hostility toward parents.
19
Q
What did Horney argue about women’s identity?
A
Women must develop abilities and pursue careers
20
Q
What is play therapy in Erikson’s assessment techniques?
A
Observing children’s interactions with toys
21
Q
Assessment in Erikson’s Theory- Psychohistorical analysis
A
Application of Erikson’s lifespan theory and psychoanalytic principles. Involves studying historical figures through the lens of psychosocial development.
22
Q
What is the result of trust in Erikson’s first stage?
A
Expect consistency and continuity from others.
23
Q
What is the result of autonomy in Erikson’s second stage?
A
Child learns to exercise independence
24
Q
What is the result of initiative in Erikson’s third stage?
A
Awareness of permissible behavior develops
25
What is the result of industriousness in Erikson's fourth stage?
Feelings of competence and encouragement
26
What happens during the identity cohesion versus role confusion stage?
Self-image integrates ideas of self and aspirations
27
What is the result of intimacy in Erikson's sixth stage?
Feelings of care and commitment develop
28
What is generativity in Erikson's seventh stage?
Expression of teaching and mentoring the next generation.
29
What is ego integrity in Erikson's eighth stage?
Accepting one’s place and past
30
What is identity diffusion?
A lack of direction and commitment to self. Not yet explored or committed to a sense of self.
31
What is foreclosure in adolescent identity?
Committing to an identity without exploration
32
What is moratorium in Erikson's theory?
A period of exploration during adolescence when people try out different identities and roles
33
What is identity achievement?
The process of forming a stable sense of identity
34
Generativity Styles- Generative Style
Focused on creating and nurturing the next generation
35
What are basic weaknesses in Erikson's theory?
Motivating characteristics from unresolved crises
36
What is self-psychology according to Kohut?
Explains psychopathology from unmet developmental needs
37
What is the tripartite self in Kohut's theory?
A self that develops through relationships with others
38
What did Kohut reject from Freud's theory?
The structural theory of id, ego, and superego
39
What is mirroring in Kohut's self-psychology?
Process whereby a person sees himself or herself in the face of the other (usually the mother). Can internalize others’ approval and admiration
Facilitated by empathy, ability to assume the perspective of another person.
40
What is the role of empathy in Kohut's theory?
Essential for meeting developmental needs
41
42
What is the significance of the idealizing self-object in Kohut's theory?
Helps individuals develop a sense of worth
43
What is the alter ego/twinship concept in Kohut's self-psychology?
Desire for connection with similar others
44
What did Kohut believe about the self's development?
Develops in relation to others.
45
What did Kohut mean by the term "self states"?
Different aspects of the self that need fulfillment
46
What is the focus of Kohut's psychoanalytic papers?
Initially on traditional Freudian topics
47
What was Kohut's relationship with Freud?
Never actually met him, but deeply admired his work.
48
What did Kohut believe about therapy?
It is more about the patient than the therapist
49
What was Heinz's social class and education level.
Upper middle class, with access to high quality education.
50
In what year did Kohut flee Nazi occupation?
1939
51
Where did Kohut settle after fleeing Austria?
Chicago
52
53
What institute did Kohut become a member of?
Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis
54
When did Kohut begin publishing psychoanalytic papers?
In the 1950s
55
What theory did Kohut reject from Freud?
Freud's structural theory of the id, ego, and superego
56
What concept did Kohut develop related to the self?
The tripartite self
57
What is necessary for the development of the tripartite self?
Meeting needs of one's self states in relationships
58
How does self-psychology explain psychopathology?
As a result of disrupted developmental needs
59
What did Kohut argue was more important for therapy success?
The patient, rather than analytical theories.
60
What are self objects in Kohut's theory?
Persons, objects or activities that complete the self. Necessary for normal functioning. Can be described as a self-prescribed "cure".
61
What happens to self-object function when the relationship is broken?
It becomes visible and is taken for granted.
62
How does self psychology differ from traditional psychoanalysis?
It emphasizes relationship ups and downs rather than drives towards sex and aggression, internal conflicts, and fantasies.
63
What is the nuclear self according to Kohut?
Foundation of personality shaped by empathic parents, in which individuals modify their unrealistic beliefs about themselves and their caretakers.
64
What is primary narcissism?
Initial state of well-being in infants in which all of the infant’s needs are gratified and the infant feels an oceanic perfection and bliss.
65
What does the grandiose self refer to?
Primitive view of oneself as great
66
What is the process of mirroring?
Seeing oneself in the face of another.
67
How does empathy facilitate mirroring?
By allowing internalizaiton of approval and admiration.
68
What are optimal frustrations?
Ideal, nontraumatic, frustration of a person’s needs (by parents) that fosters new learning and personal growth.
69
What are transmuting internalizations?
Learning realistic ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving as a consequence of interactions with empathic parents.
70
What is the idealized parental imago?
Children’s initial view of their parents as perfect, all-knowing, and all-powerful.
71
What is the need to idealize in Kohut's theory?
Seeking security by identifying with powerful figures, such as our parents.
72
What characterizes a cohesive self?
Personality that is organized and healthy, and functions effectively, because its narcissistic energies are primarily invested in the pursuit of realistic goals
73
What are borderline states in Kohut's theory?
Disorders with permanent damage to the self
74
How does psychosis differ from borderline states?
Psychosis involves severe disturbance of the self. With borderline, the central defect is better covered by major defenses
75
What characterizes narcissistic personality disorders?
Understimulated, overstimulated, overburdened and fragmented selves
76
What is unhealthy narcissism?
Unrealistic feelings of grandeur and poor relationships
77
Psychosis
Severe disturbance of the self in which defenses do not cover major defects in the self
77
What is healthy narcissism?
Autonomy and achievement within interpersonal commitments
78
What is counter-transference?
Therapist reacts on the basis of his or her own narcissistic needs and conflicts
79
What is mirror transference?
Reliving inadequate mirroring experiences with therapist
80
81
What is idealizing transference?
Seeing therapist as an admirable figure to fulfill their unmet childhood needs of comforting, protective parents
82
What is alter-ego transference?
Seeking comfort from therapist resembling themselves
83
# 1.
What is the precision and testability of Kohut's theory?
Not very precise and difficult to test
84
What is the empirical validity of Kohut's theory?
Limited empirical support except for unhealthy narcissism
85
What is the heuristic value of Kohut's theory?
Stimulates professionals to reconsider concepts
86
What is the applied value of Kohut's theory?
Generates profitable research on narcissism
87
What did Allport's book change in psychology?
Brought personality into the mainstream. Shed light on the significance of traits through a theory of personality development.
88
When did Allport live?
1897–1967
89
What was Allport's family background?
Strict religious mother and salesman father
90
What did Allport believe about Freudian psychoanalysis?
It focused too much on unconscious motives and past traumas, often overlooking the conscious, present-oriented aspects of personality.
91
What did Allport contribute to personality psychology?
Focus on understanding the whole person
92
93
Who was the first to conduct research on personality traits in the U.S.?
Gordon Allport
94
What is Allport's definition of personality?
Dynamic organization of psychosocial systems
95
What role does heredity play in personality according to Allport?
Provides raw materials shaped by environment. Emphasis on uniqueness through genetic combinations.
96
Who was the founder of humanistic psychology?
Gordon Allport, believed that personality psychology should focus on understanding the whole person.
96
What does Allport mean by two personalities?
No continuum between childhood and adulthood. Discrete or discontinuous nature of personality. Adult personality is not constrained by early experiences.
97
What are personality traits according to Allport?
Distinguishing characteristics that guide behavior. Measured on a continuum. Subject to social, environmental, and cultural influences.
98
What is perseverative functional autonomy?
Behaviors continue without external rewards
99
What is propriate functional autonomy?
Related to values, self-image, and lifestyle
100
What does organizing propriate functioning involve?
Explaining how new motives are acquired
101
What is functional autonomy?
Motives become independent of original sources, allowing behaviors to be driven by intrinsic rather than extrinsic factors.
102
What is self-acceptance?
Embracing all aspects of oneself, leading to psychological health and growth.
103
What is realistic perception?
Seeing oneself and the world accurately, without distortion.
104
What is self-objectification?
Viewing oneself objectively, recognizing strengths and weaknesses
105
Karen Horney's father was what?
Religious, domineering, imperious, and morose.
106
# 1.
Karen Horney's mother was what?
Attractive, spirited, and freethinking.
107
How did Horney feel about her parents and how did that affect her?
Felt rejected by her parents and became ambitious and rebellious.
108
Why did Karen Horney leave her husband?
He had a domineering personality, similar to her father's.
109
What dynamic in the family can lead to neurotic tendencies?
Sibling Rivalry
110
Hypercompetitiveness- What does it stem from?
Deep-seated insecurity and a desire to prove oneself
111
Healthy competitiveness
Can celebrate successes without devaluing others and can handle failure without losing self-esteem.
112
Unhealthy competitiveness
Driven by the need to prove one’s worth, often to meet the demands of the idealized self.
113
According to Horney, what in childhood influences personality?
Social forces
114
# 1.
Horney's concept of Safety need
High-level need for security and freedom from fear.
115
What are some ways a parent could undermine a child’s security?
Obvious preference for a sibling, unfair punishment and erratic behavior, breaking promises, ridicule and humiliation.
116
Basic anxiety
Pervasive feelings of loneliness and helplessness. Foundation of neurosis.
117
118
Self-protective mechanisms
Motivate a person to seek security and reassurance. Are powerful and intense
119
Neurotic Needs
Irrational defenses that become a permanent part of personality.
120
Neurotic trends
Categories of behaviors and attitudes toward oneself and others that express a person’s needs. Revision of neurotic needs
121
122
Compliant personality
Movement toward people
123
# 1.
Aggressive personality
Movement against people
124
125
Detached or Withdrawn personality
Movement away from people
126
Conflict
Incompatibility of the neurotic trends. The core of neurosis.
127
128
How many dominant trends does a neurotic person have?
One dominant trend. Battles to keep the non-dominant trends from being expressed.
129
Tyranny of the shoulds
An attempt to realize an unattainable idealized self-image. Involves denial of the true self and behaving in terms of what one thinks one should be doing.
130
130
Externalization
Way of defending against conflict caused by the discrepancy between an idealized and a real self-image. Projects conflict with the outside world.
131
Humanistic view- Idealized self
Unrealistic, perfectionistic image of who a person believes they should be. Striving to live up to the idealized self leads to inner conflict and neurosis.
132
Humanistic view- Actual Self
The person as they currently are, with all their strengths, weaknesses, and lived experiences. It is the result of the interplay between the real self and the idealized self.
133
According to Horney, alienation from self occurs when what?
Person becomes disconnected from their real self and instead identifies with their idealized self.
134
Feminine Psychology
Revision of psychoanalysis. Encompasses psychological conflicts inherent in womanhood and women’s roles.
135
Flight from womanhood
Feelings of inferiority lead women to deny their femininity. Causes sexual inhibitions.
136
Oedipus complex- Horney's View
.
Removed focus on sex. Reinterpreted the situation as a neurotic conflict between dependence and hostility toward parents
136
Motherhood or career- Horney's Argument
Argued that women must seek their identity by developing their abilities and pursuing careers. Contradicts traditional roles and creates conflicts in women
137
7 Defenses- Blind Spots
Ignores obvious contradictions and becomes numb to experience
138
7 Defenses- Compartmentalization
Separating parts of life into categories to avoid conflicting emotions
139
140
7 Defenses- Rationalization
Justifying mistakes with logical explanations
141
7 Defenses- Excessive self control
Suppression of feelings, leads to greater resentment and control.
142
7 Defenses- Arbitrary rightness
Doubt is intolerable, and a dogmatic and selfish style develops.
143
7 Defenses- Elusiveness
Cannot be pinned down to anything to avoid being wrong
144
7 Defenses- Cynicism
Denies and devalues moral beliefs, projects this and suffers
145
Assessment in Horney’s Theory- Free association
Focus is on the visible emotional reactions of the patient towards the therapist.
146
Assessment in Horney’s Theory- Dream analysis
Reveals a person’s true self and focuses is on the emotional content of the dream.
147
# 1.
Assessment in Horney’s Theory- Compliant, Aggressive, and Detached personality types (CAD)
35-item self-report inventory that measures the neurotic trends
148
Assessment in Horney’s Theory-Horney-Coolidge Type Indicator (HCTI)
57-item self-report inventory that measures the neurotic trends.
149
What research method did Horney use?
Case study.
150
What was the reason Erikson had such deep resentment towards his family?
Was raised by stepfather who was later revealed to be his biological father, which felt like a betrayal to Erikson. May have contributed to his emphasis on identity.
151
What was Erikson trained in?
Psychoanalysis and was analyzed by Anna Freud.
152
Who was Erikson's wife, and what did she do?
Joan Erikson, she was his intellectual partner and editor. Established a private psychoanalytic practice in America, specializing in the treatment of children.
153
Ego psychology
Stressed the role of the ego as being more than a servant of the id. Mediates between the inner self and the outer world.
154
Epigenetic principle
Human development is governed by a sequence of stages. Depend on hereditary factors.
155
Personality Stages of Personality Development
At every stage, the ego will consist primarily of the positive attitude. Will be balanced by some portion of the negative attitude.
156
Erikson's Interaction of opposites
Each of the stages is defined by two opposing tendencies. The opposing tendencies can lead to either ego virtues or maldevelopments.
157
Trust vs Mistrust
First stage. Mouth is of vital importance. Determined by the baby’s interaction with the mother.
158
Trust vs Mistrust- Result of Trust
Expect consistency and continuity from others.
159
Trust vs Mistrust- Result of Mistrust
Suspicious, fearful, and anxious.
160
Autonomy Versus Doubt and Shame
2nd stage. Children develop physical and mental abilities. Include the abilities to hold on and let go.
161
Autonomy Versus Doubt and Shame- Toilet Training
Society’s first attempt to regulate an instinctual need.
162
Autonomy Versus Doubt and Shame- Result of autonomy
Child learns to exercise independence.
163
Autonomy Versus Doubt and Shame- Result of shame
Self-doubt.
164
Initiative Versus Guilt
3rd stage. Desire to take initiative in activities. Fantasies to possess the parent of the opposite sex may develop.
165
Initiative Versus Guilt- Result of intiative
Awareness of permissible behavior. Initiative can be channeled toward realistic and socially accepted goals.
166
Initiative Versus Guilt- Result of guilt
Self-directed activities are affected.
167
Industry Versus Inferiority
4th stage. Child begins school and has new social experiences. Sex stereotypes reflect in activities.
168
Industry Versus Inferiority-Result of industriousness
Praise and reinforcement lead to feelings of competence and encouragement.
169
Industry Versus Inferiority- Result of inferiority
Develops feelings of inadequacy.
170
Identity Cohesion Versus Role Confusion
5th stage. Ego identity: Self-image formed during adolescence. Integrates ideas of what one is and what one wants to be.
171
Identity Cohesion Versus Role Confusion- Result of Role confusion
Identity crisis.
172
Identity Cohesion Versus Role Confusion- Result of Identity Cohesion
Ability to face adulthood with certainty and confidence.
173
Intimacy Versus Isolation
6th stage. Individual begins to function as a mature, responsible, and independent adult.
174
Intimacy Versus Isolation- Result of intimacy
Encompasses feelings of care and commitment.
175
Intimacy Versus Isolation- Result of isolation
Failure of intimacy + Avoidance, aggression, and rejection toward people.
176
Generativity Versus Stagnation
7th stage. Expression of generativity. Teaching, mentoring, and guiding the next generation.
177
Generativity Versus Stagnation- Result of stagnation
Results in boredom, pseudo-intimacy, and childlike behavior.
178
Ego Integrity Versus Despair
Last stage. Involves the evaluation of one’s own life.
179
Ego Integrity Versus Despair- Result of Ego Integrity
Accepting one’s place and past
180
Ego Integrity Versus Despair- Result of Despair
Regretful of missed opportunities and mistakes. Results in feelings of self-disgust, contempt, and bitterness
181
What is Intimacy?
Being able to discuss personal details, have closeness with others, and be able, to be honest.
182
Intimacy- Preintimate
Not yet ready to form deep connections due to potential uncertainties about who they are.
183
Intimacy- Stereotyped
Relationships tend to be superficial or based on societal expectations rather than genuine emotional connection. Little depth or vulnerability.
184
Intimacy- Pseudointimate
Relationships that appear intimate on the surface but lack true emotional depth or authenticity. Relationships are often based on convenience, fear of being alone, or external pressures rather than genuine connection.
185
Intimacy- Isolated
Represents a failure to achieve intimacy. Individuals may avoid close relationships altogether due to fear of rejection, past trauma, or a lack of trust.
186
Intimacy- Merger
Individuals seek intimacy but at the cost of their own identity. They may become overly dependent on their partner, losing themselves in the relationship.
187
Generativity Styles- Conventional Style
Adheres to societal norms and traditional roles in generativity.
188
Generativity Styles- Agentic Style
Emphasizes individual achievement and self-directed goals.
189
Generativity Styles- Communal Style
Prioritizes relationships, caregiving, and the well-being of others.
190
Generativity Styles- Stagnant Style
Characterized by a lack of growth, self-absorption, and failure to contribute to others.
191
Basic Weaknesses- Maldevelopment
When the ego consists solely of a single way of coping with conflict
192
Basic Weaknesses- Maladaptive
When only the positive tendency is present.
193
Basic Weaknesses- Malignant
When only the negative tendency is present.
194
Assessment in Erikson’s Theory- Transference
Analyzing patients' projections of past relationships onto the therapist.
195
Assessment in Erikson’s Theory- Child Analyst
Applying psychoanalytic principles to understand and treat children's psychological issues.
196
Assessment in Erikson’s Theory- Free Association
Encouraging patients to verbalize thoughts freely to uncover unconscious material.
197
Assessment in Erikson’s Theory- Psychological tests
Ego-Identity Scale
Ego Identity Process Questionnaire
Loyola Generativity Scale
198
Erikson's Contributions
Personality develops through lifespan, Concept of identity crisis in adolescence. Recognition of cultural, social, and historical influences.
Inspired the field of life-span development psychology
199
Erikson's Criticisms
Ambiguity in terms and concepts, Incomplete description of maturity, Erickson’s position on sex differences.
Stages may not be applicable for: Women, People in reduced economic circumstances.
200
Kohut's father was what?
Smart and cultured, and was absent until Heinz was 5. Might’ve had PTSD from WW1.
201
Kohut's mother was what?
Mentally ill, according to Heinz. He was also an only child.
202
What did Kohut jokingly called himself?
"Mr. Psychoanalysis.”
203
Three-part self can only develop when what?
The needs of one's "self states," including one's sense of worth and well-being, are met in relationships with others.
204
Object relations theory
Centered on our internal relationships with others. Our lifelong relationship skills are rooted in our early attachments with our parents, especially our mothers.
205
Narcissistic personality disorders-
Understimulated self
Individuals feel empty, bored, and depressed because their parents have failed to respond empathically to their mirroring and idealizing needs
206
Narcissistic personality disorders- Fragmenting self
Person feels uncoordinated, in some cases, the person may feel tired, mentally slow, and awkward following threatening experiences
207
Narcissistic personality disorders- Overstimulated self
Individuals exposed to excessive stimulation in childhood, because their fantasies of greatness were continually reinforced by unempathic caregivers
208
Narcissistic personality disorders- Overburdened self
Person has not had an opportunity to merge with the calmness of an omnipotent self-object, usually a parent. Result is lack of the self-soothing capacity that could have been learned through such contact.
209
Narcissistic Behavioral Disorders- Mirror-hungry personalities
Individuals who crave self-objects whose confirming and admiring responses will increase their feelings of self-worth
210
Narcissistic Behavioral Disorders- Ideal-hungry personalities
Individuals who experience themselves as worthwhile as long as they can relate to people they can admire
211
Narcissistic Behavioral Disorders- Alter-ego personalities
Individuals who feel worthwhile only if they have a relationship with a self-object who looks and dresses like them and has similar opinions and values
212
Narcissistic Behavioral Disorders- Merger-hungry personalities
Individuals who experience others as their own self
213
Narcissistic Behavioral Disorders- Contact-shunning personalities-
Intense longing to merge with self-objects; such individuals are highly sensitive to rejection, to avoid this pain, they avoid social contact
214
Allport’s Disagreement with Freud
Had opposing views regarding: The unconscious forces dominating personality of normal adults, Historical determinism, Data collection from abnormal personalities,
Placed emphasis on the uniqueness of personality.
215
How did Allport feel about his older brother?
He felt the need to compete with him. He was a social psychologist. Allport felt inferior.
216
Allport's idea of Individual traits
Unique and defines the person’s character. Relabeled as personal dispositions
217
Allport's idea of Common traits
Varies across cultures. Influenced by time, society, and environment.
218
Cardinal traits
Dominant traits that define a person’s life (e.g., altruism in Mother Teresa).
219
Central traits
Core characteristics that describe an individual (e.g., honesty, kindness).
220
Secondary traits
Situation-specific traits that appear in certain contexts (e.g., nervousness during public speaking).
221
Secondary-Peripheral Characteristics
Situational traits that only appear in specific contexts and are less central to an individual’s overall personality.
222
Personal Dispositions
Unique combinations of traits (cardinal, central, and secondary) that define an individual’s personality and guide their behavior.
223
Allport- Motivation
Functional autonomy of motives. Motives in a normal, mature adult are independent of childhood experiences.
224
Perseverative functional autonomy
Related to low-level and routine behaviors. Behaviors continue or persevere on their own without any external reward.
225
Propriate functional autonomy
Related to one’s values, self-image, and lifestyle.
226
Proprium
The ego or self.
227
Organizing Propriate Functioning- Principles
Organizing energy level. Explains how new motives are acquired
228
Organizing Propriate Functioning- Mastery and competence
Level in which one chooses to satisfy motives
229
Organizing Propriate Functioning- Propriate patterning
Strive for consistency and integration of the personality.
230
Development of the Proprium- Bodily Self
Sense of one’s own body, including bodily sensations, awareness of one’s existence and able to distinguish their own bodies from objects in the environment. Ages 1-3.
231
Development of the Proprium- Self-identity
Children realize that their identity remains intact despite the many changes that are taking places. Ages 1-3.
232
Development of the Proprium- Self-Esteem or Pride
Children learn to take pride in their accomplishments. Ages 1-3.
233
Development of the Proprium- Extension of Self
Stages 4 and 5 emerge during the fourth through sixth year. In this stage, children come to recognize the objects and people that are part of their own world. Ages 4-6.
234
Development of the Proprium- Self-Image
Children develop actual and idealized images of themselves and their behavior and become aware of satisfying (or failing to satisfy) parental expectations. Ages 4-6.
235
Development of the Proprium- Self as a Rational-Coper
Occurs between the ages of 6-12. Children begin to apply reason and logic to the solution of everyday problems. Ages 6-12.
236
Development of the Proprium- Propriate Striving
Develops during adolescence. Young people begin to formulate long-range goals and plans.
237
Development of the Proprium- Self-as-knower
Normal, mature adults are functionally autonomous, independent of childhood motives. They function rationally in the present and consciously create their own lifestyles. Adulthood.
238
Criteria for Healthy Adult Personalities/ Maturity
Extends sense of self to people and activities beyond the self
Relates warmly to others
One’s self-acceptance helps them achieve emotional security
Holds realistic perception, develops personal skills, and commits to a type of work
Has a sense of humor and self-insight
Subscribes to a unifying philosophy
239
Criticisms of Allport’s Theory
Difficult to study by experimental method, Questions about functional autonomy, Focus on the individual exclusively, Difficult to generalize from one person to another.
240
Contributions of Allport’s Theory
Influenced humanistic theories with hopeful philosophy, Provided to the development of the field of cognitive neuroscience, Gave psychology academic respect, Emphasized the role of genetic factors and trait on personality.
