Psychology Module 2: Personality

Assessments where individuals provide information about their own thoughts, behaviors, and feelings.

A group of people representing a larger population used to establish the meaning of scores on a test.

The consistency or dependability of a personality assessment tool.

The accuracy of a personality assessment tool in measuring what it is intended to measure.

Psychological tools used to study an individual's personality, including observations, interviews, past records, and standardized questionnaires.

Cultural values that emphasize interdependence, connections, and social conformity. Individuals are seen as part of a larger social context.

Cultural values that emphasize independence, autonomy, and self-reliance. Individuals are seen as unique and self-directed.

Personality traits are seen as stable and enduring characteristics. Individuals describe themselves based on personality traits like introversion or openness.

Personality is seen as more flexible and influenced by social expectations. Individuals describe themselves based on social roles and responsibilities.

Using scientifically validated tests and measures to assess personality traits and styles in various contexts.

Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies used to protect ourselves from anxiety or unpleasant emotions. They distort reality to reduce discomfort.

Freud's theory emphasizes childhood experiences and the unconscious mind in shaping personality. It suggests that early childhood experiences, particularly those related to sexuality, influence adult behavior and mental health.

Freud's theory is widely recognized for its comprehensiveness and focus on psychological treatment. It was the first theory to suggest that psychological problems could be treated.

Freud's theory has been criticized for overemphasizing sexuality in development and lacking empirical support. It relies heavily on the concept of the unconscious, which is difficult to study scientifically.

Trait theories propose that individuals possess stable traits or characteristics that influence their behavior. These traits are thought to be enduring and relatively consistent across situations.

Trait theories aim to identify and measure personality traits. They attempt to provide a comprehensive description of personality by identifying all major traits and their variations.

While trait theories aim to capture all major traits, it is challenging to identify and measure every aspect of personality. Human behavior is complex and can be influenced by various factors.

The stage in psychosexual development where children become aware of their genitals and their differences. It involves the Oedipus Complex (boys) and Electra Complex (girls), leading to identification with the same-sex parent.

A complex described by Freud where a boy develops a sexual attraction to his mother and sees his father as a rival. This leads to feelings of rivalry and fear of castration punishment.

Similar to the Oedipus complex, but for girls. A girl experiences attraction towards her father and sees her mother as a rival. This can lead to 'penis envy', a desire for a penis.

A psychological process where a child adopts the behaviors, values, and attitudes of their same-sex parent. This is crucial for resolving the Oedipus and Electra complexes, leading to gender identity formation.

According to Freud, unresolved issues from the phallic stage can lead to difficulties with authority figures and challenges in forming stable romantic relationships later in life.

A relatively calm and inactive period in psychosexual development. It occurs between the phallic and genital stages. During this stage, sexual impulses are suppressed, and the child focuses on social skills, education, and same-sex friendships.

During the latency stage, the sexual energy (libido) is not necessarily gone, but instead it is channeled into non-sexual activities, like hobbies, learning, and socializing. This is a form of redirecting energy.

An unconscious defense mechanism thought to help repress unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and impulses, often used during the latency stage to manage sexual energy.