Psychology: The Unconscious and Ego Development

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of adults with an ambivalent relationship style?

They are overly dependent and demanding. (correct)

They form trusting relationships easily.

They are self-sufficient and independent.

They lack emotional needs.

Which attachment style was found to be the least supportive during a stress test study?

Avoidant (correct)

Secure

Ambivalent

Anxious

According to attachment theorists, what can help overcome negative childhood experiences?

Subsequent positive experiences. (correct)

Therapy in adulthood.

Frequent social interactions.

Financial stability.

What primary factor motivates behavior according to the content?

Need to fix deficiencies. Signup and view all the answers

How do motives affect perception according to the content?

They heighten awareness of unrelated objects. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of experiencing both negative and positive relationship experiences?

Internalization of a more secure relationship mindset. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of motives are NOT primarily driven by fixing a deficiency?

Achievement motives. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main finding regarding males' stress during the experiment?

Males felt stressed when left alone with their partners. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the motivated unconscious according to Freudian theory?

Repressed emotions and instincts Signup and view all the answers

How does the cognitive unconscious differ from the motivated unconscious in terms of emotional influence?

It is more rational and systematic. Signup and view all the answers

In Bargh's experiment, what was the observed behavior of participants who were exposed to rude words?

They acted more rudely than those exposed to polite words. Signup and view all the answers

What role does priming play in behavior according to contemporary psychology?

It influences responses based on prior exposures. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key characteristic of subliminal messages?

They pass below the normal limits of perception. Signup and view all the answers

According to Freud, how might repressed anger manifest in behavior?

As passive-aggressive behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What assumption do contemporary psychologists like John Bargh make about the unconscious?

It systematically influences behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Loftus emphasize the need for careful therapeutic approaches?

To prevent the development of false memories. Signup and view all the answers

What is self-actualization primarily concerned with?

Developing one's full potential Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with self-actualizers?

A tendency to avoid self-exploration Signup and view all the answers

What does self-transcendence focus on?

Altruism and spirituality Signup and view all the answers

What defines a peak experience?

A moment of unity with the universe Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of self-actualization operate according to the content?

It varies based on individual circumstances Signup and view all the answers

Which critique is commonly associated with Maslow's theory of self-actualization?

It describes ideal behaviors rather than real-life behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of personal growth does creativity serve, according to evolutionary theory?

It contributes to survival and reproductive success Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit commonly attributed to self-actualization?

Enhanced creativity Signup and view all the answers

How does Freud's view of the unconscious differ from the cognitive view?

Freud views it as chaotic and emotional, while cognitive psychologists see it as structured. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key focus of Ego Psychology as developed by Anna Freud and Erik Erikson?

The importance of securing identity and control over one's environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Erikson's stages of development differentiates them from Freud's psychosexual stages?

They acknowledge development can occur in adulthood and latency. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Narcissistic Paradox refer to?

Individuals who believe their positive self-views but struggle with insecurities. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with narcissism according to the DSM?

Selflessness Signup and view all the answers

What is the major consequence of failing to resolve conflicts at any stage in Erikson's development?

Potential for fixation or crisis. Signup and view all the answers

How do contemporary psychologists view the unconscious compared to Freud's view?

As a calm repository of information that influences behavior subtly. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of narcissism, what behavioral pattern is typically observed in non-clinical populations?

High levels of self-enhancement and negative views of others. Signup and view all the answers

What does Doug Kenrick argue is the ultimate goal in evolutionary terms?

Mate acquisition Signup and view all the answers

How does Kenrick's model differ from Maslow's concept of self-actualization?

It excludes self-actualization due to its lack of evolutionary relevance Signup and view all the answers

According to Carl Rogers, what characterizes a 'fully functioning person'?

Openness to new experiences and self-trust Signup and view all the answers

What leads children to adopt 'conditions of worth' according to Rogers?

Conditional positive regard from parents Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a main component of the self as per the content provided?

Public image Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of unconditional positive regard in Rogers' theory?

To allow individuals to accept their true selves Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of having a conditional positive regard during childhood?

Loss of self-direction Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Rogers' theory compared to Maslow's?

How to foster self-actualization Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Unconscious

Freud believed the unconscious mind is powerful and contains repressed emotions and instincts, which can significantly influence behavior.
Freud used the term "motivated unconscious" to describe the unconscious motivations for our actions.
Contemporary psychologists believe the unconscious is more rational and influences behavior without strong emotional drives.
John Bargh's research on priming shows that exposure to stimuli like words can influence subsequent behavior despite being unaware of the influence.
Subliminal messages are signals or messages designed to pass below the normal limits of perception, and may have a limited effect on decision-making.

Ego Psychology

Ego psychology, developed by Anna Freud and Erik Erikson, places more emphasis on the conscious self's role in development and its ability to control the environment.
Achieving a secure identity is a major goal of ego development, and failure to do so leads to an identity crisis.
Erikson's 8 Stages of Development provide a framework for understanding personality development across the lifespan.
Each Erikson stage is marked by a conflict, and failure to resolve the conflict leads to a "crisis".

Narcissism and Defense Mechanisms

Narcissism is a defense mechanism characterized by exaggerated positive self-esteem.
The narcissistic paradox refers to the fact that those who seem like they believe they are great may feel insecure underneath.
People with narcissistic tendencies often have an excessively positive view of themselves and a negative view of others.
People with an ambivalent relationship style often report having parents who had unhappy marriages, and they may exhibit high levels of neediness in their relationships.
Avoidant attachment style, characterized by aloofness and distance, frequently leads to negative relationships due to lack of trust.
Individuals with avoidant style are less likely to be supportive of their partners and are more likely to show annoyance when their partner is stressed.
Positive relationship experiences can help overcome negative childhood experiences.

Motives and Personality

Motives are driven by needs or deficiencies.
Motive intensity varies depending on the situation.
Motives influence perception and behavior.
Satisfying a need can reduce tension.
Some motives are driven by personal growth, not by a need to fix a deficiency.
Respect and self-esteem are crucial for healthy development.

Self Actualization

Self-actualization is the process of developing one's full potential.
Self-actualizers often have a clear sense of identity and life direction, and they score higher on measures of well-being.
Self-actualizers often have peak experiences, which are moments of intense joy and fulfillment.
Self-transcendence, going beyond personal fulfillment to focus on higher goals, is the ultimate expression of the self according to Maslow.
The potential for self-actualization is often overlooked due to societal limitations on recognizing spirituality.
Critiques of Self-Actualization:*
Self-actualization theory describes what people should strive for, not what they actually do.
Self-actualization doesn't align with evolutionary theory, which suggests that behaviors are shaped by their contributions to survival and reproduction.
Doug Kenrick's evolutionary model, which focuses on reproduction as the ultimate goal, suggests that self-actualization is excluded from the hierarchy of needs.

Carl Rogers and Person-Centered Therapy

Carl Rogers believed in the inherent goodness of humanity and the potential for self-actualization.
Rogers focused on how to foster self-actualization and developed a theory of personality and client-centered therapy.
Being open to new experiences, living in the present, and trusting oneself are hallmarks of the "fully functioning person" according to Rogers.
Unconditional Positive Regard refers to providing love and acceptance without conditions. Unconditional positive regard helps individuals accept their true selves and move toward self-actualization.

The Self

Self-concept refers to one's understanding of their qualities and characteristics.
Self-esteem is a measure of one's self-worth.
Social identity refers to the part of one's self that is based on group membership.

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Description

Explore the powerful concepts of the unconscious mind and ego psychology as developed by Freud, Anna Freud, and Erik Erikson. This quiz delves into the motivated unconscious, the influence of subliminal messages, and the quest for a secure identity. Test your understanding of these foundational psychological theories.