Theoretical Approaches to Human Behavior

A statistical technique that identifies underlying factors explaining correlations between multiple measures.

Relatively stable aspects of an individual's behavior, observable and measurable over time.

Unique personality characteristics that define an individual's character.

Personality characteristics shared by many people within a culture.

A theory identifying 16 personality factors based on 181 clusters of personality traits.

A theory with three dimensions of personality: Extraversion vs. Introversion, Neuroticism vs. Emotional Stability, Psychoticism vs. Impulse Control.

A theory proposing five broad personality factors: Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness.

A personality trait marked by a craving for unusual or novel experiences.

A therapy focusing on changing specific behaviors using reinforcers and punishments, without considering thoughts or feelings.

A system where individuals earn tokens for engaging in desired behaviors, which can then be exchanged for rewards.

Using an unpleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior. It works best in the short term.

Strengthening a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus. It can be less predictable than positive reinforcement.

The tendency for learned behaviors to be replaced by natural, instinctive behaviors.

The study of happiness, excellence, and optimal human functioning.

Martin Seligman is recognized as the pioneer of positive psychology.

How our thoughts influence our feelings and then lead to specific behaviors, creating a cycle.

A life filled with positive emotions and the skills to amplify them.

Thoughts that happen quickly and unconsciously, often negative or unhelpful.

Thoughts that are deliberate and based on logic and reason.

A life where you are fully engaged and absorbed in your work, relationships, and hobbies.

A life where you use your strengths to serve something larger than yourself.

The first stage of Erikson's psychosocial theory, occurring from birth to 1 year.

The second stage of Erikson's theory, occurring from 1 to 3 years.

The third stage of Erikson's theory, occurring from 3 to 5 years.

The belief that we control our own destiny and outcomes are influenced by our actions.

The belief that our destiny is controlled by outside factors like fate, luck, or others.

A state where individuals learn to feel helpless after repeated failures or negative experiences, believing they cannot control outcomes.

An outlook that expects positive outcomes, focusing on external, dynamic, and specific factors.

An outlook that expects negative outcomes, attributing failures to internal, static, and global factors.

Learned helplessness aligns with depression as both involve feeling powerless and unable to control outcomes. Depression often generalizes to various life aspects, mirroring helpless feelings.

Research indicates that individuals with an internal locus of control tend to be more proactive, achieve higher, and have better mental health than those with an external locus of control.

The process of explaining our failures or events we cannot control.

A feeling of self-doubt and embarrassment that develops in early childhood when a child's independence is restricted or punished.

The ability to act independently and make your own choices.

The ability to take charge, start projects, and explore new ideas.

A feeling of remorse or regret for actions that are perceived as wrong or harmful.

The ability to work hard, focus on accomplishing tasks, and feel confident in your skills.

A feeling of inadequacy or incompetence compared to others.

A clear and consistent sense of who you are, your values, and your place in the world.

A feeling of uncertainty and confusion about your identity, purpose, and direction in life.

A natural drive to progress through stages of life, shaped by social interactions and how we handle crises.

A turning point within each stage of development, where we face a challenge to learn and grow.

An unhealthy focus on only the positive side of a stage, leading to problems like excessive trust.

Successfully balancing both positive and negative aspects of a stage, leading to healthy development and strength.

Developing a rigid approach to dealing with life's challenges, refusing to explore other coping strategies.