4.4 Psychoanalytic and Humanistic Theories of Personality

Denial

• A defense mechanism where a person refuses to accept reality or facts.

• A method of coping with stress by seeking social support.

• An approach to problem-solving that involves ignoring the issue.

• A psychological state characterized by excessive optimism.

Ego defense mechanisms

• Psychological strategies used by the ego to manage anxiety and protect the self.

• Techniques used by the superego to enforce moral standards.

• Coping strategies that involve denial of reality.

• Methods employed by the id to satisfy basic urges.

Projective tests

• Psychological assessments that use ambiguous stimuli to reveal hidden emotions and internal conflicts.

• Standardized tests that measure cognitive abilities and intelligence.

• Behavioral assessments that focus on observable actions and reactions.

• Personality inventories that categorize individuals into distinct personality types.

Unconscious processes

• Mental processes that occur without conscious awareness.

• Thoughts that are always in our conscious mind.

• Actions that require deliberate thought and effort.

• Emotions that are always expressed openly.

Displacement

• A defense mechanism where emotional impulses are redirected to a substitute object or person.

• A method of physical movement from one place to another.

• A psychological state of being unable to move forward in life.

• A technique used in therapy to confront one's fears.

Reaction formation

• A defense mechanism where an individual acts in a manner opposite to their true feelings.

• A psychological condition characterized by excessive emotional responses.

• A method of coping that involves ignoring one's problems.

• A strategy to enhance self-esteem through positive affirmations.

Unconditional (positive) regard

• Accepting and respecting others as they are without judgment or evaluation.

• Only accepting others when they meet certain criteria.

• Evaluating others based on their achievements and failures.

• Ignoring others' feelings and opinions.

Projection

• A defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others.

• A method of visualizing data in a two-dimensional space.

• A technique used in psychotherapy to enhance self-awareness.

• A strategy for managing stress through relaxation techniques.

Repression

• A defense mechanism that involves unconsciously blocking unpleasant emotions, impulses, or memories.

• A conscious effort to forget traumatic experiences.

• A method of expressing emotions openly and honestly.

• A technique used to enhance memory retention.

Rationalization

• A defense mechanism involving the creation of false but plausible excuses to justify unacceptable behavior.

• A method of reasoning that relies on emotional responses rather than logical analysis.

• A psychological strategy to avoid facing reality by denying the truth of a situation.

• A technique used to enhance memory retention through repetition and association.