Gu 729 (Advanced Theories Of Personality) First Term Exam

Refusal to believe that a loved one has died exemplifies the ego defense of denial of reality. Denial of reality is a defense mechanism where individuals refuse to accept or acknowledge a painful or distressing reality. In this case, the person is unable to accept the death of a loved one and may continue to act as if the person is still alive or deny the reality of their loss. This defense mechanism helps individuals temporarily avoid the emotional pain associated with the loss.

When a child experiences basic evil, which refers to mistreatment or neglect from their parents, they develop basic hostility towards them. This means that they harbor feelings of anger, resentment, and animosity towards their parents due to the negative experiences they have endured. These feelings of hostility can manifest in various ways, such as defiance, rebellion, or even seeking revenge. The child's negative experiences shape their perception of their parents and influence their emotional response towards them.

During each psychosexual stage of development, there is a specific area of the body that becomes the primary source of stimulation and pleasure. This area is known as the erogenous zone. The stimulation and pleasure derived from the erogenous zone play a significant role in shaping a person's psychological and emotional development during that particular stage.

A person who focuses excessively on their own superiority and neglects the needs of others and society is said to have a superiority complex. This term refers to an exaggerated belief in one's own abilities, importance, or achievements, often accompanied by a sense of entitlement or arrogance. It is the opposite of an inferiority complex, where an individual feels inadequate or inferior to others. In this case, the person's self-centered attitude and disregard for others indicate a superiority complex.

Biopsychology is the study of how biological processes impact the mind and behavior. This field explores the relationship between the brain, nervous system, hormones, and behavior. It examines how biological factors such as genetics, neurotransmitters, and brain structure influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions. By understanding the biological basis of behavior, biopsychologists can gain insights into various mental health disorders, neurological conditions, and cognitive processes. This knowledge can also inform the development of treatments and interventions to improve mental well-being and overall functioning.

The id is the part of the personality that operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of basic needs and desires. It is driven by unconscious impulses and does not consider the consequences or morals of its actions. The id is focused on satisfying primal urges and seeking pleasure without any regard for social norms or consequences.

Freud's psychoanalysis is based on the understanding that human behavior is driven by unconscious desires and conflicts. These desires are primarily related to sex and aggression. Freud believed that sexual and aggressive impulses are fundamental aspects of human nature and play a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therefore, sex and aggression are considered the two cornerstones of Freud's psychoanalytic theory.

Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring chemicals in the nervous system that specialize in transmitting information between neurons. They are responsible for transmitting signals across synapses, the tiny gaps between neurons. When an electrical signal reaches the end of a neuron, neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, where they bind to receptors on the receiving neuron, allowing the signal to be transmitted. This process is essential for proper communication and functioning of the nervous system.

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where individuals repress their true feelings or thoughts and express the opposite. This can occur when someone is faced with unacceptable or socially inappropriate thoughts or desires, and they respond by behaving in a manner that is completely opposite to their true feelings. For example, someone who has strong feelings of anger towards a person may display excessive friendliness and kindness towards them as a way to hide their true emotions.

The superego is a concept in psychoanalytic theory that represents the moral and ethical standards of an individual. It is the part of the psyche that strives for perfection and imposes societal norms and values on the ego. It acts as a conscience, guiding behavior and suppressing impulses that are deemed unacceptable.

Fictional finalism refers to the idea that humans develop beliefs and then behave as if those beliefs are true, even if they may not be objectively true. This concept suggests that individuals are motivated by their own subjective interpretations and goals, rather than solely by objective reality. It implies that humans are driven by their own imagined future outcomes and strive to achieve them, even if they are not based on concrete evidence or reality.

An existential theorist is most likely to ask the question, "What is the significance of your awareness that you ultimately must die?" Existentialism focuses on the individual's existence, freedom, and the meaning of life. Death is a central theme in existentialism, and existential theorists often explore the significance and impact of mortality on human existence. They are interested in understanding how the awareness of our own mortality influences our choices, values, and the overall meaning we assign to our lives.

In the eighth stage of development, according to Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory, individuals face a crisis known as "ego integrity vs. despair." This stage occurs in late adulthood, typically during the retirement years. If the crisis is resolved positively, individuals develop a sense of wisdom. Wisdom is characterized by a deep understanding of life, acceptance of its limitations, and the ability to reflect on one's experiences and share knowledge with others. It represents the culmination of a lifetime of learning and personal growth.

Both a superiority complex and an inferiority complex can lead to a mistaken lifestyle. A superiority complex can cause a person to have an exaggerated sense of their own importance and abilities, leading them to make poor decisions and treat others poorly. On the other hand, an inferiority complex can cause a person to feel inadequate and constantly compare themselves to others, leading them to make choices that undermine their own potential and limit their personal growth. Therefore, both types of complexes can result in a mistaken lifestyle.

The ego must find objects or events that satisfy the needs of the id refers to the ego's role in balancing the id's impulsive desires with reality. The ego seeks to find ways to fulfill the id's needs in a socially acceptable manner. Cannot be attained by primary processes indicates that the ego uses secondary processes, such as problem-solving and rational thinking, to achieve these goals. Do not violate the values of the superego highlights the ego's responsibility to consider moral and ethical standards when seeking satisfaction for the id. Therefore, all of the above options are correct explanations of the ego's role in finding objects or events that satisfy the needs of the id.

Freud called free association the fundamental rule of psychoanalysis. Free association refers to the technique where patients are encouraged to freely express their thoughts, feelings, and memories without censorship or judgment. This method allows the unconscious mind to reveal hidden conflicts and desires, providing insights into the patient's psyche. It is considered a cornerstone of psychoanalysis as it helps uncover repressed or unconscious material, leading to a better understanding of the patient's mental and emotional state.

The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. The central nervous system is responsible for processing and coordinating information received from the senses and sending instructions to the rest of the body. It controls basic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and movement. The peripheral nervous system, on the other hand, includes all the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, while the autonomic and somatic nervous systems are subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system.

The persona develops because of the need humans have to play a role in society. The persona refers to the social mask or facade that individuals present to the outside world. It is the image or identity that a person creates to conform to societal expectations and to be accepted by others. This concept was introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who believed that individuals develop a persona as a way to adapt and fit into social norms and expectations. The persona allows individuals to navigate social interactions and present themselves in a way that is deemed acceptable by society.

The collective unconscious was Jung's most mystical and controversial concept. It refers to the part of the unconscious mind that is shared by all human beings and contains archetypes and universal symbols. Jung believed that these shared patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are inherited and play a significant role in shaping an individual's personality and experiences. The concept of the collective unconscious is controversial because it cannot be directly observed or measured, making it difficult to prove or disprove its existence. However, it has had a significant influence on psychology and continues to be a topic of debate and exploration.

According to Horney, a child with basic anxiety is well on his or her way to becoming neurotic. Horney believed that basic anxiety, which is caused by feelings of insecurity and helplessness in early childhood, can lead to the development of neurotic behaviors and personality traits in adulthood. Neurotic individuals often experience high levels of anxiety, have difficulty coping with stress, and exhibit maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior. Therefore, the correct answer is neurotic.

Horney believed that the child starts life with a feeling of helplessness. This aligns with her theory of basic anxiety, which suggests that children develop a sense of helplessness and vulnerability due to their dependence on their parents for survival and protection. Horney argued that this feeling of helplessness can shape the child's personality and lead to the development of various defense mechanisms.

The crisis characterizing the second stage of development is autonomy versus shame and doubt because during this stage, children begin to assert their independence and develop a sense of self-control. They start to make choices and decisions on their own, which can lead to feelings of either autonomy or shame and doubt. This stage is crucial for the development of self-esteem and confidence in one's abilities.

Individuation is the process by which components of the psyche are given expression by a particular person. This term, coined by Carl Jung, refers to the psychological process of becoming an individual and developing a unique personality. It involves integrating the conscious and unconscious aspects of the self, exploring and expressing one's true self, and achieving self-realization. Individuation is a lifelong process that involves self-discovery, self-acceptance, and personal growth. It allows individuals to embrace their uniqueness, find their purpose, and become more whole and authentic.

Freud's lifelong optimism and self-confidence may have stemmed from being his mother's favorite child. This suggests that the love and attention he received from his mother could have contributed to his positive outlook on life and belief in himself. Being favored by his mother may have instilled a sense of worthiness and confidence in Freud, leading to his optimistic attitude throughout his life.

The frontal lobe is associated with reasoning, motor skills, higher level cognition, and expressive language. This region of the brain is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and planning. It also controls voluntary movements and is involved in speech production and language comprehension.

Dopamine is a pleasurable neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in our arousal and mood states, thought processes, and physical movement. It is involved in the brain's reward system, motivating us to seek out pleasurable experiences. Dopamine also helps regulate movement and coordination. Imbalances in dopamine levels have been linked to various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.

Repression is considered the most basic ego-defense mechanism because it serves as the foundation for other defense mechanisms to occur. It involves pushing unwanted or threatening thoughts, memories, or emotions into the unconscious mind. By repressing these thoughts or feelings, individuals can avoid dealing with the discomfort they may bring. Other defense mechanisms, such as displacement, rationalization, and projection, rely on the initial act of repression to function effectively. Therefore, repression must occur first before any other defense mechanism can take place.

Freud believed that the healthy resolution of the Oedipus conflict for the male child involves identifying with his father. This means that the child internalizes his father's values, beliefs, and behaviors, and develops a sense of masculinity and morality. By identifying with his father, the child is able to resolve his unconscious desire for his mother and establish a healthy and appropriate relationship with both parents. This resolution is seen as crucial for the child's psychosexual development and overall psychological well-being.

When a child is convinced that everything and everyone in the world is potentially dangerous, they are experiencing basic anxiety. This refers to a feeling of unease and apprehension that arises from a perceived lack of security and a fear of being overwhelmed by the world. The child may have a general sense of fear and worry, leading to a constant state of anxiety. This can impact their behavior, relationships, and overall well-being. Basic anxiety is a common experience during childhood and can be addressed through supportive and nurturing environments.

Breuer found that Anna O.'s condition improved when she openly expressed her feelings. This phenomenon is referred to as catharsis. Catharsis is a psychological concept that suggests that the release of repressed emotions and experiences can lead to emotional relief and healing. In Anna O.'s case, openly expressing her feelings helped her to alleviate her symptoms of hysteria. Transference refers to the patient's transfer of emotions and feelings onto the therapist, while countertransference refers to the therapist's emotional response towards the patient.

According to Horney, if people live in accordance with their real selves, they are on the road to self-realization. This means that when individuals are true to themselves, embracing their authentic thoughts, feelings, and desires, they are more likely to achieve personal growth and fulfillment. Living in alignment with their real selves allows individuals to develop a sense of identity, self-acceptance, and a greater understanding of their own needs and aspirations. By prioritizing their real selves, individuals can cultivate a more genuine and meaningful existence.

In the fourth stage of development, if the crisis is negatively resolved, the person develops a sense of inferiority. This means that they feel inadequate and have low self-esteem. They may compare themselves to others and constantly feel like they are not good enough. This sense of inferiority can have a negative impact on their self-confidence and overall well-being.

The answer suggests that personality development can be viewed differently based on various theories, indicating that there is no definitive answer to whether our personality can change or not. Some theories may argue that personality is fixed and predetermined, while others may suggest that it can be influenced and changed over time. Therefore, the answer implies that the changeability of personality is subjective and can vary depending on different perspectives and theories.

Erikson believed that each psychosocial stage in a person's life is marked by a crisis that needs to be resolved. When this crisis is resolved in a positive way, it leads to the development of a virtue in one's personality. A virtue can be seen as a positive characteristic or quality that is acquired through successfully navigating and resolving the challenges of each stage. It is a positive outcome that contributes to the overall development and well-being of an individual.

The compliant type uses the adjustment pattern of moving toward people. This means that individuals with a compliant personality tend to seek approval and acceptance from others. They may be more inclined to conform to social norms and prioritize maintaining harmonious relationships. They may often display behaviors such as being agreeable, accommodating, and seeking validation from others.

The psychic energy associated with the life instincts is called libido. Libido is a concept introduced by Sigmund Freud to describe the energy generated by the sexual drive or the life instincts. It is the energy that fuels our desires, passions, and motivations. Libido is not limited to sexual energy but encompasses a broader sense of life force and vitality. It is a fundamental concept in psychoanalysis and plays a crucial role in understanding human behavior and motivation.

Manifest content refers to the actual events, characters, and objects that we remember and describe when recalling a dream. It is what appears to be happening in the dream, the literal content that we can consciously recall. This is in contrast to latent content, which represents the hidden, symbolic meaning and unconscious desires behind the manifest content. Dream work refers to the process by which the unconscious mind transforms latent content into manifest content, while synthesis is not related to dream recall or interpretation.

Identification is the term used to describe the tendency to increase personal feelings of worth by taking on characteristics of someone who is viewed as successful. This means that individuals may try to emulate or imitate the behaviors, attitudes, or qualities of someone they admire or perceive as successful in order to boost their own self-esteem or sense of worth. This can involve adopting similar mannerisms, beliefs, or even aspirations as the person they identify with.

The criminal who says, "The world is filled with crooks," is likely exemplifying projection. Projection is a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own undesirable thoughts, feelings, or traits onto others. In this case, the criminal is projecting their own criminal tendencies onto the world, suggesting that others are also crooks. This allows the individual to avoid accepting their own guilt or responsibility for their actions by placing the blame on others.

The personal unconscious refers to the part of the mind that contains repressed or forgotten memories, as well as experiences that were not vivid enough to make a conscious impression. This means that it includes material that was once conscious but has been pushed into the unconscious. The other options, such as the shadow, ego, and collective unconscious, do not specifically encompass this idea of repressed or forgotten material.

The theorists who say "We are what we have been rewarded for being" emphasize learning in their explanation of personality. This suggests that our personality is shaped by the things we have been rewarded for in the past. This aligns with the idea that our behaviors and traits are learned through reinforcement and conditioning.

Countertransference refers to the phenomenon where an analyst develops emotional reactions or attachments towards a patient. It occurs when the analyst's own unresolved feelings, experiences, or personal issues are unconsciously projected onto the patient. This can impact the therapist's ability to provide objective and unbiased treatment. Catharsis, on the other hand, refers to the release of emotions or emotional tension. Transference is when a patient redirects feelings or emotions towards the analyst. Cathexis refers to the investment of emotional energy in an object or person.

The correct answer suggests that what distinguishes the neurotic from the normal person is that the neurotic tends to concentrate on one of their needs and exclude the others. This implies that the neurotic individual has a limited focus on their needs, whereas the normal person may have a more balanced approach in satisfying their various needs.

Erikson believed that all stages of personality are present in rudimentary form at birth, meaning that individuals have the potential to develop all aspects of their personality throughout their lives. He also believed that each stage of personality development builds on the outcomes of preceding stages, suggesting that successful completion of earlier stages is necessary for healthy development in later stages. Additionally, Erikson proposed that the stages of personality development follow a genetically determined sequence, implying that individuals progress through these stages in a predetermined order. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above."

Erikson believed that a crisis is resolved positively when the individual has more positive experiences than negative ones. This suggests that a balance between positive and negative experiences is important for personal growth and development. It implies that while negative experiences may be necessary for learning and growth, the overall accumulation of positive experiences is crucial for a positive resolution of the crisis.

Erikson believed that the fifth stage of development represents the transitional period between childhood and adulthood. This stage, known as adolescence, is characterized by the struggle to develop a sense of identity and establish a sense of independence from parents and authority figures. During this stage, individuals explore different roles and identities, forming their own values, beliefs, and goals. It is a crucial period for personal and social development, as individuals navigate the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood.

Freud used the interpretation of his own dreams as a major tool in his self-analysis. Dreams were believed to be a window into the unconscious mind, and by analyzing his own dreams, Freud aimed to gain insight into his own thoughts, desires, and conflicts. This process allowed him to uncover repressed memories and emotions, and ultimately develop his theories on psychoanalysis.

When one's psyche is characterized by harmony among its components, it means that they have achieved a state of self-realization. This refers to a deep understanding and awareness of oneself, including their emotions, thoughts, and desires. Being self-realized implies a sense of inner peace, acceptance, and alignment with one's true nature. It goes beyond simply being in a zen state or experiencing nirvana, as it encompasses a holistic integration of all aspects of one's being. Being at one with nature may be a component of self-realization, but it does not fully capture the depth and completeness of this state.

The correct answer is "all of the above" because in order to make a smooth transition from one psychosexual stage to the next, the child must not only avoid being undergratified or fixated, but also overgratified. Undergratification refers to not having their needs met adequately, while fixation refers to being stuck in a particular stage due to unresolved conflicts. Overgratification, on the other hand, can lead to an inability to move on to the next stage as the child becomes overly dependent on the pleasure associated with the current stage. Therefore, all three conditions must be avoided for a smooth transition.

Jung referred to introversion and extroversion as attitudes. This is because he believed that these two personality traits represent different attitudes towards the external world. Introverts tend to focus inwardly, drawing energy from their internal thoughts and feelings, while extroverts are more focused on the external world and gain energy from social interactions and external stimuli. By categorizing introversion and extroversion as attitudes, Jung emphasized that they are fundamental ways of relating to the world rather than just temporary states of behavior.