Chapter 2 Understanding Myself

Learning Objectives Positive psychology Personality Freud’s Theory of Personality Defense Mechanisms “Big Five” personality traits Intelligence Types of Intelligence Personal learning style and preferences Personal positive view, self esteem, self efficacy

Everyone is unique…and that is not bad Personality Intelligence Learning Styles Preferences It is important to understand your own traits and use them to be successful in life

Personality Unique expression of our characteristics and traits –how we feel, think, behave. Personality doesn’t change much Different theories of personality development Psychodynamic Trait theory

Psychodynamic theory Sigmund Freud Mind functions as conscious(aware), unconscious (unaware, but driving most personality) and preconscious (semi-aware) Personality divided Id—instinct driven for survival Superego—personality driven by societal rules Ego—part of personality that has to balance the drives of the Id and the Superego—and often accomplishes this through Defense Mechanisms

Defense Mechanisms Repression—eliminating ideas from consciousness Regression—returning to an earlier stage of development Rationalization—stating logical explanation in place of the real reason for something Displacement—transferring impulses to a less threatening object or person Projection—attributing one’s own unacceptable impulses to others Reaction formation—engaging in behavior that is the opposite of what one is really feeling Denial—refusing to see the true nature of a situation or behavior

Trait Theory “Big Five Theory”—Five basic personality traits that are connected to GPA, achievement, alcohol consumption, personal values—cuts across cultural and racial lines Neurotic Extroverted Open Agreeable Conscientious

Intelligence The ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience Involves the ability to learn both formally and informally as well as to pose and solve problems

Multiple Intelligences—Howard Gardner There isn’t just one way to be smart Verbal-linguistic: Word Smart Mathematical-logical: Number Smart Visual-spatial: Picture Smart Musical-rhythmic: Sound Smart Bodily-kinesthetic: Body Smart Interpersonal: People Smart Intrapersonal: Self Smart Naturalistic: Nature Smart

Which one are you? Take the Multiple Intelligences Survey

Successful Intelligence-Robert Sternberg Successfully intelligent people maximize their strengths and compensate for weakness Three aspects of successful intelligence Analytical intelligence Creative intelligence Practical intelligence

Emotional Intelligence-Daniel Goleman Ability to understand and monitor emotions of self and others Allows an individual to cope well in times of stress Allows an individual to deal with the people around him or her Time Magazine: “the best predictor of success in life”

How Emotionally Intelligent are You? Take the Emotional Intelligence Survey

Abilities of Emotional Intelligence How we manage ourselves Self awareness Self regulation Self motivation How we manage relationships Empathy Managing relationships—persuasion, leadership, active listening, team building, forging bonds

Improving Emotional Intelligence Pay attention to emotional changes and what causes them Take the time to talk it out Deal with one issue at a time Accept responsibility for your emotions and your actions

Learning Styles Preference on how you Take in information Organize information Process information

Learning Styles What is your Learning Style? Take the Learning Style Inventory

Learning Styles Sensing-Information perceived by senses, facts, information presented step by step Visual—Information presented in pictures, diagrams Read/Write—Information in words Active—Learn by trying things out or other practical applications Sequential—Process information step by step Intuitive—Information in the abstract, the “big picture,” the meaning of things Auditory—Information presented orally—discussions, lectures Kinesthetic—Information gained through hands-on activities Reflective—Process information by internally thinking about it Global—Process information by seeing the whole then knowing how the individual parts fit in

Personal Preferences Myers Briggs Indicators: Behavior is based on preferences in how people perceive and interact with the world What is your Personal Preference Type? Take the Personal Preferences Survey

Favorite world Extraversion(E) Focus on the outer world Intraversion (I) Focus on your inner world Information Sensing (S) Focus on information you take in Intuition (N) Focus on how you interpret and add meaning to information Decisions Thinking (T) Make decisions by looking at logic and consistency Feeling (F) Make decisions by considering people and special circumstances Structure Judging (J) In dealing with situations, prefer to get things decided Perceiving (P) In dealing with situations, prefer to stay open to new information and options.

Once you identify your 4 letters Your unique combination tells you many facets of your personality For detailed information go to: http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16-mbti-types.asp

Positive Psychology Scientific study of strengths and virtues that enable persons and communities to thrive Every person has a pre-determined set point for their overall outlook—optimistic vs gloomy, happy vs sad, etc. Positive psychology studies how we can change set points and focus on our strengths rather than weaknesses.

Self-concept How we view ourselves, beliefs and attitudes Ideal self Looking glass self Self-image Real self

Self –esteem Degree of how much we like ourselves Related to health and well-being High self-esteem correlated with responsibility, self-management, self-direction and innovation High self esteem views criticism as constructive

To Increase Self-Esteem Live consciously Practice self-acceptance Practice self-responsibility Practice self-assertiveness Practice living purposefully Practice personal integrity Concentrate on strengths and use them Make positive changes in your lifestyle Pay attention to “self-talk”

Self-efficacy Belief we can cope with life and win Influences decisions we make, careers we choose, and interaction with others May influence willingness to take advantage of opportunities, motivation, success in college Behaviors that increase self-efficacy can be taught—problem solving Can be influenced by previous success, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, physiological arousal

To increase self-efficacy Make goals and reward their achievement Set reasonable but challenging goals Talk positively to yourself Choose good role models Be willing to work for your goals

Motivation What drives us to do what we do? Basic needs Need for acceptance, recognition, and self-esteem We will explore this more in a later chapter

Understanding Myself Project

Understanding Myself Project