1. Almost everyone has one…
Personality
Almost everyone has one…

2. Definition
“The organization of enduring behavior patterns that often serve to distinguish us from one another.
What is included in personality?
Thinking
Feeling
Behaving
Experiencing the Environment
Personality is not our public impression, but our essential nature as human beings.
Brainstorm list on board of terms included in personality
-sense of humor
- sociability
- friendliness
- honesty
- sincerity
- leadership

3. Personality Theory
Ideas that offer sweeping perspectives on human nature
Psychoanalytical
Humanistic
Trait
Social-Cognitive   
Seeks to address big questions:
How are the mind and body related?
Is personality inherited or learned?
Do humans have free will?
Is there a self?
Is the self knowable?
Personality involves a distinctiveness or uniqueness of character
Personality psychologists, unlike developmental, study individual differences and construct tests to measure those differences
Personality involves enduring behavior patterns, and thus consistency or predictability of character.
We expect people to stay somewhat the same over time
Personality involves the organization of individuality
Other psychologists are concerned with human perception, intelligence, motivation, or development, personality theorists uniquely study the entire person
Address issues such as the human nature and individual differences
The Forer effect (also called the Barnum Effect after P. T. Barnum's observation that "we've got something for everyone") is the observation that individuals will give high accuracy ratings to descriptions of their personality that supposedly are tailored specifically for them, but are in fact vague and general enough to apply to a wide range of people. This effect can provide a partial explanation for the widespread acceptance of some beliefs and practices, such as astrology, fortune telling, and some types of personality tests.

4. HOW IS PERSONALITY ASSESSED?
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Identifying characteristics of a personality
NON-PROJECTIVE
ANSWER PROVIDED, YOU CHOOSE
PROJECTIVE
VAGUE, PROJECT YOUR OWN ANSWER
Projective tests present an vague or unclear stimulus and then asks test-takers to describe it or tell a story about it. The stimulus does not have a right or wrong answer, so any meaning could be correct. What people read into the tests is a “projection” of their interests and conflicts
TAT: people view ambiguous pictures and then make up stories about them. – “The subject leaves happily unaware that he has presented the psychologist with what amounts to an x-ray of his inner self”
Other projective tests: complete sentences (“my mother…”) or provide the first word that comes to mind after a test word
Roschach inkblot test: what we see in ten inkblots reflects our inner feelings and conflicts

5. Non-Projective Tests: MMPI Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory
Designed to assess a number of the major patterns of personality and emotional disorders.
Empirically derived (discriminate for abnormal traits)
To aid in making psychiatric diagnoses
To help the psychologist get an overall view of a client's personality traits and types
All Questions are self reported and YES or NO
1. I have diarrhea once a month or more
2. Once in a while I think of things too bad to talk about
3. I am sure I get a raw deal from life
4. My father was a good man
What might the limitations of this type of testing be?
True-false self report (567 Questions)
To screen individuals for employment reasons
To help the psychologist get an overall view of a client's personality traits and types
Used to diagnose abnormal personality tendencies rather than normal.
Empirically derived (from a large pool of items) items selected discriminate for abnormal personality traits

6. Which picture do you like the best. Consider both color and form
Which picture do you like the best? Consider both color and form. (Choose 1) 1 3 2 4 5 6 8 9 7

7. # 1 Carefree, playful, cheerful
You love a free and spontaneous life. And you attempt to enjoy it to the fullest, in accordance with the motto: "You only live once."
You are very curious and open about everything new; you thrive on change. Nothing is worse than when you feel tied down. You experience your environment as being versatile and always good for a surprise.

8. # 2 Independent, unconventional, tolerant
You demand a free and unattached life for yourself that allows you to determine your own course. You have an artistic bent in your work or leisure activities. Your urge for freedom sometimes causes you to do exactly the opposite of what expected of you.
Your lifestyle is highly individualistic. You would never blindly imitate what is "in"; on the contrary, you seek to live according to your own ideas and convictions, even if this means swimming against the tide.

9. # 3 Introspective, sensitive, reflective
You come to grips more frequently and thoroughly with yourself and your environment than do most people. You detest superficiality; you'd rather be alone than have to suffer through small talk. But your relationships with your friends are very strong, which gives you the inner tranquility and harmony that you require. You do not mind being alone for extended periods of time; you rarely become bored.

10. #4 Down to earth, well-balanced, harmonious
You value a natural style and love things that are uncomplicated. People admire you because you have both feet planted firmly on the ground and they can depend on you. You give those who are close to you security and space. You are perceived as being warm. You reject everything that is tasteless. You tend to be skeptical toward the whims of fashion trends. For you, clothing has to be practical, simple, and functional.

11. # 5 Professional, practical, self-assured
You take charge of your life, and place less faith in your luck and more in your own deeds. You solve problems in a practical manner. You take a realistic view of the things in your daily life and tackle them without wavering. You are given a great deal of responsibility at work, because people know that you can be depended upon.
Your pronounced strength of will projects your self-assurance to others. You are never fully satisfied until you have accomplished your goals.

12. # 6 Peaceful, discreet, non-aggressive
You are easy-going and discreet. You make friends effortlessly, yet enjoy your privacy and independence. You like to get away from it all and be alone from time to time to contemplate your purpose in life.
You need space, so you escape to beautiful hideaways, but you are not a loner. You are at peace with yourself and the world, and you appreciate life and what this world has to offer.

13. # 7 Analytical, trustworthy, self-assured
You are understanding of others. You notice things that are often overlooked by others.  Culture and art play a special role in your life. You have found your own personal style. Your ideal, upon which you base your life, is sophisticated pleasure. You associate with people that are creative and artistic.

14. # 8 Romantic, dreamy, emotional
You are a very sensitive person. What your feelings tell you is just as important to you. You refuse to view things only from a serious, rational standpoint. You feel it is important to have big dreams in your life.
You reject people who scorn romanticism and are guided only by rationality. You refuse to let anything confine the rich variety of your moods and emotions.

15. # 9 Dynamic, active, extroverted
You are quite willing to accept certain risks and to make a strong commitment in exchange for interesting and varied work. Routine, in contrast, tends to have a paralyzing effect on you.
What you like most is to be able to play an active role in events. In doing so, your initiative is highly pronounced.

16. Barnum Effect
tendency for people to accept very general or vague characterizations of themselves and take them to be accurate.
Personality profiles, horoscopes, palm readings
P.T. Barnum believed a good circus had “a little something for everyone.”

17. Rorschach Ink Blot Test
You will need paper and something to write with.
Write down what you see on each slide.
Respond quickly, each slide will be shown for 30 seconds.

18. Plate 1

19. Plate 2

20. Plate 3

21. Plate 4

22. Plate 5

23. Plate 6

24. What did you see in plate 1?
This is a black and white card, often described as looking like a mask or the face of a fox or wolf.

25. What did you see in plate 2?
This is a card with black and red ink, often described as people dancing or touching hands with each other.

26. What did you see in plate 3?
This is a card with black and red ink, frequently visualized as two people facing each other or sometimes a butterfly or moth.

27. What did you see in plate 4?
A card with only black ink formed in a triangle- shaped blot. The two lower corners are often described as shoes or boots. This card may also be seen as viewing a person from below or a male figure with a large sex organ.

28. What did you see in plate 5?
Another card with only black ink. The vast majority of test subjects will see a bat- or bird-like figure. This is by far the most common response.

29. What did you see in plate 6?
A card with only black ink. This card has a rough "V" shape sometimes described as faces pointing towards one another, "bunny ears", or similar visualizations.

30. What is being interpreted?
If your main image is…
In the dark blots
In the white spaces
In the upper portions of the inkblot (or you see your image moving upward
In the lower portions of the inkblot
(or if you see your image falling down)
This may mean…
You think the way most people do
You are an unusual, perhaps creative thinker
You are an achiever
You are sad about something

31. What kind of images do you see most often?
If you see…
Inanimate objects
Abstract concepts (joy)
Plants or animals
People
Food
Action
Danger or Aggression
This may mean…
You are good at mechanical things
You enjoy dealing with ideas & theories
You are a nature lover
You are extroverted
You like to take care of people or have people take care of you.
You are a doer rather than a thinker
You are upset or worried about something

32. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) Henry Murray
Picture Interpretation Technique
30 provocative yet ambiguous pictures about which the subject must tell a story.
Tell a dramatic story including:
What has led up to the event shown?
What is happening at the moment?
What the characters are feeling and thinking?
What the outcome of the story was?

33. Another TAT Example

34. Evaluation & Purpose of the TAT?
Content of Story
Subject’s manner, vocal tone, & posture
Hesitation or avoidance
Emotional response (made anxious)
Anecdotal remarks (I don’t like the picture)
Not be used in the differential diagnosis of mental disorders.
Often administered to individuals who have already received a diagnosis in order to match them with the type of psychotherapy best suited to their personalities.
Forensics-assess motivations & general attitudes

35. Projective Tests Thematic Apperception Test Rorschach Inkblot Test
Story that test taker projects their own traits on to
Rorschach Inkblot Test
Ambiguous inkblots that are believed to reflect the test taker’s inner thoughts and conflicts

36. Psychoanalytical Perspective
Sigmund Freud
Thoughts and actions are attributed to unconscious motives and conflicts Id
Ego
Superego
Consciousness is like an iceberg’s visible tip. The id is totally unconscious, but ego and superego operate consciously and unconsciously
Id- strives to satisfy basic sexual and aggressive drives- operates on pleasure principle demanding immediate gratification
Superego- represents internalized ideals and provides standards for judgment (the conscience) and for future aspirations
Ego- “executive” mediates among the demands of the id, superego and reality
Reality principle: satisfying the id’s desires in ways that will realistically bring pleasure rather than pain.
What are the emphases?
1. Influence of the unconscious
2. Importance of instincts (sexual & aggression)
Lasting effects of childhood experiences
Personality arises from our efforts to resolve conflicts between our aggressive, pleasure-seeking biological impulses & social restraints
Assessment Techniques?
Psychoanalysis
Dream Interpretation
Freudian Slips
Free Association

37. Freudian Slips (Parapraxis) …interference from the unconscious

38. Freud’s Psychosexual Stages Freud’s analyses of his patients led him to conclude that personality forms during the first 5-6 years of life. He believed that his patients problems originated in conflicts that had not been resolved during childhood years. These conflicts may manifest themselves later in life.
Freud believed the patient had become “stuck” or “fixated” in one of the stages.
Oral
1-18 months
Pleasure centers on the mouth- sucking, biting, chewing
Weaning can be a conflict in this stage.
Anal
18-36 months
Pleasure focuses on bowel and bladder function; coping
with demands for control. Potty training can be a conflict.
Phallic
3-6 years
Pleasure zone is the genitals; coping with incestuous
feelings. Boys love mom and fear Dad. “Oedipus Complex”
Latency
6-puberty
Dormant sexual feelings. Children repress their feelings
for the rival parent. “Identification Process” & “Gender Identity”
Genital
Puberty on
Maturation of sexual interests. Begin experiencing
sexual feelings toward others.

39. “Anxiety is the price we pay for civilized society.” Sigmund Freud
Defense mechanisms
The conflict between the id’s wishes and the superego’s social rules produces this anxiety.
The ego has an arsenal of unconscious defense mechanisms that help rid anxious tension by distorting reality.

40. Repression
Banishes anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories from consciousness.
Believed repression was the basis for all the other anxiety- reducing defense mechanisms.
Example: When asked how he feels about the breakup with Muffy, Biff replies, “Who? Oh, yeah, I haven’t thought about her in a while.”

41. Muffy and I should go to Chipotle tonight!
Denial
Muffy and I should go to Chipotle tonight!
The most primitive defense, a distortion of reality by simply negating the truth.
Not accepting the ego threatening truth.
Biff continues to act as if he and Muffy are still together. He waits by her locker, calls her every night, and plans their future dates.

42. Displacement
Redirecting one’s feeling toward another person or object whom they perceive as less threatening.
Biff could displace his feeling of anger and resentment onto his little brother or bedroom door.

43. I wish he would take me back!
I still love Biff!
I wish he would take me back!
Projection
People attribute their own unacceptable desires to others.
Believing that the feelings one has toward someone else are actually held by the other person.
Biff insists MUFFY still cares for him.

44. Man, I’m so glad I dumped Muffy. I can’t stand her!
Reaction Formation
Man, I’m so glad I dumped Muffy. I can’t stand her!
Your behavior is exactly opposite your true feelings
Biff claims he hates Muffy

45. I just want my Mr. Fuzzy Kitten…
Regression
I just want my Mr. Fuzzy Kitten…
Returning to an earlier, comforting form of behavior.
Biff begins to sleep with his favorite childhood stuffed animal, Fuzzy Kitten.

46. Which one?
Rationalization
Coming up with a beneficial result of an undesirable occurrence.
Sweet Lemons & Sour Grapes
insisting that something unpleasant is in fact desirable
put down something simply because they can't have it.
Attempts to logically “explain away” unacceptable behavior.
Biff believes that he can find a better girlfriend. Muffy is not really all that pretty, smart, and fun to be with.

47. Intellectualization
Undertaking an academic, unemotional study of a topic.
Helps a person minimize anxiety by viewing threatening issues in abstract terms
Biff embarks on an in- depth research project about failed teen romances.

48. Sublimation
Transformation of unacceptable impulses into socially valuable motivations.
Socially adaptive; may even inspire achievement.
Biff devotes himself to writing novels and publishes a small chapter book before he graduates high school.

49. Neo-Freudians- Psychodynamic
Alfred Adler
Karen Horney
Carl Jung
Erik Erikson
Agreed with Freud on the basics, but reject certain aspects of his theories.
Alfred Adler
Believed social tensions, NOT sexual tensions, were crucial in the development of personality.
Birth Order & Inferiority Complex
Karen Horney
Believed Freud’s theory was male dominated.
Social variables, not biological variables are the foundation of personality development.
Horney and the other Neo’s started the movement toward revising psychoanalysis we use today.
Carl Jung
Unlike Adler, Jung discounted social factors
Collective Unconscious-shared, inherited reservoir of memory traces from our ancestors.
Archetypes (universal symbols) provided the evidence for this idea. “Shadow” is the darker, evil side of human nature. Supposedly, we hide this archetype from the world and ourselves.
Contemporary psychologists believe that some evolution has contributed to some universal behavior tendencies. 49

51. Neo-Freudians Alfred Adler Karen Horney Carl Jung
Believed social tensions, NOT sexual tensions, were crucial in the development of personality.
Birth Order & Inferiority Complex
Karen Horney
Found Freud’s theory male dominated.
Social variables, not biological variables are the foundation of personality development.
movement to revise psychoanalysis we use today.
Carl Jung
Unlike Adler, Jung discounted social factors
Collective Unconscious-
Archetypes (universal symbols) provided the evidence for this idea.
Alfred Adler
Believed social tensions, NOT sexual tensions, were crucial in the development of personality.
Birth Order & Inferiority Complex
Karen Horney
Believed Freud’s theory was male dominated.
Social variables, not biological variables are the foundation of personality development.
Horney and the other Neo’s started the movement toward revising psychoanalysis we use today.
Carl Jung
Unlike Adler, Jung discounted social factors
Collective Unconscious-shared, inherited reservoir of memory traces from our ancestors.
Archetypes (universal symbols) provided the evidence for this idea. “Shadow” is the darker, evil side of human nature. Supposedly, we hide this archetype from the world and ourselves.
Contemporary psychologists believe that some evolution has contributed to some universal behavior tendencies.