Encounter with Freud convinced him psychologists should pay attention to the obvious rather than delving too deeply into the subconscious.
personality - the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine characteristic behavior and thought.
genotype - an inherited characteristic which may or may not be reflected in the phenotype (outward appearance) of the person.
phenotype - outward appearance of a characteristic which may or may not reflect the underlying genotype (genetic inheritance).
psychophysiological systems - basically traits which consist of both mental and biological elements. Traits are real and exist in the nervous system.
humanistic theory - recognizes that each person is unique, has dignity, is active, creative, and grows positively with maturity.
What is a "trait"? 1. traits have the capacity to "render many stimuli functionally equivalent."
Three levels of traits 1. cardinal traits - are the highest level, most powerful, and will influence nearly all of the person's behavior.
2. central traits - are less controlling of behavior but are still important.
3. secondary - are peripheral to the personality and control a few specific behaviors.
Common traits vs. personal dispositions: 1. common traits - are shared by all people to some extent (e.g., extraversion).
2. personal dispositions - are unique to the person (e.g., collecting cotton balls).
PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT Proprium - totality of the personality, what makes us unique persons, like the "self" or "ego."
7 stages/aspects of Proprium development 1. bodily self - infancy, life centers around the body.
3. self esteem - second and third years, a time for testing, accomplishment leads to pride.
4. self extension - ages 4 to 6, concern with possessions emerges, early on, the person is selfish. Later on, the person becomes less selfish.
5. self image - also ages 4 to 6, we (1) learn what is expected of us and (2) develop goals or aspirations for the future.
6. self as rational coper - between ages 6 and 12 we begin to think more "logically."
Functional autonomy - (changing motivations) - A behavior once controlled by a basic motive (money) changes to one controlled by a higher motive (enjoyment).
six characteristics of maturity 1. extension of sense of self - we go beyond ourselves and show concern for others.
6. unifying philosophy of life - a clear understanding of life's purpose, and directedness, a set of standards that guide behavior.
idiographic vs. nomothetic approach Idiographic approach - looks at one person in great detail (many traits).
Nomothetic approach - looks at only one or a few traits in large numbers of people. Allport is a supporter of the idiographic approach.
Content analysis - Allport's method for objective, quantitative, and systematic analysis of communications (e.g., letters) that leads to a "trait description."
factor analysis - is the final step in content analysis, it indicates the relevant "traits."
THEORY'S IMPLICATIONS FOR THERAPY people with problems - have been stifled in their growth, they have taken society's demands too seriously.
.Allport takes what is basically a "humanistic" approach to therapy. A warm, accepting environment in which the person can grow.