Theories of
Theories of Personality
Personality
Introduction & Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory
Psychology Study Guide / Exam Reviewer
Personality - from the Latin word persona, meaning a mask — refers to the permanent and
unique patterns of traits and characteristics that define an individual.
Traits
Permanent and stable patterns of behavior
Example: OCEAN (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism)
Distinguished from states, which are temporary (e.g., being anxious before an exam)
Characteristics
Temperament
Physique
Intelligence
📌 TYPES OF REASONING IN THEORY DEVELOPMENT
Inductive Reasoning
Theory development starts from simple observations and moves toward general conclusions
Deductive Reasoning
Used to test existing theories
Moves from general principles to specific cases
Functions of a Theory
Organizes data
Guides action (e.g., how therapists treat clients)
Internal consistency (clear and consistent definitions)
Parsimony (simple, organized, and falsifiable explanations)
, 📌 DIMENSIONS FOR A CONCEPT OF HUMANITY
Determinism vs. Free Choice
Behavior determined by past experiences vs. the ability to change for the better
Pessimism vs. Optimism
Humans are doomed vs. capable of growth
Causality vs. Teleology
Past experiences shape personality vs. future goals and hopes motivate behavior
Conscious vs. Unconscious
Awareness of actions vs. influences outside awareness
Biological vs. Social Influences
Brain and genetics vs. culture, environment, and peers
Uniqueness vs. Similarities
Individual differences vs. shared human experiences
🧠 SIGMUND FREUD
Psychoanalytic (Psychodynamic) Theory
Paradigm: Psychodynamic
Focus: Unconscious processes and childhood experiences
📌 LEVELS OF MENTAL LIFE
1. Conscious
Thoughts and actions we are aware of
2. Preconscious
Not currently aware but can be recalled (e.g., memories)
3. Unconscious
Drives, urges, and instincts beyond awareness
Major influence on behavior
Defense Processes
Suppression – conscious effort to avoid thoughts
Repression – unconscious blocking of distressing experiences (pagtatago ng traumatic experiences)
📌 PROVINCES OF THE MIND
1. ID (Pleasure Principle)
Entirely unconscious
Primitive, instinctual, and impulsive
Seeks immediate satisfaction
Eros (life instinct) and Thanatos (death instinct)
Theories of Personality
Personality
Introduction & Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory
Psychology Study Guide / Exam Reviewer
Personality - from the Latin word persona, meaning a mask — refers to the permanent and
unique patterns of traits and characteristics that define an individual.
Traits
Permanent and stable patterns of behavior
Example: OCEAN (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism)
Distinguished from states, which are temporary (e.g., being anxious before an exam)
Characteristics
Temperament
Physique
Intelligence
📌 TYPES OF REASONING IN THEORY DEVELOPMENT
Inductive Reasoning
Theory development starts from simple observations and moves toward general conclusions
Deductive Reasoning
Used to test existing theories
Moves from general principles to specific cases
Functions of a Theory
Organizes data
Guides action (e.g., how therapists treat clients)
Internal consistency (clear and consistent definitions)
Parsimony (simple, organized, and falsifiable explanations)
, 📌 DIMENSIONS FOR A CONCEPT OF HUMANITY
Determinism vs. Free Choice
Behavior determined by past experiences vs. the ability to change for the better
Pessimism vs. Optimism
Humans are doomed vs. capable of growth
Causality vs. Teleology
Past experiences shape personality vs. future goals and hopes motivate behavior
Conscious vs. Unconscious
Awareness of actions vs. influences outside awareness
Biological vs. Social Influences
Brain and genetics vs. culture, environment, and peers
Uniqueness vs. Similarities
Individual differences vs. shared human experiences
🧠 SIGMUND FREUD
Psychoanalytic (Psychodynamic) Theory
Paradigm: Psychodynamic
Focus: Unconscious processes and childhood experiences
📌 LEVELS OF MENTAL LIFE
1. Conscious
Thoughts and actions we are aware of
2. Preconscious
Not currently aware but can be recalled (e.g., memories)
3. Unconscious
Drives, urges, and instincts beyond awareness
Major influence on behavior
Defense Processes
Suppression – conscious effort to avoid thoughts
Repression – unconscious blocking of distressing experiences (pagtatago ng traumatic experiences)
📌 PROVINCES OF THE MIND
1. ID (Pleasure Principle)
Entirely unconscious
Primitive, instinctual, and impulsive
Seeks immediate satisfaction
Eros (life instinct) and Thanatos (death instinct)
