Glossary
Denial
A defense mechanism where a person refuses to accept or acknowledge a painful reality or feeling.
Example:
Despite failing multiple classes, a student might be in denial, insisting they are doing fine and don't need to study.
Displacement
A defense mechanism where aggressive or sexual impulses are redirected from a threatening target to a less threatening one.
Example:
After a frustrating day at school, a teenager might come home and yell at their younger sibling, demonstrating displacement of their anger.
Ego
In Freudian theory, the rational part of personality that operates on the reality principle, mediating between the demands of the id, superego, and external reality.
Example:
Even though you really want to buy that expensive new video game, your ego helps you decide to save your money for necessities first.
Ego Defense Mechanisms
Unconscious strategies employed by the ego to reduce anxiety by distorting reality, protecting the individual from unacceptable thoughts or feelings.
Example:
When faced with a stressful situation, people often unconsciously use ego defense mechanisms like rationalization to cope.
Humanistic psychology
A psychological perspective that emphasizes inherent human goodness, free will, and the potential for self-actualization and personal growth.
Example:
Humanistic psychology focuses on helping individuals achieve their full potential rather than dwelling on past traumas.
Id
In Freudian theory, the primitive, instinctual component of personality that operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of desires.
Example:
When you impulsively grab the last slice of pizza without thinking about others, your id is likely in control.
Pleasure principle
The driving force of the id, which seeks immediate satisfaction of all desires and needs to avoid pain.
Example:
A toddler crying relentlessly for a toy until they get it is a clear demonstration of the pleasure principle at work.
Projection
A defense mechanism where one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses are attributed to another person.
Example:
Someone who is secretly jealous of a friend's success might accuse the friend of being jealous of them, illustrating projection.
Projective tests
Personality assessment tools used in psychodynamic theory that present ambiguous stimuli to individuals, whose responses are believed to reveal unconscious thoughts and feelings.
Example:
A psychologist might use projective tests like the Rorschach to gain insight into a client's hidden motivations.
Psychodynamic theory
A psychological perspective, pioneered by Sigmund Freud, that emphasizes the influence of unconscious psychological processes and early childhood experiences on personality development.
Example:
According to psychodynamic theory, a person's adult fear of commitment might stem from unresolved conflicts during their early childhood relationships.
Rationalization
A defense mechanism where one invents plausible but false excuses to justify unacceptable behavior or thoughts.
Example:
After eating an entire box of cookies, someone might use rationalization by saying, 'I needed the energy for my studying.'
Reaction Formation
A defense mechanism where a person expresses the opposite of their true feelings or impulses.
Example:
A student who secretly dislikes a classmate might go out of their way to be overly friendly and complimentary, an example of reaction formation.
Reality principle
The driving force of the ego, which seeks to satisfy the id's desires in realistic and socially appropriate ways, often by delaying gratification.
Example:
Instead of yelling at your boss, your reality principle guides you to calmly discuss your concerns during a scheduled meeting.
Regression
A defense mechanism where an individual reverts to an earlier, more infantile stage of development in response to stress.
Example:
An adult throwing a temper tantrum when they don't get their way, similar to a young child, is an instance of regression.
Repression
A defense mechanism where distressing thoughts, memories, or feelings are unconsciously pushed out of conscious awareness.
Example:
Someone who experienced a traumatic event in childhood might have no conscious memory of it years later due to repression.
Rorschach Inkblot Test
A projective test consisting of a series of ambiguous inkblots, where individuals interpret what they see, and their responses are analyzed for personality insights.
Example:
When asked to describe what they saw in a symmetrical inkblot, a person's unique interpretation on the Rorschach Inkblot Test can reveal aspects of their unconscious mind.
Self-actualization
A concept by Abraham Maslow, representing the highest level of psychological development where an individual realizes their full potential and achieves personal fulfillment.
Example:
A painter who dedicates their life to perfecting their art and finds deep satisfaction in their creative expression is striving for self-actualization.
Sublimation
A defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses or desires are rechanneled into socially acceptable and often productive activities.
Example:
An individual with strong aggressive tendencies might channel that energy into becoming a successful competitive athlete, demonstrating sublimation.
Superego
In Freudian theory, the moral component of personality that represents internalized ideals and provides standards for judgment and future aspirations.
Example:
Feeling guilty after telling a small lie, even if no one found out, is your superego reminding you of your moral standards.
Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
A projective test where individuals are shown ambiguous pictures and asked to create stories about them, revealing underlying motives, concerns, and personality traits.
Example:
By telling a story about a picture of a woman standing in a doorway, a person taking the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) might reveal their own feelings about loneliness or ambition.
Unconditional positive regard
A concept by Carl Rogers, referring to the total acceptance and support of a person regardless of what they say or do, fostering a positive self-concept.
Example:
A parent offering unconditional positive regard to their child, even after a mistake, helps the child feel loved and secure enough to grow.
Unconscious
The part of the mind containing thoughts, memories, and desires that are hidden from conscious awareness but still influence behavior and personality.
Example:
Sometimes, a sudden strong emotional reaction to a new situation might be driven by an unconscious memory or feeling from the past.