overview- lecture 8 personality defining personality psychodynamic perspective trait perspective...

Overview- Lecture 8Personality

• Defining Personality

• Psychodynamic Perspective

• Trait Perspective– Midlife Crisis

• Cognitive Perspective

• Myth Busting: Facts on Aging Revisited

What is Personality?

• Personality:– unobservable quality

present within the individual

– thought to be responsible for that individual’s observable behavior

• Does personality change or remain stable across adulthood?

Psychodynamic Perspective

• Freud

• Jung

The Psychodynamic PerspectiveThe Psychodynamic Perspective

Review: Freud’s TheoryReview: Freud’s Theory

•““Discovery” of the unconsciousDiscovery” of the unconscious•First comprehensive approach to First comprehensive approach to personalitypersonality•Paid little attention to adult Paid little attention to adult development- thought change not development- thought change not possible after 50possible after 50

Review: Structure of personality:Review: Structure of personality:

The Psychodynamic PerspectiveThe Psychodynamic Perspective

SSuuppeerreeggoo

SSuuppeerreeggoo

IdIdIdId

Unconscious

Conscious Ego

Rational, executive functions

Irrational urges

Conscience Conscience and ego and ego idealideal

DEFENSE DEFENSE MECHANISMSMECHANISMSprotect conscious mind from knowing unconscious urges

The Psychodynamic Perspective:The Psychodynamic Perspective:Ego PsychologyEgo Psychology

Jungian TheoryJungian Theory•Maturity is possible only in midlife and beyondMaturity is possible only in midlife and beyond•Four functions to the psyche- maturity involves achieving Four functions to the psyche- maturity involves achieving balance through individuation balance through individuation

Sensing

Intuiting

Feeling Thinking

IndividuationIndividual withstrong “sensing” function


Jungian TheoryJungian Theory•Maturity is possible only in midlife and beyondMaturity is possible only in midlife and beyond•Four functions to the psyche- maturity involves achieving Four functions to the psyche- maturity involves achieving balance through individuation balance through individuation

Sensing

Intuiting

Feeling Thinking

Individuation

Becomes morebalanced

Jung- Age trends

• Predominance of one function to balance

• Greater acknowledgement of unconscious aspects of personality

» therefore development of personality in adulthood

Ego Psychology- Personality Development in Adulthood

• Erikson

• Loevinger

• Vaillant


Review: Erikson’s Ego Development Theory:Review: Erikson’s Ego Development Theory:

•Eight “crisis” stages in growth of the egoEight “crisis” stages in growth of the ego•Epigenetic principle sets the ground plan for unfolding of Epigenetic principle sets the ground plan for unfolding of stagesstages•However, issues are not limited to specific agesHowever, issues are not limited to specific ages


Loevinger’s Ego Development Theory:Loevinger’s Ego Development Theory:

•Development of “character”Development of “character”•Ego incorporates cognition and Ego incorporates cognition and moralitymorality•Stages in development from adolescence to adulthoodStages in development from adolescence to adulthood

Internalized conscience, personal goals, complex inner emotional life and ability to understand others.

Obeys rules to avoid disapproval. Concerned about appearances and reputation. Simple ideas about emotions and inner life.

AutonomousAutonomous

ConscientiousConscientious

Individualistic Individualistic (level)(level)

Greater sense of individuality and ability to be emotionally dependent on others. Tolerance for ambiguity.

IntegratedIntegrated

Ability to think about and cope with inner conflict. Complex view of reality. Broad, abstract social ideals.

Strong sense of identity and self-realization.

ConformistConformist

Conscientious-Conscientious-conformist (level)conformist (level)

The Psychodynamic Perspective:The Psychodynamic Perspective:Ego Psychology (see text page 214)Ego Psychology (see text page 214)

Stages of Ego DevelopmentStages of Ego Development

MAJORITY

OF ADULTSIncreased self-awareness and inner life. Considers exceptions to rules.


Vaillant’s Ego Development TheoryVaillant’s Ego Development Theory•Focuses on defense mechanisms and how they change in Focuses on defense mechanisms and how they change in adulthoodadulthood•Ego integrates inner and outer realityEgo integrates inner and outer reality•Ego passes through stages slightly different from those Ego passes through stages slightly different from those proposed by Eriksonproposed by Erikson

The Psychodynamic Perspective:The Psychodynamic Perspective:Ego Psychology (see text pg 216)Ego Psychology (see text pg 216)

Delusional projectionDenialDistortion

MatureMature

NeuroticNeurotic DisplacementRepressionReaction formation

AltruismSublimationHumor

PsychoticPsychotic

ImmatureImmature ProjectionHypochondriasisActing out

Involve distortion of reality

Maladaptive reactions to conflict

Attempts to change ideas and feelings

Adaptive reactions to conflict

Categories of defense mechanisms in Vaillant’s theoryCategories of defense mechanisms in Vaillant’s theory


Additional Stages in Vaillant’s Theory:Additional Stages in Vaillant’s Theory:

6A6A6A6A Career consolidationCareer consolidationCareer consolidationCareer consolidation Self-absorptionSelf-absorptionSelf-absorptionSelf-absorptionVS.VS.

7A7A7A7A Keeper of the meaningKeeper of the meaningKeeper of the meaningKeeper of the meaning RigidityRigidityRigidityRigidityVS.VS.

Studies Based on Ego Psychology: Studies Based on Ego Psychology: The Rochester StudyThe Rochester Study

Design of studyDesign of study

•College to age 42 (54 in 2000)College to age 42 (54 in 2000)•Based on Erikson’s theory- Inventory Based on Erikson’s theory- Inventory of Psychosocial Development (IPD)of Psychosocial Development (IPD)•Used sequential design (e.g. below)Used sequential design (e.g. below)

1966 1977 1988

Cohort 1

Cohort 2

Cohort 3

LongitudinalLongitudinalsequencessequences

Identity vs. Identity DiffusionIdentity vs. Identity Diffusion

and 2


Increase from 20-31 for Cohorts 1 & 2


Intimacy vs. IsolationIntimacy vs. Isolation

and 2




Summary of selected findings

• Identity vs. Identity Diffusion

• Intimacy vs. Isolation– scores increase

– fits theory

Design of studiesDesign of studies•Women at exclusive women’s colleges first studied in Women at exclusive women’s colleges first studied in 1950s to 1960s1950s to 1960s•Retested at age 43 and 52Retested at age 43 and 52•Personality scales, many of which were rescored using Personality scales, many of which were rescored using newer theoriesnewer theories

Studies Based on Ego Psychology: Studies Based on Ego Psychology: The Mills and Radcliffe StudiesThe Mills and Radcliffe Studies

Overall changes in ego development:Overall changes in ego development:

Studies Based on Ego Psychology: Studies Based on Ego Psychology: The Mills and Radcliffe StudiesThe Mills and Radcliffe Studies

Increases in:Increases in:Increases in:Increases in:•AssuranceAssurance•IndependenceIndependence•Self-ControlSelf-Control

Decreases in:Decreases in:Decreases in:Decreases in: •FemininityFemininity

•Increased personality integrationIncreased personality integration

Changes occurred against backdrop of stabilityChanges occurred against backdrop of stability

Studies Based on Ego Psychology: Studies Based on Ego Psychology: Defense Mechanisms and CopingDefense Mechanisms and Coping

Results: Age differencesResults: Age differences

Older adultsOlder adults

Younger adultsYounger adults

•More mature defense mechanismsMore mature defense mechanisms•Controlling negative emotionsControlling negative emotions•Put situation in perspectivePut situation in perspective

•Acting out, projection, or regressionActing out, projection, or regression

Defense mechanismsDefense mechanismsDefense mechanismsDefense mechanisms

Studies Based on Ego Psychology: Studies Based on Ego Psychology: Defense Mechanisms and CopingDefense Mechanisms and Coping

Results: Age differencesResults: Age differences

Older adultsOlder adults

Younger adultsYounger adults

•Problem-focused coping and Problem-focused coping and suppressing or channeling negative suppressing or channeling negative emotionsemotions

•More likely to cope through More likely to cope through self-destructive or emotional self-destructive or emotional waysways

Coping strategiesCoping strategiesCoping strategiesCoping strategies

However, verbal ability and ego level also influenced as did genderHowever, verbal ability and ego level also influenced as did gender

The Trait PerspectiveThe Trait Perspective

•Stable enduring attribute Stable enduring attribute •One element of individual’s personalityOne element of individual’s personality•Organization of traits guides behaviorOrganization of traits guides behavior

Trait:Trait:Trait:Trait:

May have a genetic basisMay have a genetic basis

•Constitutional basis for personalityConstitutional basis for personality•Endures throughout lifeEndures throughout life

The Trait Perspective:The Trait Perspective:The Five Factor ModelThe Five Factor Model

EExtraversionxtraversion

CConscientiousnessonscientiousness

AAgreeablenessgreeableness

NNeuroticismeuroticism

OOpenness to experiencepenness to experience

Costa & McCrae’s TheoryCosta & McCrae’s Theory

Five major dimensions to personality in adulthood:Five major dimensions to personality in adulthood:Five major dimensions to personality in adulthood:Five major dimensions to personality in adulthood:

Preference for social interaction and lively activity

Tendency to experience psychological distress, overreactiveness, and instability

AgreeablenessAgreeableness

ExtraversionExtraversion

Openness to Openness to experienceexperience

Receptiveness to new ideas, approaches, and experiences

ConscientiousnessConscientiousness

Selfless concern for others, trust, and generosity

Organization, ambitiousness, and self-discipline

NeuroticismNeuroticism

Five Factor Model Traits:Five Factor Model Traits:

The Trait Perspective:The Trait Perspective:The Five Factor Model The Five Factor Model (text pg. 229)(text pg. 229)

Measured by Measured by the NEO-PI-Rthe NEO-PI-RMeasured by Measured by the NEO-PI-Rthe NEO-PI-R

Research on the Five Factor Model:Research on the Five Factor Model:


Conscientiousness

.68-.74 .69 .83

.75-.80 .84 .82

.71 .83

.71

.77 .63

.79

Neuroticism

Extraversion

Openness

Agreeableness

12 yr.12 yr. 10 yr.10 yr. 6 yr.6 yr. 3 yr.3 yr.Stability of traitStability of trait

Mean scores over adulthoodMean scores over adulthood


•No observable changesNo observable changes•Data support stability Data support stability scoresscores

Conclusions:Conclusions:


•High stability coefficients in Costa & McCrae studies High stability coefficients in Costa & McCrae studies as well as othersas well as others•Cross-cultural data support U.S. studiesCross-cultural data support U.S. studies•Original studies suggested Original studies suggested NO CHANGENO CHANGE after 30 but after 30 but more recent data show continued maturationmore recent data show continued maturation

Midlife Crisis Theories and Findings:Midlife Crisis Theories and Findings:Theory of the Midlife CrisisTheory of the Midlife Crisis

Early Adult Transition: Age 17-22Early Adult Transition: Age 17-22

Era of early adulthood 17-45

Mid-Life Transition: Age 40-45Mid-Life Transition: Age 40-45

Culminating life structure for early adulthood 33-40Age 30 transition 26-23Entry life structure for early adulthood 22-28

Culminating life structure for early adulthood 33-40Age 30 transition 26-23Entry life structure for early adulthood 22-28

Era of late adulthood 60-?

Late Adult Transition: Age 60-65Late Adult Transition: Age 60-65

Culminating life structure for middle adulthood: 55-60Age 50 transition: 50-55Entry life structure for middle adulthood 45-50

Era of late adulthood 60-?

Levinson’s stagesLevinson’s stagesChanges in the life Changes in the life structurestructure

Midlife Crisis Theories and Findings:Midlife Crisis Theories and Findings:Theory of the Midlife CrisisTheory of the Midlife Crisis

Themes of the Midlife CrisisThemes of the Midlife CrisisThemes of the Midlife CrisisThemes of the Midlife Crisis

Overcoming disillusionmentOvercoming disillusionment

Making life structure decisionsMaking life structure decisions

Resolving polarities of personalityResolving polarities of personality

Regarded as universal patterns, applying to men AND womenRegarded as universal patterns, applying to men AND womenRegarded as universal patterns, applying to men AND womenRegarded as universal patterns, applying to men AND women

Midlife Crisis Theories and Findings:Midlife Crisis Theories and Findings:Critiques and Research on the Midlife CrisisCritiques and Research on the Midlife Crisis

•Heavy reliance on ageHeavy reliance on age•Problems in Levinson sampleProblems in Levinson sample•Bias in ratings procedureBias in ratings procedure

Critique of Levinson studyCritique of Levinson study

Empirical challenges: Empirical challenges: McCrae & CostaMcCrae & Costa•NEO scores for “midlife crisis” NEO scores for “midlife crisis” agesages

•Midlife crisis higher for men Midlife crisis higher for men with high Neuroticism scoreswith high Neuroticism scores

Midlife Crisis Theories and Findings:Midlife Crisis Theories and Findings:Critiques and Research on the Mid-Life CrisisCritiques and Research on the Mid-Life Crisis

Other critical studies:Other critical studies:•Whitbourne identity interview study- no Whitbourne identity interview study- no significant changes in mid-40ssignificant changes in mid-40s•Mills study of supposed crisis “triggers” showed Mills study of supposed crisis “triggers” showed no midlife crisisno midlife crisis

Personality= thoughts about self and othersPersonality= thoughts about self and othersPersonality= thoughts about self and othersPersonality= thoughts about self and others

The Cognitive Perspective:The Cognitive Perspective:Kelly’s Personal Construct TheoryKelly’s Personal Construct Theory

•Personal constructPersonal construct- - organizing organizing framework to predict and control framework to predict and control experiencesexperiences•Constructive alternativismConstructive alternativism- - people can people can change thoughts and therefore personalitychange thoughts and therefore personality

The Cognitive Perspective:The Cognitive Perspective:Cognitive self theoriesCognitive self theories

•Baumeister:Baumeister: See self in positive light See self in positive light

View life experiences in terms of selfView life experiences in terms of selfView life experiences in terms of selfView life experiences in terms of self

•Whitbourne:Whitbourne: Life span construct Life span construct

•Markus: Markus: Possible selvesPossible selves

•Emmons: Emmons: Philosophy of lifePhilosophy of life

•Cantor: Cantor: Life tasks modelLife tasks model

SecondarySecondarycontrolcontrol

PrimaryPrimary controlcontrol

•control environment

•change goals

The Cognitive Perspective:The Cognitive Perspective:Control theoriesControl theories

Primary and Secondary Control Primary and Secondary Control (Heckhausen & Schulz) (Heckhausen & Schulz)

Based on principle of selective optimization Based on principle of selective optimization with compensationwith compensationBased on principle of selective optimization Based on principle of selective optimization with compensationwith compensation


Primary and Secondary Control: Primary and Secondary Control: Selective and Compensatory Selective and Compensatory

•SelectiveSelectivechoose narrower goalschoose narrower goals

•CompensatoryCompensatorychange environmentchange environment

•SelectiveSelectivechoose new approachchoose new approach

•CompensatoryCompensatoryminimize failureminimize failure

Primary controlPrimary controlPrimary controlPrimary control

Secondary controlSecondary controlSecondary controlSecondary control


Cognitive Control-Cognitive Control- BranstädterBranstädter

Accommodative Accommodative copingcoping

Assimilative Assimilative copingcoping

•maintain goals (tenacioustenacious goal pursuit)

•change goals (flexible goal adjustment)

Myth Busting

Myth:

There is a dramatic change in personality with age.

Reality:

No easy answer. Stability for the most part. Change is not dramatic and when there is change, the change tends to be “positive”.

Myth Busting

Myth:

People experience a mid-life crisis.

Reality:

Apparently not. There is no strong data to support the existence of a mid-life crisis.

Myth Busting: Facts on Aging Revisited

#5. The majority of old people feel miserable most of the time.

False


#11. The majority of old people are unable to adapt to change.

False


#23. Old people tend to become more religious as they age.

False


#24. The majority of old people say they are seldom irritated or angry.

True

overview- lecture 8 personality defining personality psychodynamic perspective trait perspective...

Documents

development of personality

adulthood slide

personality change

balanced slide

ego psychology review

character ego

adult development

structure of personality