Genes, Brains & Beyond
The neurotransmitter plays a significant role in the brain's reward system, affecting motivation and the feeling of pleasure.
What is dopamine?
Rather than focusing on treating mental illness, this branch of psychology emphasizes identifying and cultivating human strengths, happiness, and well-being.
What is "positive psychology"?
Focuses on the impact of unconscious thoughts and early life experiences on behavior.
What is psychoanalytic theory?
An individual fails to recognize the root of their anxiety is likely relying on this unconscious blocker.
What is Repression
An individual often feels anxious when left alone and craves constant reassurance from others. They find it difficult to trust that people will meet their emotional needs.
What is Dependency
Explores how natural selection and inherited traits shape behaviors that enhance survival and reproduction
What is evolutionary psychology?
Individuals create these mental filters through which they interpret the world, influencing how they approach relationships and life events.
What are "personal constructs"?
What ideas was Freud correct about?
What is "People have conflicting motives, and working through the conflict can be a source of confusion and anxiety"?
Holds the belief that our unconscious includes inherited universal themes and symbols like the "hero" or "shadow."
Who is Carl Jung
A person loves mentoring new employees, and volunteering feels fulfilling, knowing they're making a difference in others' lives and shaping the future.
What is Generativity vs. Stagnation
Two individuals with identical genes for a trait may not necessarily display the same behaviors for that trait.
What are gene-environment interactions?
After weeks of frustration, Sarah finally opens up to her friend about the struggles she’s been facing at work. As she talks, she feels a weight lift off her shoulders, experiencing a sense of relief. What term best describes Sarah’s emotional release?
What is "catharsis"?
This concept, which Freud described as a finite resource, contrasts with modern psychological theories emphasizing the mind’s limitations in processing complex information.
What is the distinction between Freud’s notion of mental energy and modern psychoanalytic thinking on mental energy?
Focused on the role of sibling rivalry and striving for superiority
Who is Alfred Adler
An individual constantly questions their sense of style, beliefs, and future goals, unsure of who they truly are. They try on different roles but feel stuck in between identities.
What is Identity vs. Role Confusion
Traits that were once beneficial for survival but may no longer be advantageous, or even harmful, in modern environments.
What is evolutionary mismatch?
While hiking through the Grand Canyon, Mark stands at the edge and gazes at the vast, breathtaking landscape. Overwhelmed by the beauty and scale of nature, he feels a deep sense of humility and wonder. What term best describes Mark's emotional reaction?
What is "awe"?
What did neo-Freudians focus on that differed from traditional psychoanalysis?
What is "how childhood conflicts play out in current interpersonal relationships"?
A person showing extreme kindness to someone they secretly resent may be engaging in
What is Reaction Formation
An individual becomes fixated on doing things their way, refusing help, insisting on pilcking out their clothes, and throwing a tantrum when told what to do.
What is Obedience and Self-Control
Damge to this part of the brain can lead to impulsive actions and socially inappropriate behaviors
What is the frontal lobe?
Samantha works tirelessly at a corporate job she dislikes, convincing herself that it’s the only path to success. She ignores her passion for art, telling herself she doesn't have the time or opportunity to pursue it. What term best describes Samantha’s behavior?
What is "living in bad faith"?
What are the id, ego, and superego, and how do they interact to influence behavior?
This trio of components represents the unconscious desires, rational decision-making, and internalized societal norms, working together to balance instincts, reality, and morality.
Explored how people structure meaning through ego development over time.
Who is Jane Loveinger
An individual finds great satisfaction in forming deep romantic relationships and being vulnerable with their partner but also fears losing their sense of self in the process.
What is Intimacy vs. Isolation