All Flashcards
Define Personal Construct Theory.
We develop unique systems of constructs to understand the world; personal filters for interpreting experiences.
What is Reciprocal Determinism?
The dynamic interplay between thoughts, environment, and behavior.
Define Internal Locus of Control.
The belief that you control your own fate.
What is External Locus of Control?
The belief that fate or external forces control your life.
Define Learned Helplessness.
Resigning to a state of helplessness and hopelessness after repeatedly facing aversive events with no control.
What is Optimism?
Looking at the positive side of things, linked to a sense of personal control.
Define Pessimism.
Focusing on the negative aspects, often linked to a lack of perceived control.
What is Self-Esteem?
How much you value yourself; high self-esteem equals confidence, low self-esteem equals insecurity.
Define Self-Efficacy.
Your belief in your ability to complete a task; high self-efficacy leads to greater persistence and success.
What is Self-Serving Bias?
The tendency to perceive oneself favorably, attributing successes to internal factors and failures to external factors.
Define Positive Psychology.
Focuses on positive well-being, health, and education, aiming to help individuals thrive.
Explain the core idea of Social-Cognitive Theories.
Personality is shaped by interactions with the environment, learning, cognition, and social behavior.
What is the Fundamental Postulate of Personal Construct Theory?
Our behavior is influenced by our thinking; knowing past behavior helps predict future actions.
What are the three factors involved in Reciprocal Determinism?
Thoughts (cognition), environment, and behavior.
How does an internal locus of control affect mental health?
It is generally associated with better mental health.
What is the relationship between Learned Helplessness and Locus of Control?
Learned helplessness often accompanies an external locus of control.
Explain the focus of Positive Psychology.
Focuses on positive well-being, health, and education to help individuals thrive.
How do behavioral theories explain personality development?
Personalities are influenced by the environment through conditioning; behaviors are repeated if rewarded and avoided if punished.
How does self-efficacy impact behavior?
High self-efficacy leads to greater persistence and success in completing tasks.
What is the key idea behind Skinner's view on personality?
Personality is determined by the environment; change the environment, change the personality.
What is the role of conditioning in behavioral theories of personality?
Personalities are influenced by the environment through conditioning. We repeat behaviors that are rewarded and avoid those that are punished.
What are the effects of high self-esteem?
Confidence, willingness to take on challenges.
What can result from Learned Helplessness?
Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and potentially depression.
What is the effect of an internal locus of control on academic performance?
Increased motivation and effort, leading to better academic outcomes.
What is the effect of optimism on stress levels?
Reduced stress levels and improved coping mechanisms.
What is the effect of low self-efficacy on goal setting?
Individuals may set lower goals or avoid challenging tasks.
How does a pessimistic outlook affect health?
It can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of health problems.
What is the impact of a supportive environment on behavior, according to reciprocal determinism?
A supportive environment can foster positive behaviors and thoughts.
What is the effect of repeated punishment on behavior?
It can lead to avoidance of the punished behavior, but also fear and anxiety.
How does high self-efficacy affect resilience?
It increases resilience by fostering a belief in one's ability to overcome challenges.
What is the impact of self-serving bias on relationships?
It can lead to conflict and misunderstandings due to biased attributions.