CHAPTER 14
Personality
ANSWERS TO CONCEPTS AND EXERCISES
Explaining Behavior
1.
Social-cognitive. A social-cognitive theorist would explain Jan’s behavior by finding out what
behaviors were rewarded in the past. (see “The Social-Cognitive Approach”)
2.
Freud. Freud believed that an unresolved crisis during the psychosexual development would lead
to fixation. Adults who are fixated at the anal stage are extremely neat and tidy. (see “The
Structure and Development of Personality”)
3.
Allport. Allport was a trait theorist. He believed that people have about seven central traits. (see
“Allport’s Trait Theory”)
4.
Rogers. Rogers was a humanistic theorist. He said that many people display behaviors because
they believe these are the only ways in which to gain approval and thus positive self-evaluation.
(see “Prominent Humanistic Theories”)
Treatment Goals
1.
Psychodynamic. Freud said that unconscious conflicts are the primary root of all mental disorders.
In order to eliminate the anxiety these conflicts produce, patients should be made aware of them
and work to resolve them. (see “The Psychodynamic Approach”)
2.
Humanistic. Rogers said that unhappy people are out of touch with their true feelings. They are
probably behaving according to others’ values instead of according to their own feelings and
values. (see “The Humanistic Approach”)
3.
Social-cognitive. A social-cognitive approach suggests that Bobbie learn and practice more
positive ways of thinking and behaving. (see “The Social-Cognitive Approach”)
4.
Trait. A trait theorist might suggest that Bobbie take objective tests, such as the MMPI, to
describe her personality and identify any type of possible personality disorders. (see “The Trait
Approach”)