4.4 Psychodynamic and Humanistic Theories of Personality

Explain how the psychodynamic theory of personality defines and assesses personality.

• According to the psychodynamic theory of personality, unconscious processes drive personality.
  • Exclusion: The stage theory of psychosexual development is out of scope for the AP Psychology Exam.
• Ego defense mechanisms (denial, displacement, projection, rationalization, reaction formation, regression, repression, and sublimation) serve to protect the ego unconsciously from threats.
• Psychodynamic personality psychologists assess personality using projective tests that are designed to probe the preconscious and unconscious mind.

Explain how the humanistic theory of personality defines and assesses personality.

• According to humanistic psychology, personality focuses on unconditional regard and the self-actualizing tendency as primary motivating factors.
  • Exclusion: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is outside the scope of the AP Psychology Exam.