Practise AP Psychology 4.4 personality-theory questions by applying defense mechanisms, unconditional positive regard and self-actualization to scenarios.
Psychodynamic theory proposes that a part of the mind known as the ego tries to protect our conscious minds from threatening thoughts using defense mechanisms. Which of the following scenarios illustrates the defense mechanism of reaction formation?
Lola loathes her sister Audrey but tells everyone she knows how much she adores Audrey.
Simeon is terrified of his grandfather but tries to emulate him.
When Evan gets angry at his parents, he breaks things in his room.
When she was six, Bella's parents went through an ugly divorce, but Bella doesn't remember it.
A
As a senior in high school, Ludy worked as an assistant to the children's librarian in his town library. He enjoyed
shelving the books in the library because he was able to work alone and focus on his task. Although the library
was normally a quiet place, sometimes the children's section became quite noisy when groups of children
visited. After working in an unfulfilling desk job for 30 years, Ludy recalls how much he enjoyed working at the
library and decides to go back and work as a volunteer creating new programs for disadvantaged children.
Describe how each of the following concepts relates to Ludy's return to working at the library.
- Crystallized intelligence
- Altruism
- Big Five trait of extraversion
- Broca's area
- Self-efficacy
- Episodic memory
Self-actualization
Point 7: Self-actualization
Responses must describe how fulfilling one's highest potential, being fully accepting of one's self, or becoming
one's ideal self is related to Ludy's return to working at the library.
- Score: "Ludy returns to the library to maximize his personal growth."
- Score: "Ludy is fully accepting of his strengths and weaknesses as he takes on this new job."
- Score: "Ludy's programs may help the children reach their fullest potential."
Note: References to self-fulfillment, self-awareness, or sense of purpose alone will not score.