AP Psychology Flashcards: Psychodynamic and Humanistic Theories of Personality
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
How do psychodynamic psychologists typically assess personality?
Psychodynamic psychologists assess personality using projective tests, which present ambiguous stimuli to probe the individual's unconscious mind.
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How do psychodynamic psychologists typically assess personality?
Psychodynamic psychologists assess personality using projective tests, which present ambiguous stimuli to probe the individual's unconscious mind.
A therapist provides a client with total acceptance and support, regardless of what the client says or does. What humanistic concept is the therapist demonstrating?
The therapist is demonstrating unconditional regard, which is a core concept in humanistic psychology for fostering personal growth and self-actualization.
A person who is angry with their boss comes home and yells at their family. Which ego defense mechanism might this illustrate?
This could be an example of displacement, an ego defense mechanism where a person redirects their unacceptable feelings from the original source to a safer, substitute target.
Explain the fundamental difference in how psychodynamic and humanistic theories view human nature.
Psychodynamic theory often views human nature as driven by dark, unconscious, and instinctual forces, whereas humanistic theory views human nature as inherently good and motivated by growth.
What is the function of ego defense mechanisms in psychodynamic theory?
Ego defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies used to protect the ego from anxiety arising from unacceptable thoughts or feelings.
According to humanistic theory, what are the primary motivators of personality?
Humanistic theory posits that personality is motivated by the need for unconditional regard and the innate self-actualizing tendency to achieve one's full potential.
Define 'repression' as an ego defense mechanism.
Repression is an unconscious defense mechanism where the ego pushes disturbing or threatening thoughts out of conscious awareness to prevent anxiety.
According to psychodynamic theory, what is the primary driver of personality?
According to psychodynamic theory, unconscious processes, conflicts, and desires are the primary drivers of an individual's personality.
What is the 'self-actualizing tendency' in humanistic psychology?
The self-actualizing tendency is the innate drive for individuals to grow, develop their potential, and become the best version of themselves.
Define 'projective tests'.
Projective tests are personality assessments used to reveal a person's unconscious thoughts and feelings by having them respond to ambiguous stimuli.
Contrast the main focus of psychodynamic and humanistic theories of personality.
Psychodynamic theory focuses on how unconscious conflicts from the past shape personality, while humanistic theory focuses on conscious, present experiences and the drive for future growth.