THEMATIC

APPERCEPTION
TEST
Presented by MEMOONA AFRIDI
TRAITS
Introduction
• Traits are the special qualities or
characteristics that make a person,
animal, or thing different from
others. For example, being kind,
tall, or funny are all traits a person
might have.
ANTISOCIAL TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• Antisocial trait is a • A person who constantly
personality characteristic lies to get what they want,
marked by a disregard for steals from others without
social rules, norms, and guilt, and shows no
the rights of others. concern for how their
Individuals with antisocial actions affect people is
traits often show displaying antisocial traits.
manipulative, deceitful, or • > Example: Sarah
aggressive behavior, and frequently cheats on tests,
lack empathy or remorse blames others for her
for their actions. mistakes, and feels no
remorse when her actions
hurt her classmates.
DEPENDENT TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• Dependent trait is a • A person who can't make
decisions without constantly
personality characteristic asking others for advice and
where a person relies reassurance, and who stays in an
excessively on others for unhappy relationship because
emotional support, they’re afraid of being alone,
decision-making, and shows dependent traits.
approval. They often fear • > Example: Mike always asks his
being alone and may go to friends what to do in every
situation, avoids arguing to keep
great lengths to keep people close, and becomes
relationships, even if anxious when he's not around
unhealthy. someone he trusts.
INTROVERT TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• An introvert is someone • Sarah enjoys reading
who tends to be more
focused on their internal
books and painting in
thoughts and feelings her free time. After
rather than seeking out attending a big party,
external stimulation. They she feels mentally
often prefer quiet exhausted and needs a
environments, enjoy day alone to recharge.
spending time alone or She prefers deep one-
with a small group of close
friends, and may feel on-one conversations
drained after too much over group discussions.
social interaction.
REGRESSIVE TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• A regressive trait refers to
behavior or tendencies • After losing a job, a
that revert to earlier stages 30-year-old man
of development, often as a starts throwing
way of coping with stress,
fear, or discomfort. It's a temper tantrums
kind of psychological and becomes overly
defense mechanism where dependent on his
a person acts in a less
mature or childlike way. parents for comfort,
similar to how he
acted as a teenager.
ARROGANT TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• An arrogant trait is • Imagine a student who
characterized by an scores well on a test and
exaggerated sense of self- then says, "I don't know
importance, superiority, why the rest of you even
and a lack of regard for try—none of you can
others' opinions or compete with me."
feelings. People with this • This comment shows
trait often believe they are arrogance because the
better or more capable student is bragging and
than others and may come putting others down,
off as rude or dismissive assuming superiority.
STRUGGLING TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• Struggling is not typically • A new employee who
considered a personality constantly misses
trait on its own, but it can deadlines, forgets key
describe a state or pattern details, and seems stressed
in someone's behavior might be described as
where they face ongoing struggling in their role.
challenges or difficulties, • For instance: "Ever since he
often despite their efforts. started the new job, he’s
Someone who is struggling been struggling to keep up
may appear overwhelmed, with the workload and
uncertain, or in need of understand the systems."
support
SUBMISSIVE TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• A submissive trait refers to • If a person always agrees with
their friends’ choices—like
a tendency to yield to the where to eat or what movie to
will or authority of others, watch—even when they’d prefer
often avoiding conflict and something else, just to avoid
putting others' needs or disagreement, that’s being
opinions before their own. submissive.
People with this trait may • For example: “She wanted to go
struggle to assert home early, but stayed out
because her friends insisted—
themselves and might go she didn’t want to upset them.”
along with others to
maintain peace or avoid
confrontation.
COMPLIANCE TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• Compliance is the • A student who always follows
the teacher's instructions, never
tendency to conform to challenges the rules, and turns
rules, requests, or in assignments on time because
demands, often in an they want to meet expectations
obedient or cooperative is showing compliance.
manner. A person with a • For instance: “Even though she
high compliance trait is felt overwhelmed, Maria
likely to follow instructions completed the extra work the
teacher asked for because she
or expectations from wanted to follow the rules and
others without resistance, keep her grades up.”
sometimes even if it
contradicts their own
preferences.
PESSIMISTIC TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• A pessimistic trait refers to • Imagine someone who,
a tendency to focus on the despite getting a good job
negative aspects of offer, says, “I’m sure
situations or expect something will go wrong.
unfavorable outcomes. They’ll probably rescind
Pessimistic individuals the offer or the job won’t
often anticipate problems, be as good as it seems.”
setbacks, or failures, even • This is an example of a
in situations where things pessimistic trait because
might be going well. the person is anticipating
failure or disappointment
even when there’s no clear
reason to.
SUSPICIOUS TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• A suspicious trait refers to • Imagine someone who
constantly questions their
a tendency to doubt the friend’s actions without any
intentions, honesty, or clear reason, like when they say,
motives of others. People "Why did you cancel our plans
with this trait often feel at the last minute? Are you
uncertain or wary about avoiding me?"
situations or relationships • This shows a suspicious trait
and might be quick to because the person is assuming
there’s a hidden motive, even if
assume that others are there’s no evidence of any
hiding something or acting wrongdoing.
with bad intentions.
ALTRUISTIC TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• An altruistic trait refers to • A person who donates a
significant portion of their
a selfless concern for the income to charity, spends time
well-being of others. volunteering at a shelter, or
People with this trait are helps a friend in need without
motivated by a desire to expecting any benefit for
help others, even at a themselves demonstrates
altruism.
personal cost or without
expecting anything in • For example: “She spent her
entire weekend helping to
return. Altruism is rebuild homes after the storm,
characterized by actions even though it meant missing
that prioritize others' her own plans.”
needs over one's own.
ANXIOUS TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• An anxious trait refers to a • Sarah is a college student who
consistently worries about her
personality characteristic grades, even though she
where a person tends to performs well. Before every
experience excessive exam, she experiences racing
worry, nervousness, or fear thoughts, trouble sleeping, and
regularly, even in fears that she'll fail—even with
thorough preparation. This
situations that may not be pattern of persistent worry and
threatening. This trait is physical symptoms, even when
stable over time and can things are likely to be okay,
affect how a person thinks, shows an anxious trait.
feels, and behaves in daily
life.
IMPULSIVE TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• An impulsive trait refers to • Imagine someone sees a
a personality characteristic new expensive phone in a
where a person tends to store. Without planning or
act quickly without checking their budget, they
thinking about the buy it on the spot, even if
consequences. People with they can't really afford it.
this trait often make This action shows
spontaneous decisions, impulsiveness—acting on a
driven by emotions or sudden desire without
urges rather than careful thinking it through.
thought or planning.
OPTIMISTIC TRAIT
• Defination • Example:
• An optimistic trait is a
personality characteristic • Imagine someone
where a person generally loses their job. A
expects positive outcomes person with an
and focuses on the brighter
side of situations. optimistic trait
Optimistic people believe might say,
that things will turn out
well, even during difficult • "This could be a
times. great chance to find
a job I really love or
start something
INTELLIGENT TRAIT
• Defination • Example: A student
• An intelligent trait notices that their
refers to a person’s study schedule isn’t
ability to learn, working and decides
understand, reason, to rearrange it to
and solve problems
effectively. It involves
focus more on
thinking critically, difficult subjects.
adapting to new This adaptive
situations, and thinking shows
applying knowledge in intelligence.
practical ways.
CURIOUS TRAIT
• Defination • Example: A child
• A curious trait is the sees a rainbow and
desire to learn, asks, “How does
explore, or understand that happen?” Then
new things. People they look it up in a
with this trait are often
eager to ask questions,
book or ask
investigate, and seek someone to explain.
out new experiences or That natural drive to
knowledge. learn more is
curiosity in action.
AUTONOMOUS TRAIT
• Defination • Example
• An autonomous trait refers • The ability to make
to a characteristic or decisions independently,
behavior that operates without relying on others'
independently or is self- opinions or instructions, is
directed, not influenced by an autonomous trait. For
external control. It's a instance, an entrepreneur
feature of a system, who starts and runs their
organism, or individual own business without
that is capable of external oversight exhibits
functioning or making autonomy in their
decisions without needing decision-making.
guidance or control from
outside sources.
ACTIVE TRAIT
• Defination • Example
• An active trait refers to a • An active trait could be
characteristic or behavior initiative. For instance, a
that involves being person who takes the lead
energetic, engaged, or in organizing a community
responsive in a way that event, without needing to
drives action or change. be asked, shows an active
This trait is typically trait. They don't wait for
associated with behaviors opportunities but actively
or actions that are initiated create or seek them out.
or maintained through
active effort, rather than
passive or reactive
responses.
ADMIRABLE TRAIT ALERTNESS TRAIT

• An admirable trait is a • Alert trait means being quick to

good quality in a person notice and respond to things
around you. A person with this
that makes others respect trait is watchful and ready to act
or look up to them. if something important happens.
• Example: • Example:
• Kindness is an admirable • A security guard hears a strange
trait. For example, helping noise at night and immediately
goes to check it out. This shows
a friend who is feeling sad he is alert.
shows kindness.
ACCESSABLE TRAIT ASPIRING TRAIT
• An accessible trait is a • Aspiring is a trait that
characteristic or describes someone who has
a strong desire to achieve
feature of an organism something or become
that is easy to observe better.
or measure. • Example:
• Example: • Sara is an aspiring artist who
practices painting every day
• Eye color in humans is because she dreams of
an accessible trait becoming famous one day.
because you can see it
just by looking at
ATTRACTIVE TRAIT BRILLIANT TRAIT
• An attractive trait is a • A brilliant trait means
quality or feature that being very smart or
makes someone likable talented in a special
or appealing to others. way.
• Example:
• Example:
• Kindness is an attractive
trait because people like • Ali has a brilliant trait
to be around someone for solving math
who is caring and helpful. problems quickly—he
always finds the
answer before anyone
CARING TRAIT CHALLENGING TRAIT
• A caring trait means • A challenging trait is a behavior
or quality in a person that
showing kindness and makes it difficult for others to
concern for others. get along with them or work
with them.
• Example: When Sarah
• Example:
saw her friend was
• Being stubborn is a challenging
sad, she sat with her trait. For example, if someone
and listened—that never listens to others' ideas
shows she is caring. and always wants things their
way, it can be hard to work as a
team.
 COMPASSIONATE
CLEVER TRAIT TRAIT
• Clever means being quick • Compassionate means
to understand things and caring about other
finding smart or creative people’s feelings and
ways to solve problems. wanting to help them
when they are sad or hurt.
• Example:
• Example:
• A clever student figured
out a shortcut to solve a • A compassionate girl saw a
long math problem faster hurt puppy on the street
than the others. and gently took it to the
vet to help it feel better.
COOPERATIVE TRAIT CONFIDENT TRAIT
• Cooperative means • Confident means
working well with believing in yourself
others to reach a and your abilities.
common goal. • Example:
• Example: • Lisa was confident
• A cooperative boy before her speech. She
helped his classmates stood tall, smiled, and
build a group project spoke clearly to the
by sharing ideas and audience.
doing his part.
COOPERATIVE TRAIT CREATIVE TRAIT
• A cooperative trait is a • A creative trait is the
behavioral ability to generate
characteristic that original ideas, solutions,
promotes working or expressions.
together with others
for mutual benefit.
CULTURED TRAIT DECISIVE TRAIT
• A cultured trait reflects • A decisive trait is the
refined manners, ability to make clear,
appreciation for the confident, and timely
arts, and awareness of decisions.
social norms and
traditions.
INDECISIVE TRAIT DRAMATIC TRAIT
• An indecisive trait is the • Dramatic traits involve
tendency to struggle expressing emotions in
with making choices or an intense,
committing to exaggerated, or
decisions. theatrical manner.
BRAVE TRAIT EMPATHETIC TRAIT
• A brave trait is the • An empathetic trait is
ability to face danger, the ability to
fear, or challenges with understand and share
courage and the feelings of others.
determination.
• An enthusiastic trait is the display of eager interest,
excitement, and energetic involvement.
• A foresight trait is the ability to anticipate and plan
for future events or outcomes.

• An excited trait is the expression of intense

anticipation, enthusiasm, or eagerness about
something.
• A hardworking trait is the consistent effort and
determination to achieve goals through diligence
and perseverance.
• A friendly trait is the tendency to be kind,
approachable, and supportive toward others.

• A flexible trait is the ability to adapt easily to

change or new situations.

• A helpful trait is the willingness to assist others and

provide support when needed.
• An idealistic trait is the tendency to envision and
strive for perfection or noble goals, often focusing
on high ideals.
• An imagination trait is the ability to form vivid and creative
ideas, images, or concepts in the mind.

• An innovative trait is the ability to introduce new ideas,

methods, or solutions that improve existing systems.
• An independent trait is the ability to think, act, and make
decisions autonomously without relying on others.

• An impressive trait is the ability to leave a strong, positive

impact or admiration on others through actions or
qualities.
• An intuitive trait is the ability to understand or
perceive something instinctively, without the need
for conscious reasoning.

• A logical trait is the ability to reason systematically

and make decisions based on clear, structured
thought processes.

• A liberal trait is the tendency to embrace

progressive ideas, support social equality, and
advocate for individual freedoms.
• A mature trait is the ability to respond to situations
with wisdom, responsibility, and emotional stability.

• A modest trait is the tendency to be humble and

unassuming about one’s abilities or achievements.

• An organized trait is the ability to systematically

arrange tasks, thoughts, or spaces for efficiency and
clarity.
• A realistic trait is the ability to view and approach situations
practically and sensibly, based on facts and reality.

• A punctual trait is the habit of consistently being on time and

meeting deadlines reliably.

• A selfless trait is the willingness to put others' needs and well-

being before one's own without expecting anything in return.

• A reliable trait is the quality of being dependable and

consistently trustworthy in actions and responsibilities.
• A sophisticated trait is the display of refined knowledge,
elegance, and worldly awareness in behavior or taste.

• A sober trait is the quality of being calm, serious, and

thoughtful in behavior and judgment.

• A stable trait is the ability to remain steady, calm, and

reliable, even in challenging or unpredictable situations.

• A sensitive trait is the ability to perceive and respond deeply

to the emotions, needs, or situations of oneself and others.
• A studious trait is the habit of being diligent,
focused, and dedicated to learning or academic
pursuits.

• An ambitious trait is the strong desire to achieve

success, reach goals, and improve oneself through
effort and determination.

• An aimless trait is the lack of direction, purpose, or

clear goals in one's actions or decisions.
• A stubborn trait is the tendency to resist change or refuse to
alter one’s opinions or actions, despite reason or persuasion.

• An apathetic trait is the lack of interest, enthusiasm, or

concern for things that typically elicit emotional responses.

• An anxious trait is the tendency to feel nervous, uneasy, or

excessively worried about potential outcomes or situations.

• An asocial trait is the tendency to avoid social interactions or

show little interest in engaging with others.
• A criminal trait refers to characteristics or behaviors
that predispose an individual to engage in unlawful
or immoral activities.

• A dishonest trait refers to a tendency to deceive,

mislead, or conceal the truth for personal gain or to
avoid responsibility.

• A disruptive trait refers to behavior that interrupts,

disturbs, or negatively impacts the normal
functioning or order of a situation or environment.
• A greedy trait refers to an excessive desire for
material wealth or possessions, often at the
expense of others.

• A hostile trait refers to a tendency to exhibit

aggression, antagonism, or a strong dislike toward
others.

• An insecure trait refers to a lack of confidence or

self-assurance, often leading to anxiety, doubt, or
fear of inadequacy.
• A frightening trait refers to a characteristic that
causes fear, intimidation, or anxiety in others.

• An impatient trait refers to a tendency to become

easily irritated or restless when faced with delay or
difficulty.

• A lazy trait refers to a tendency to avoid effort,

work, or activity, often preferring ease and comfort
over productivity.
• A moody trait refers to frequent and unpredictable
changes in emotion, often shifting from happiness
to irritability or sadness.

• A narcissistic trait refers to an excessive focus on

oneself, with a sense of superiority, entitlement,
and a lack of empathy for others.

• An obsessive trait refers to a tendency to fixate

intensely on certain thoughts, ideas, or behaviors,
often to a disruptive or compulsive degree.
• A passive trait refers to a tendency to accept or endure situations without
resistance, assertiveness, or active response.

• A possessive trait refers to a strong desire to control or dominate

relationships or things, often stemming from insecurity or fear of loss.

• A rigid trait refers to an unwillingness to adapt or change one’s thoughts,

behaviors, or routines, often showing inflexibility and strictness.

• A provocative trait refers to a tendency to deliberately stimulate strong

reactions, often by challenging norms or provoking others' emotions.

• A shy trait refers to a tendency to feel discomfort or nervousness in social

situations, often leading to reluctance to engage with others.
• An unrealistic trait refers to a tendency to hold expectations or
beliefs that are impractical, overly idealistic, or disconnected
from reality.

• A depressive trait refers to a tendency to experience persistent

feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in life.

• A selfish trait refers to a tendency to prioritize one's own needs,

desires, or interests over those of others, often at their expense.

• An unstable trait refers to a tendency to experience frequent

and unpredictable changes in emotions, behavior, or mood.
• An obedient trait refers to a tendency to comply
with rules, authority, or instructions without
resistance.

• An aggressive trait refers to a tendency to express

hostility or assertiveness through anger, force, or
confrontational behavior.

• A guilt-prone trait refers to a tendency to feel

excessive or unwarranted guilt, often in situations
where others might not feel responsible.
• A defensive trait refers to a tendency to protect
oneself from perceived criticism or attack by
justifying actions or avoiding responsibility.

• A self-centered trait refers to a tendency to focus

primarily on one's own needs, desires, and
perspectives, often disregarding others.

• Passive aggression refers to indirectly expressing

negative feelings, such as through sarcasm,
procrastination, or subtle resistance, rather than
• An introversion trait refers to a preference for
solitude, introspection, and limited social
interaction, often gaining energy from being alone.

• An extroversion trait refers to a tendency to seek

out social interactions, draw energy from being
around others, and enjoy engaging in external
activities.
ANXIETIES
• Disapproval anxiety refers to a fear of being judged
or criticized by others; for example, a person might
avoid speaking up in meetings because they're
afraid their ideas will be rejected or ridiculed.

• Failure anxiety refers to a fear of not succeeding,

which can cause avoidance of challenges; for
example, a student might avoid studying for an
exam out of fear of failing, even though they
haven't tried their best.
• Physical harm anxiety refers to a fear of
experiencing injury or danger to one's body; for
example, someone might avoid driving due to the
fear of getting into an accident.

• Guilt anxiety refers to a persistent fear of having

done something wrong or harmful, even if there is
no clear reason for guilt; for example, someone
might constantly worry about upsetting a friend,
even after apologizing and receiving forgiveness.
• Study anxiety refers to a feeling of stress or fear
related to academic performance or studying; for
example, a student might feel overwhelmed and
unable to focus on assignments due to the pressure
of upcoming exams.

• Isolation anxiety refers to a fear or discomfort of

being alone or isolated from others; for example, a
person might feel anxious when spending time
alone at home, fearing loneliness or disconnection.
• Evaluation anxiety refers to a fear of being judged or
assessed, often causing stress or self-doubt; for
example, a person might feel nervous and perform
poorly during a job interview due to the pressure of
being evaluated.

• Apprehension anxiety refers to a sense of dread or

unease about future events or outcomes; for
example, a person might feel anxious about an
upcoming presentation, fearing that it will not go
well.
• Illness anxiety refers to a constant fear of having a
serious illness despite little or no symptoms; for
example, a person might frequently worry they
have cancer after experiencing minor aches and
pains, even after medical tests show no issues.

• Helplessness anxiety refers to a fear of being

unable to control or improve a situation, leading to
feelings of powerlessness; for example, a person
might feel anxious about a family member's illness,
worrying they can't do anything to help.
• Deprivation anxiety refers to the fear or distress
caused by the perceived loss or lack of something
essential or desired; for example, a person might
feel anxious when they can't access their phone for
an extended period, fearing they are missing out on
important information.

• Deserted anxiety refers to a fear of being

abandoned or left alone by others; for example, a
person might feel anxious when their partner goes
on a trip, fearing they will be emotionally
abandoned or neglected.
• Fear of criticism anxiety refers to the fear of being
judged negatively or receiving disapproval from
others; for example, a person might avoid sharing
their artwork because they're afraid others will
criticize it.

• Anticipation anxiety refers to the fear or worry

experienced before an upcoming event or situation;
for example, a person might feel anxious for days
before a public speaking engagement, worrying
about how it will go.
• Passivity anxiety refers to the fear of being passive
or not taking action in important situations; for
example, a person might feel anxious about not
speaking up during a meeting, fearing they will be
perceived as weak or uninterested.
DEFENCE
S
DENIAL ANTICIPATION
• Denial is a defense • Anticipation is a defense
mechanism where a mechanism where a
person refuses to person thinks ahead about
possible future problems
accept reality or facts or challenges and mentally
because they are too prepares for them. It helps
painful or stressful. reduce stress by planning
Instead of facing the and imagining how to cope
truth, the person acts with difficult situations
as if nothing is wrong. before they happen.
It's the mind’s way of
protecting itself from
INTELLECTUALIZATION UNDOING
• Intellectualization is a • Undoing is a defense
defense mechanism where mechanism where a
a person avoids feeling
emotions by focusing only
person tries to "cancel
on facts, logic, or thinking. out" or make up for
Instead of dealing with the something they did or
emotional part of a thought that made
situation, they talk or think them feel guilty or
about it in a very serious or uncomfortable. It's like
scientific way to stay
emotionally distant. trying to fix a mistake
by doing something
good or opposite to
ACTING OUT ISOLATION
• Acting out is a defense • Isolation is a defense
mechanism where a mechanism where a person
separates their thoughts
person expresses from their feelings. They
strong emotions might talk about something
through actions instead upsetting in a calm,
of words. Instead of emotionless way, as if they
talking about how they aren’t really affected by it.
feel, they might behave This helps them avoid
feeling the pain or anxiety
in a dramatic, angry, or connected to the event.
risky way to release
their feelings.
REPRESSION OMNIPOTENCE
• Repression is a defense • Omnipotence is a
mechanism where the defense mechanism
mind pushes away painful where a person acts as
or upsetting thoughts,
memories, or feelings so
if they are all-powerful,
the person doesn’t have to smarter, or better than
deal with them. These others to avoid feeling
thoughts are hidden deep weak, helpless, or
inside and the person insecure. It’s like
might not even realize pretending to be super
they’re doing it. strong or perfect to
cover up inner fears or
DECEPTION PROJECTION
• Deception, as a defense • Projection is a defense
mechanism, is when a mechanism where a person
person lies to blames someone else for
their own feelings,
themselves or others to thoughts, or problems.
avoid facing an Instead of admitting how
uncomfortable truth. It they feel, they say
helps them protect someone else feels that
their self-image or way. It’s like seeing your
avoid guilt, shame, or own emotions in other
anxiety by hiding the people without realizing it.
reality of a situation.
INTROJECTION REGRESSION
• Introjection is a defense • Regression is a defense
mechanism where a person mechanism where a
takes in the beliefs, values, person goes back to
or feelings of someone else behaving like they did at a
—like a parent or role younger age when they felt
model—and makes them safer or more cared for. It
part of their own thinking. usually happens during
It’s a way to feel safe or stress or fear—like an adult
accepted by “becoming” throwing a tantrum or a
like someone they look up child acting babyish when
to or fear. upset.
HUMOR Displacement
• Humor is a defense • Displacement is a
mechanism where a defense mechanism
person uses jokes or where a person shifts
laughter to cope with their feelings from the
stress, pain, or real source to a safer or
uncomfortable feelings. less threatening target.
AFFILIATIONS ALTRUISM
• Affiliation is a defense • Altruism is a defense
mechanism where a mechanism where a
person deals with stress person copes with their
or anxiety by seeking own stress or emotions
support, comfort, or by helping others and
help from others. focusing on their needs.
AUTISTIC FANTASY DEVALUATION
• Autistic fantasy is a • Devaluation is a
defense mechanism defense mechanism
where a person escapes where a person
stress or unpleasant protects their self-
reality by retreating esteem by belittling or
into daydreams or criticizing someone or
imagination. something they once
valued.
IDEALIZATIONS REACTION FORMATION
• Idealization is a defense • Reaction formation is a
mechanism where a defense mechanism
person sees someone where a person
or something as perfect behaves in the opposite
or better than they way to how they
really are, ignoring any actually feel, often to
flaws. hide unacceptable
feelings.
• Sublimation is a defense mechanism where a
person channels negative or unwanted emotions
into positive, productive activities or behaviors.

• Rationalization is a defense mechanism where a

person justifies or explains their mistakes or
behaviors with logical reasons to avoid facing the
true, uncomfortable cause.

• Dissociation is a defense mechanism where a

person mentally separates themselves from a
CONFLICT
S
• Autonomy vs. compliance conflict is when a person
struggles between wanting to make their own
choices (autonomy) and feeling pressured to follow
others' expectations or rules (compliance).

• Compliance vs. oppositional conflict occurs when a

person alternates between obeying others' rules
(compliance) and resisting or rejecting them
(oppositional behavior).
• Autonomy vs. shame and doubt conflict is the
struggle in early childhood between developing a
sense of independence and confidence (autonomy) or
feeling inadequate and unsure (shame and doubt)
due to overcontrol or lack of support.

• Trust vs. mistrust is a stage in Erikson's psychosocial

development where an infant learns to either trust or
doubt the world based on their caregivers' reliability
and care.
• Initiative vs. guilt conflict is the challenge in early
childhood where a child develops a sense of
initiative and the desire to take action, or
experiences guilt and inhibition if their efforts are
discouraged or criticized.

• Approach vs avoidance conflict occurs when a

person is torn between the desire to pursue a goal
and the fear or reluctance to face its negative
consequences.
• Distancing conflict refers to the tension created by
efforts to create emotional or physical space, while
loss of distancing conflict arises when that space is
diminished or lost, leading to feelings of overwhelm
or intrusion.
• Intro vs extra aggression conflict refers to the
internal struggle between directing aggression
inward (introjection) versus expressing it outwardly
toward others (extraversion).
• Approach vs approach conflict arises when an
individual faces a choice between two equally
desirable options, leading to difficulty in making a
decision.
• Activity vs passivity conflict occurs when there is a
clash between a desire for action and engagement
(activity) versus a preference for inaction or
withdrawal (passivity).
• A love vs loss of love conflict arises when one
struggles between the desire to maintain emotional
connection and the fear or reality of losing that
bond.
• An approval vs disapproval conflict arises when
one party supports or endorses a decision, action,
or idea, while another opposes or rejects it.
• A reality vs fantasy conflict arises when there's a
struggle between accepting the real world and
escaping into imagined or idealized scenarios.
• A hostility vs affiliation conflict occurs when a
person feels torn between expressing anger or
aggression and maintaining harmonious
relationships or connections.
• An approval vs disapproval conflict arises when
one party supports or endorses a decision, action,
or idea, while another opposes or rejects it.
• An achievement vs failure conflict occurs when
there's tension between striving for success and the
fear or experience of not meeting goals or
expectations.
• The industry vs. inferiority conflict is a
developmental stage where children (ages 6–12) strive
to gain competence and skills, facing feelings of
inferiority if they fail.
• Identity vs. role confusion is a psychological conflict
during adolescence where individuals struggle to
develop a clear sense of self and personal identity.
• The intimacy vs. isolation conflict is a psychosocial
struggle in early adulthood where individuals seek
deep relationships (intimacy) or risk feeling alone and
disconnected (isolation).
ENVIRONME
NT
• A threatening environment is a setting that poses
physical, emotional, or psychological harm or danger
to individuals, making them feel unsafe or vulnerable.
• A supporting environment is a setting that provides
emotional, physical, or psychological comfort,
encouragement, and resources, fostering a sense of
safety, security, and well-being.
• A non-supporting environment is a setting that lacks
emotional, physical, or psychological support, often
characterized by neglect, indifference, or hostility,
hindering personal growth and well-being.
• A dominating environment is a setting where one
individual or group exerts control, power, or influence
over others, often limiting their autonomy, freedom, or
opportunities.
• A caring environment is a setting that provides warmth,
empathy, and support, prioritizing the physical,
emotional, and psychological well-being of individuals,
and fostering a sense of safety and nurturing.
• A nurturing environment is a setting that provides care,
support, and guidance, promoting growth, development,
and well-being, and helping individuals reach their full
potential.
• A competitive environment is a setting where individuals or groups
strive to outdo or surpass others, often driven by goals, rewards, or
recognition, and characterized by comparison, rivalry, and a desire
to win.
• A harsh environment is a setting characterized by extreme
conditions, such as physical adversity, strict rules, or emotional
severity, that can be challenging, unforgiving, or even hostile.
• A demanding environment is a setting that requires a high level of
effort, performance, or compliance, often characterized by strict
expectations, pressure, or urgency.
• A neutral environment is a setting that remains impartial, unbiased,
and free from influence, allowing individuals to feel comfortable,
relaxed, and unaffected by external pressures or emotions.
NEEDS
• ACHIEVEMENT To work toward a goal with
energy, persistence, and singleness of
purpose. To set high standards for oneself
and work independently toward realizing
these standards. To overcome obstacles or
master and manipulate objects, situations, or
people. To accomplish or work persistently at
a difficult task. To be ambitious, competitive,
aspiring.
AGGRESSION
(EMOTIONAL/VERBAL): To have a verbal fight or argument with another
person. To become angry at, ridicule, blame criticize, or curse. This may be
expressed publicly by a speech or in writing.
(PHYSICAL/SOCIAL): To kill or defend oneself in self-defense. To avenge an
attack that was unwarranted and unprovoked. To defend one’s country, for
example, during war or to become physically aggressive while upholding
the law.
Activity that is revolutionary may be on the threshold between social and
asocial.
(PHYSICAL/ASOCIAL): Aggression against some legal or moral standard or
expressed without being provoked, such as in criminal activity. To fight
legal authorities or authority figures. To initiate a brawl, turn traitor, or
express sadistic behavior.
(DESTRUCTION): To attack or maim. To destroy, smash, vandalize, or burn.
• ACQUISITION
(SOCIAL): To work for money, material possessions,
or valuable objects. A desire for economic mobility.
To bargain or gamble. Greed or acquisitiveness.
• (ASOCIAL): To steal, cheat, rob, forage, or swindle.
Greed, which in order to accomplish this goal,
causes harm to others or involves breaking some
ethical principle or law. The desired goal may be
money, an object, or even a person (e.g., during a
kidnapping).
• CONSTRUCTION To organize, build, create, or place something in new
order.
• COUNTERACTION To make up for a previous failure or disappointment.
To overcompensate for a weakness or to have a determination to
overcome. It depends on a response to previous failure or humiliation.
To repress fear or keep one’s self-respect. To be resolute, determined,
indomitable, dauntless, dogged, or adventurous as a reaction to an
earlier difficult situation.
• DOMINANCE To control, influence, or direct one’s human environment.
This may involve being forceful, persuasive, assertive, masterful,
decisive, or authoritative. To prevail upon, sway, lead, judge, set
standards, induce, restrain, prohibit, manage, or govern.
• EXPOSITION
• To relate information in an instructive or
informative manner. To explain, lecture,
interpret, instruct, teach. Merely telling
something to another person in a casual or
routine manner is not sufficient. It is
commonly fused with nDominance
nRecognition, or nAchievement.
• RECOGNITION To seek praise, prestige, appreciation, or
attention. Making oneself conspicuous; dramatizing or
performing. To boast or brag. The examiner should ask
him/herself whether the hero/heroines main motive is
getting something done, in which case it would be scored as
nAchievement or actually being noticed.
• UNDERSTANDING Striving for knowledge or wisdom. To
attempt to understand the relationship between one object
or event and another. Discussion and argumentation with
the goal directed toward increasing knowledge. Attempting
to make thought correspond with fact. To analyze events
and generalize.
• SUCCORANCE
• A tendency to cry, plead, ask for help, protection, or love.
Being dependent, helpless, and perhaps capitalizing on
one’s mishaps. To crave affection or tenderness and
accept favors without hesitation. To have a close and
devoted protector or supported. Seeking to be nursed,
sustained, supported, advised, guided, indulged, forgiven,
or consoled. Someone with an nNurturance satisfies the
hero/heroine’s succorance, although intra-nurturance
may also be evident in an individual who derives some
enjoyment as a result of his or her grief or seeks
consolation through drugs, alcohol, food, etc
• SEX
• To have or attempt to have a sexual relationship. To
make sexual advances toward or seduce. Enjoying
the company of members of the opposite sex (or to
whom the person is physically attracted), being
fond of mixed parties and dancing. To fall in love.
This may commonly be fused with nAffliation
(emotional) or, if not fused, should be distinguished
from nAffiliation (emotional).
• NURTURANCE
• To give sympathy to or to gratify the needs of
another. To help, feed, support, console, protect, or
comfort those who are in need. Kindness,
consideration, protection. To encourage and further
the welfare of those who are helpless. This may
include being liberal with time, energy, or money as
a means of helping others. Giving freedom,
condoning, or being lenient.
• DEFERENCE
• (COMPLIANCE): Quick to agree or cooperate. To
obey the wishes or suggestions of another person. A
willingness to please or follow another’s leadership.
It may be necessary at times to distinguish
nDeference from nAbasement, in which there is
compliance, but it is unwilling.
• (RESPECT): To give praise to or to express admiration
toward. Hero worship or the acknowledgement of
merit or talent. Dedication to a cause.
• AFFILIATION
• (ASSOCIATIVE): To establish friendly relations. This
may be focal, in which case the need is directed
toward affectionate feelings for specific people. It
may also be diffuse, in which case the feeling is
directed toward all sorts of people, such as groups or
organizations.
• (EMOTIONAL): Feelings of strong attachment,
closeness, affection, or respect toward another
person. This may include getting married, remaining
faithful, or falling in love.
• PLAY
• To act for “fun” and without a purpose other than
amusement. To laugh, make jokes, play games, be
jolly, merry, and easygoing. This may include sports,
dancing, drinking, clowning, or make-believe
activity. Meeting situations in a lighthearted and
jovial manner. However, in those cases in which the
game is taken seriously, such as in athletic
competition, a score is given for nAchievement
rather than nPlay
• EXCITANCE / DISSIPATION
• To act in a way that creates emotional excitement.
This may involve travel (nChange), gambling
(nAcquisition), involvement with drugs or alcohol
(nNurturance), or recklessly meeting danger. What
distinguishes nExcitance/Dissipation from such
needs as nChange or nAcquisition is its emphasis on
emotional excitement, although these needs are
frequently fused.
• CHANGE/TRAVEL
• ADVENTURE
• To feel a sense of restlessness and a need to
experience new lands or novel situations. To dream
of exploring and having novel adventures. This
need is commonly fused with nAutonomy.
• AUTONOMY
• (FREEDOM): To escape, shake off restraint, or become independent.
To be unattached or unrestrained. To avoid all encumbering alliances
or terminate a confining relationship. To wander, drop out, leave
school, break off a relationship. To fight or argue for liberty in a
positive way. Determination to remain independent.
• (RESISTANCE): To refuse to comply with the demands of another.
Negativism and defiance. Resistance toward coercion. To be
“stubborn as a mule.” To be obstinate, to disobey one’s parents, or to
present revolutionary ideas.
• (ASOCIAL): To express behavior that is not allowed and is punishable.
Behavior that is disorderly, unruly, and counter to moral or social
standards. Lying, cheating, whoring, stealing, drinking. Crimes other
than stealing, since stealing would be classified as nAcquisition.
• CHANGE/TRAVEL ADVENTURE
• To feel a sense of restlessness and a need to
experience new lands or novel situations. To dream
of exploring and having novel adventures. This need
is commonly fused with nAutonomy.
• PLAY
To act for “fun” and without a purpose other than
amusement. To laugh, make jokes, play games, be
jolly, merry, and easygoing. This may include sports,
dancing, drinking, clowning, or make-believe activity.
Meeting situations in a lighthearted and jovial
manner. However, in those cases in which the game
is taken seriously, such as in athletic competition, a
score is given for nAchievement rather than nPlay
• EXCITANCE / DISSIPATION
• To act in a way that creates emotional excitement.
This may involve travel (nChange), gambling
(nAcquisition), involvement with drugs or alcohol
(nNurturance), or recklessly meeting danger. What
distinguishes nExcitance/Dissipation from such
needs as nChange or nAcquisition is its emphasis on
emotional excitement, although these needs are
frequently fused.
• ABASEMENT
• To submit passively to an external force. To accept
injury, blame, criticism, punishment, or to feel guilt
and inferiority. To adopt an attitude that is passive,
humble, meek, servile. Resignation or shame. To
endure ordeals without attempts to counteract.
Common fusions are with nSuccorance,
nDeference, or nSex, as in the case of masochism.
• COGNIZANCE
• To express curiosity, search, investigate, explore, or
act as a detective. To watch or gaze intently.
Voyeurism. To ask questions, satisfy one’s curiosity,
look, listen, inspect. To read and seek knowledge.
Common fusions occur with nUnderstanding,
nChange, and nAchievement.
• BLAME AVOIDANCE
• To act in such a way as to avoid blame or rejection.
To fear reproach; to inhibit one’s asocial impulses.
To avoid blame or punishment by refraining from
misbehavior. To confess, apologize, atone, or repent
in order to avoid more blame. This may involve
being conventional, remorseful, apologetic, dutiful,
or conscientious.
• HARM AVOIDANCE
• To avoid physical pain, withdraw, flee, or conceal oneself from persons or
objects who are attempting to inflict injury. This includes “startle” and “fear”
reactions to such things as loud noises, loss of support, or the sudden
appearance of strangers.
• To escape from a dangerous situation. To take precautionary measures. To be
fearful, anxious, timid, cautious, wary, prudent, vigilant. To run away when
chased by a dangerous animal or enemy. However, if the hero/heroine
purposefully places him/herself in a situation of danger, even is s/he takes
precautionary measures to avoid being killed or injured, this should not be
scored as nHarm Avoidance, but rather as nExcitance/Dissipation
• PASSIVITY
• To seek or enjoy quiet, rest, tranquility,
peacefulness. To feel tired, apathetic, lazy. To need
quiet contemplation, meditation, or reflection.
• REJECTION
• To snub, ignore, or exclude others. To remain aloof
and indifferent, or be discriminating in accepting
others. To exclude, abandon, expel, or criticize. To
demand a high standard of ability, intelligence, wit,
or imagination. To reject a suitor, break with a
friend, or withhold love. This is commonly fused
with nPassivity or nAggression. nRejection may also
become directed inward, thus becoming fused with
nAbasement, perhaps resulting in feelings of
depression or suicidal ideation
• RETENTION
• To hold onto something, refuse to lend, to be
possessive, miserly, and unwilling to give time,
energy, and affection to other. To hoard or collect
objects or another person, with possessive love.
• SENTIENCE
• To seek and enjoy sensuous impressions. To have
delicate, sensitive perceptions. To perceive and
comment upon the sensuous quality of objects. To
remark upon the atmosphere, temperature, colors
in the room, pictures, various sounds, tastes, or
odors. A genuine delight in one or more of the arts.
May be fused with nSex (erotic sentience),
nConstruction (enjoying composition or creativity)
or nRecognition (performing in public).
• CONFLICT
A state in which two inner forces are pulling against another; uncertainty,
indecision. This may also include the conflict created by two opposing
needs.
• EMOTIONAL CHANGE
To show an alteration in mood or attitude toward something or someone.
To be labile, inconsistent, moody, or unstable.
• ELATION
Happiness, joyful enthusiasm, optimism, excitement, a positive outlook.
• DEJECTION
Disappointment, discouragement, sadness, depression, melancholy,
despair
• DISTRUST
To have no confidence in, to be suspicious of, to be skeptical
of. Refusing to accept other people’s ideas, suggestions, or
advice due to distrust. This may often be associated with
nRejection or nAutonomy
• JEALOUSY
To be afraid that a lover person will prefer or love another
person. Envy.
• IRREALITY
Visions or hallucinations. Reveries about the future or
daydreams about the past. Entering into a hypnotic state.
• EGO IDEAL, PRIDE
Having a high opinion of one’s own self worth. To
keep one’s self-respect or to dream of a great future
• SUPEREGO
To be controlled by a conscience that demands a
high moral standard.
• ACQUISITION
A person wants to dispossess the hero/heroine of
money or property or rob or swindle him or her. For
example, a competitor in business threatens the hero
or heroine’s financial security.
• RETENTION
A person retains something the hero/heroine wants,
refuses to let it go or to give something to the
hero/heroine; is stingy, miserly, or possessive