Personality

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

In this episode, we focus on personality and the theories relevant for the MCAT.

We’ll cover key perspectives, such as psychoanalytic theory, humanistic theory, and trait theory, along with the influence of social cognitive and biological factors on personality development. You’ll get an overview of the different personality disorders, categorized into clusters like odd or eccentric behavior, dramatic or erratic behavior, and anxious or fearful behavior. You’ll also gain an understanding of specific disorders, including narcissistic personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:01) Introduction to Personality

(01:41) Defining Personality

(03:27) Overview of Personality Theories

(06:11) Psychoanalytic Theory: Id, Ego, and Superego

(09:03) Humanistic Theory: Achieving Individual Potential

(10:16) Trait Theory: Stable Traits Over Time

(11:06) Five-Factor Model of Personality

(12:08) Social Cognitive Theory: Learning and Cognition

(13:18) Biological Theory: Genetic Influences on Personality

(15:10) Behaviorist Theory: Environmental Shaping of Personality

(16:39) Introduction to Personality Disorders

(19:19) Cluster A: Odd or Eccentric Behavior Disorders

(22:26) Cluster B: Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Behavior Disorders

(26:13) Cluster C: Anxious or Fearful Behavior Disorders

(28:24) OCD vs. OCPD: Key Differences

(29:40) Overlap Between Personality Disorder Clusters