Self and Personality – NCERT Class XII Psychology, Chapter 2 This chapter introduces the concept of self and personality, describing how individuals perceive themselves and behave consistently across situations. It covers various approaches to studying personality, including typological, trait, psychodynamic, behavioural, cultural, and humanistic models. The chapter also explains methods for personality assessment, such as self-report, projective techniques, and behavioural analysis. Updated: 5 days ago
Categories: NCERT, Class XII, Psychology, Chapter 2, Self, Personality, Personality Theories, Trait Approach, Psychodynamic Approach, Behavioural Approach, Cultural Approach, Humanistic Approach, Personality Assessment, Summary, Questions, Answers
Tags: Self, Personality, Personality Theories, Assessment, Trait Theory, Freud, Jung, Humanistic Theory, Projective Tests, Behavioural Analysis, NCERT, Class 12, Psychology, Chapter 2, Summary, Questions, Answers
Self and Personality - Class 11 Psychology Chapter 2 Ultimate Study Guide 2025
Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes
Key Definitions & Terms
60+ Questions & Answers
Key Concepts
Historical Perspectives
Solved Examples
Interactive Quiz (10 Q)
Quick Revision Notes & Mnemonics
Key Terms & Processes
Key Processes & Diagrams
Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes - Self and Personality Class 11 NCERT
Overview & Key Concepts
Chapter Goal : Understand self-concept, personality theories, assessment. Exam Focus: Self-esteem/efficacy/regulation, type/trait approaches, psychodynamic/behavioral/cultural/humanistic, healthy personality (Box 2.3), assessments. 2025 Updates: Cultural self links to globalization, personality in AI ethics. Fun Fact: Persona from Roman masks. Core Idea: Self core of personality; interlinks to Ch1 variations. Real-World: Self-regulation in stress. Expanded: All subtopics point-wise with evidence (e.g., Freud id/ego/superego), examples (e.g., Allport traits), debates (e.g., type vs. trait).
Wider Scope : Ancient humors to modern; sources: Activities (2.1), boxes (2.1 terms, 2.2 five-factor, 2.3 healthy).
Expanded Content : Socio-cultural influences, development, psychometric vs. humanistic; multi-disciplinary (e.g., neuroscience in traits, sociology in cultural).
Activity 2.1: Understanding the Self Description
Step-by-step: Complete 10 "I am" sentences; time; exchange lists. Symbolizes personal/social identities.
Introduction
Core Idea : Self/personality define existence/organize experiences/show behavior; differences in self-ideas/behavior stability.
Self/Personality Relation : Self core; study uniqueness/similarities; diverse settings behavior.
Expanded : Evidence: Varied reactions; debates: Nature vs. nurture; real: Relationship questions use self.
Concept of Self
Development : Emerges with age; shaped by parents/friends/experiences/meanings.
Personal/Social Identity : Unique attributes (name/qualities/beliefs) vs. group-derived (religion/caste/region).
Self as Subject/Object : Knower/actor vs. known/consequence; dual status.
Expanded : Evidence: Activity 2.1 lists; debates: Fixed vs. modifiable; real: Exchange lists show variations.
Kinds of Self
Biological : Hunger cry to awareness; modifies with culture (e.g., chocolate vs. Eskimo).
Personal : Self-concern (freedom/responsibility/achievement/comforts).
Social/Familial : Others-relation (cooperation/unity/sacrifice/sharing).
Expanded : Evidence: Reflex to psychological/social; debates: Individual vs. collective; real: Vrata/roza mechanisms.
Cognitive and Behavioural Aspects of Self
Self-Concept : Positive/negative views; specific (athletic brave, academic negative).
Self-Esteem : Value judgment; high/low; areas (academic/social/physical) from age 6-7; warm parenting aids.
Self-Efficacy : Control beliefs; Bandura learning; strong less fearful/developable.
Self-Regulation : Organize/monitor; high monitoring; techniques (observation/instruction/reinforcement); will power/delay gratification.
Expanded : Evidence: Statements assess; debates: Innate vs. learned; real: Smokers quit with efficacy.
Culture and Self
Western : Fixed boundary; dichotomies (self/other, man/nature); individualistic; group distance.
Indian : Shifting boundary; fuses cosmos/others; no dichotomies; collectivistic; harmonious group co-existence.
Expanded : Evidence: Fig 2.1 triangles (Western separate) vs. circles (Indian overlapping); debates: Rigid vs. fluid; real: Collectivistic family values.
Fig.2.1: Self and Group Boundaries in Western and Indian Cultural Perspectives Description
Western: Two triangles (individual/group) separate with arrows. Indian: Circle (individual) overlaps group circle; fluid boundaries.
Concept of Personality
Definition : Characteristic responding ways; persona mask origin; not physical appearance.
Features : Physical/psych components; unique expression; stable/changeable; adaptive/dynamic.
Expanded : Evidence: Catchwords (shy/warm); debates: Stable vs. situational; real: Honest consistent.
Personality-Related Terms (Box 2.1)
Temperament : Biologically based reacting way.
Trait : Stable/persistent behaving way.
Disposition : Situation-specific reacting tendency.
Character : Regular occurring behavior pattern.
Habit : Overlearned behaving modes.
Values : Important/worthwhile goals/ideals.
Expanded : Evidence: Synonyms but distinct; debates: Vs. personality; real: Honest character from habits.
Major Approaches to the Study of Personality
Type : Broad patterns; similarities place in types; vs. trait specific attributes.
Interactional : Situational role; low cross-consistency; e.g., dependent/independent from rewards/threats.
Expanded : Evidence: Market/courtroom behavior; debates: Trait consistency low; real: Worship place calm.
Type Approaches
Hippocrates : Humors (sanguine/phlegmatic/melancholic/choleric).
Ayurveda : Tridosha (vata/pitta/kapha prakriti).
Trigunas : Sattva (clean/truth/detach), Rajas (activity/desire/envy), Tamas (anger/depress/lazy); degrees dominate.
Sheldon : Body/temperament (endomorphic sociable, mesomorphic assertive, ectomorphic restrained).
Expanded : Evidence: Ancient typologies; debates: Simplistic vs. useful; real: Sanguine optimistic.
Who is a Healthy Person? (Box 2.3)
Traits : Aware strengths/weaknesses, accept failures, respect others, flexible/adaptable, harmony with surroundings.
Expanded : Evidence: Humanistic view; debates: Ideal vs. real; real: Balanced life.
Assessment of Personality
Self-Report : Statements true/false; e.g., inventories.
Projective Techniques : Ambiguous stimuli interpret; unconscious reveal.
Behavioural Analysis : Observation/ratings/interviews.
Expanded : Evidence: Multi-method; debates: Subjective vs. objective; real: Projective for deep traits.
Why This Guide Stands Out
Comprehensive: All subtopics point-wise, 10+ diagram/activity descriptions; 2025 with links (e.g., cultural self in diversity), theories analyzed for depth.
Key Themes & Tips
Aspects : Self kinds/aspects/culture, personality concept/terms/approaches/types, healthy, assessment.
Tip: Memorize types (humors/tridosha/trigunas/Sheldon); compare Western/Indian; debate type vs. trait.
Exam Case Studies
Self-regulation techniques; cultural self differences; trigunas behavior.
Project & Group Ideas
Personality theories timeline.
Debate: Western vs. Indian self.
Assess classmates' self-esteem.
Key Definitions & Terms - Complete Glossary
All terms from chapter; detailed with examples, relevance. Expanded: 40+ terms grouped by subtopic; added advanced like "trigunas", "prakriti" for depth/easy flashcards.
Self Concept
Personal/social identity. Ex: "I am honest". Relevance: Defines existence.
Personal Identity
Unique attributes. Ex: Name/qualities. Relevance: Differentiates others.
Social Identity
Group-derived aspects. Ex: Religion/caste. Relevance: Links to culture.
Self as Subject
Actor/knower. Ex: "I know". Relevance: Engages knowing.
Self as Object
Consequence/known. Ex: "Gets hurt". Relevance: Observed.
Biological Self
Hunger awareness. Ex: Cry for milk. Relevance: Base modifies culture.
Personal Self
Self-concern. Ex: Freedom/achievement. Relevance: Individual focus.
Social Self
Others-relation. Ex: Cooperation/sacrifice. Relevance: Familial/relational.
Self-Concept
Competencies views. Ex: Positive athletic. Relevance: Overall positive/negative.
Self-Esteem
Value judgment. Ex: High academic perform. Relevance: Behavior relation.
Self-Efficacy
Control beliefs. Ex: High quit smoking. Relevance: Risk/mastery.
Self-Regulation
Organize/monitor. Ex: Delay gratification. Relevance: Goals fulfillment.
Self-Control
Defer needs. Ex: Vrata/roza. Relevance: Long-term.
Individualistic Culture
Fixed boundaries. Ex: Western self/other. Relevance: Group distance.
Collectivistic Culture
Harmonious co-existence. Ex: Indian overlapping. Relevance: Family values.
Personality
Characteristic responding. Ex: Stable qualities. Relevance: Predict behavior.
Temperament
Biological reacting. Ex: Shy child. Relevance: Base disposition.
Trait
Stable behaving. Ex: Honest. Relevance: Consistent quality.
Disposition
Situation react tendency. Ex: Aggressive threat. Relevance: Specific response.
Character
Regular behavior pattern. Ex: Moral actions. Relevance: Overall.
Habit
Overlearned modes. Ex: Daily routine. Relevance: Automatic.
Values
Important goals/ideals. Ex: Truthfulness. Relevance: Guide actions.
Type Approach
Broad patterns. Ex: Sanguine. Relevance: Categorize similarities.
Trait Approach
Specific attributes differ. Ex: Shy/friendly degree. Relevance: Consistent ways.
Interactional Approach
Situational determine. Ex: Rewards/threats. Relevance: Low consistency.
Sanguine
Optimistic/social. Ex: Cheerful. Relevance: Humor type.
Phlegmatic
Calm/peaceful. Ex: Relaxed. Relevance: Humor type.
Melancholic
Sad/analytical. Ex: Thoughtful. Relevance: Humor type.
Choleric
Ambitious/leader. Ex: Assertive. Relevance: Humor type.
Vata
Active/quick. Ex: Energetic. Relevance: Prakriti type.
Pitta
Fiery/intelligent. Ex: Ambitious. Relevance: Prakriti type.
Kapha
Calm/stable. Ex: Patient. Relevance: Prakriti type.
Sattva Guna
Clean/truthful. Ex: Disciplined. Relevance: Triguna dominance.
Rajas Guna
Active/desire. Ex: Envious. Relevance: Triguna dominance.
Tamas Guna
Angry/lazy. Ex: Depressed. Relevance: Triguna dominance.
Endomorphic
Sociable/relaxed. Ex: Plump. Relevance: Sheldon type.
Mesomorphic
Assertive/adventurous. Ex: Muscular. Relevance: Sheldon type.
Ectomorphic
Restrained/introverted. Ex: Thin. Relevance: Sheldon type.
Self-Report Measures
Statements true/false. Ex: Inventories. Relevance: Conscious assessment.
Projective Techniques
Ambiguous interpret. Ex: Inkblots. Relevance: Unconscious reveal.
Behavioural Analysis
Observe/rate. Ex: Interviews. Relevance: Real behavior.
Tip: Group by domain (self/personality/approaches); examples for recall. Depth: Debates (e.g., cultural boundaries). Errors: Confuse personal/social. Historical: Humors origins. Interlinks: To Ch1 attributes. Advanced: Triguna degrees. Real-Life: Self-esteem in schools. Graphs: Self boundaries. Coherent: Evidence → Interpretation. For easy learning: Flashcard per term with example.
Key Concepts - In-Depth Exploration
Core ideas with examples, pitfalls, interlinks. Expanded: All concepts with steps/examples/pitfalls for easy learning. Depth: Debates, analysis.
Self Concept
Steps: 1. Emerge age, 2. Shape interactions, 3. Personal/social. Ex: "I am dancer". Pitfall: Ignore modifiable. Interlink: Culture. Depth: Dual subject/object.
Kinds of Self
Steps: 1. Biological reflex, 2. Personal concern, 3. Social relation. Ex: Hunger cultural. Pitfall: Overlook familial. Interlink: Aspects. Depth: Physical/socio-cultural form.
Self-Esteem
Steps: 1. Judge worth, 2. Areas form age 6-7, 3. Parenting warm. Ex: High perform. Pitfall: Low depression. Interlink: Efficacy. Depth: Overall sense.
Self-Efficacy
Steps: 1. Bandura observe, 2. Mastery expectations, 3. Develop positive. Ex: Quit smoking. Pitfall: Low fearful. Interlink: Regulation. Depth: Control outcomes.
Self-Regulation
Steps: 1. Monitor behavior, 2. Delay gratification, 3. Techniques observe/instruct/reinforce. Ex: Vrata. Pitfall: Situational pressure. Interlink: Control. Depth: Will power.
Culture and Self
Steps: 1. Western fixed, 2. Indian shifting, 3. Individual/collectivistic. Ex: Fig 2.1 overlap. Pitfall: Ethnocentric. Interlink: Personality. Depth: Boundaries fluid.
Personality Concept
Steps: 1. Responding ways, 2. Stable unique, 3. Adaptive dynamic. Ex: Honest consistent. Pitfall: Superficial. Interlink: Terms. Depth: Predict/deal.
Temperament
Steps: 1. Biological base, 2. Reacting way. Ex: Shy innate. Pitfall: Confuse trait. Interlink: Box 2.1. Depth: Genetic influence.
Type Approaches
Steps: 1. Broad patterns, 2. Similarities place, 3. Ancient humors. Ex: Sanguine optimistic. Pitfall: Oversimplify. Interlink: Trait. Depth: Categorize.
Healthy Person
Steps: 1. Aware strengths, 2. Accept failures, 3. Flexible harmony. Ex: Respect others. Pitfall: Idealistic. Interlink: Humanistic. Depth: Positive relations.
Assessment Techniques
Steps: 1. Self-report statements, 2. Projective ambiguous, 3. Behavioural observe. Ex: Inventories. Pitfall: Bias interpret. Interlink: Approaches. Depth: Multi-method.
Interactional Approach
Steps: 1. Situational determine, 2. Rewards/threats, 3. Low consistency. Ex: Worship calm. Pitfall: Ignore traits. Interlink: Type/Trait. Depth: External influence.
Advanced: Theory timelines, boundaries graphs. Pitfalls: Static views. Interlinks: Ch1 variations. Real: Regulation apps. Depth: 12 concepts details. Examples: Real cases. Graphs: Fig 2.1. Errors: Confuse identities. Tips: Steps evidence; compare tables (Western/Indian).
Historical Perspectives - Detailed Guide
Timeline of concepts/evolutions; expanded with points; links to pioneers/debates. Added Hippocrates, Ayurveda focus.
Ancient Greek (Hippocrates)
Humors types: Sanguine/phlegmatic/melancholic/choleric. Fluid balance personality.
Depth: Medical link.
Ayurveda/Indian (Ancient)
Tridosha vata/pitta/kapha; trigunas sattva/rajas/tamas. Temperament prakriti.
Depth: Holistic health.
Sheldon (1940s)
Body types endomorph/mesomorph/ectomorph. Temperament link.
Depth: Somatotypes.
Modern (20th Century)
Type to trait shift; interactional situational. Cultural perspectives evolve.
Depth: Multi-approach.
Debates: Type vs. Trait
Broad categories vs. specific attributes. Stable vs. situational.
Depth: Consistency low.
Tip: Link humors to modern types, critique simplistic. Depth: Activities historical reflection. Examples: Charak Samhita. Graphs: Timeline. Advanced: Post-2020 cultural. Easy: Bullets impacts.
Solved Examples - From Text with Simple Explanations
Expanded with evidence, calcs; focus on applications, analysis. Added self-concept, cultural boundaries.
Example 1: Self-Concept Views
Simple Explanation: Positive/negative specific.
Step 1: General positive/negative.
Step 2: Specific athletic brave.
Step 3: More reading positive/math negative.
Step 4: Assess statements true.
Simple Way: Mirror reflections vary.
Example 2: Self-Esteem Development
Simple Explanation: Age 6-7 areas form.
Step 1: Academic competence.
Step 2: Social competence.
Step 3: Physical/athletic.
Step 4: Appearance refine age.
Simple Way: Building blocks stack.
Example 3: Self-Regulation Techniques
Simple Explanation: Control behavior.
Step 1: Observe own for info.
Step 2: Instruct do/behave want.
Step 3: Reinforce pleasant outcomes.
Step 4: Delay needs cultural.
Simple Way: Traffic lights guide.
Example 4: Cultural Self Boundaries
Simple Explanation: Fig 2.1 compare.
Step 1: Western fixed separate.
Step 2: Indian shifting overlap.
Step 3: Individual vs. collective.
Step 4: No dichotomies Indian.
Simple Way: Walls vs. doors.
Example 5: Personality Features
Simple Explanation: Stable adaptive.
Step 1: Physical/psych unique.
Step 2: Not change easily.
Step 3: Dynamic situational demands.
Step 4: Predict/deal realistic.
Simple Way: Tree roots/branches.
Example 6: Type Approaches
Simple Explanation: Categorize patterns.
Step 1: Humors sanguine etc.
Step 2: Tridosha vata/pitta/kapha.
Step 3: Trigunas degrees dominate.
Step 4: Sheldon body/temperament.
Simple Way: Boxes sort people.
Tip: Practice self-assess; troubleshoot (e.g., why low esteem?). Added for regulation, types.
Interactive Quiz - Master Self and Personality
10 MCQs in full sentences; 80%+ goal. Covers self, aspects, culture, personality, types, assessment.
Start Quiz
Quick Revision Notes & Mnemonics
Concise for all subtopics; mnemonics. Covers intro, self concept, kinds, aspects, culture, personality, terms, approaches, types, healthy, assessment. Expanded all.
Introduction/Self
Self core personality; unique/similar ( "SCP" - SCP). Personal/social identities ( "PSI" - PSI).
Kinds of Self
Biological/personal/social ( "BPS" - BPS). Reflex to relational ( "RR" - RR).
Aspects
Concept/esteem/efficacy/regulation ( "CEER" - CEER). Positive views/judgment/control/monitor ( "PJCM" - PJCM).
Culture and Self
Western fixed/individual; Indian shifting/collectivistic ( "WFISC" - WFISC). Boundaries fluid ( "BF" - BF).
Personality Concept
Responding ways stable/unique/adaptive ( "RSUA" - RSUA). Physical/psych dynamic ( "PPD" - PPD).
Terms (Box 2.1)
Temperament/trait/disposition/character/habit/values ( "TTDCHV" - TTDCHV). Bio/stable/tend/pattern/over/ideals ( "BSTPOI" - BSTPOI).
Approaches
Type/trait/interactional ( "TTI" - TTI). Broad/specific/situational ( "BSS" - BSS).
Type Approaches
Humor/tridosha/trigunas/Sheldon ( "HTTS" - HTTS). Sanguine/vata/sattva/endo ( "SVSE" - SVSE).
Healthy Person (Box 2.3)
Aware/accept/respect/flexible/harmony ( "AARFH" - AARFH). Strengths/failures/others/adapt/surround ( "SFOAS" - SFOAS).
Assessment
Self-report/projective/behavioural ( "SPB" - SPB). Statements/ambiguous/observe ( "SAO" - SAO).
Overall Mnemonic: "Intro Self Kinds Aspects Culture Pers Terms App Type Healthy Assess" (ISKAC PT ATH A). Flashcards: One per subtopic. Easy: Bullets, bold keys; steps acronyms.
Key Terms & Processes - All Key
Expanded table 40+ rows; quick ref. Added advanced (e.g., trigunas, prakriti).
Term/Process Description Example Usage
Self Conscious experiences/ideas/feelings regard oneself "I am honest" Existence define
Personal Identity Unique attributes differ others Name/qualities Individual distinguish
Social Identity Group-derived aspects Religion/caste Cultural link
Self as Subject Actor/knower does "I know" Engage process
Self as Object Known/affected consequence Gets hurt Observed come known
Biological Self Hunger reflex awareness Cry milk Base cultural modify
Personal Self Self-concern freedom/achievement Personal responsibility Individual orientation
Social Self Relation cooperation/sharing Family sacrifice Relational/familial
Self-Concept Competencies/attributes views Positive athletic Overall positive/negative
Self-Esteem Value/worth judgment High perform Behavior relation
Self-Efficacy Control beliefs outcomes High risk undertake Mastery expectations
Self-Regulation Organize/monitor behavior Delay gratification Goals fulfillment
Self-Control Defer needs satisfaction Vrata/roza Long-term achieve
Individualistic Culture Fixed boundaries/dichotomies Self/other separate Group distance
Collectivistic Culture Harmonious co-existence Self/group overlap Family values
Personality Characteristic responding ways Stable qualities Predict behavior
Temperament Biological reacting Shy innate Base disposition
Trait Stable persistent behaving Honest consistent Specific quality
Disposition Situation react tendency Aggressive threat Specific response
Character Regular occurring pattern Moral actions Overall behavior
Habit Overlearned modes Daily routine Automatic
Values Important goals/ideals Truthfulness Guide actions
Type Approach Broad patterns similarities Sanguine Categorize
Trait Approach Specific attributes differ Shy degree Consistent ways
Interactional Approach Situational determine Rewards/threats Low consistency
Sanguine Optimistic/social Cheerful Humor type
Phlegmatic Calm/peaceful Relaxed Humor type
Melancholic Sad/analytical Thoughtful Humor type
Choleric Ambitious/leader Assertive Humor type
Vata Active/quick Energetic Prakriti type
Pitta Fiery/intelligent Ambitious Prakriti type
Kapha Calm/stable Patient Prakriti type
Sattva Guna Clean/truthful/dutiful Disciplined Triguna
Rajas Guna Active/desire/envy Materialistic Triguna
Tamas Guna Angry/lazy/depressed Helpless Triguna
Endomorphic Sociable/relaxed Plump Sheldon type
Mesomorphic Assertive/adventurous Muscular Sheldon type
Ectomorphic Restrained/introverted Thin Sheldon type
Self-Report Measures Statements true/false Inventories Conscious assess
Projective Techniques Ambiguous interpret Inkblots Unconscious reveal
Behavioural Analysis Observation/ratings Interviews Real behavior
Tip: Examples memory; sort subtopic. Easy: Table scan. Added 20 rows depth.
Key Processes & Diagrams - Solved Step-by-Step
Expanded all major; desc for diags; steps visual. Added self-development, regulation, cultural boundaries.
Process 1: Self Development
Step-by-Step:
Step 1: Newborn no self.
Step 2: Reflex cry hunger awareness.
Step 3: Interactions parents/friends shape ideas.
Step 4: Experiences/meanings basis.
Step 5: Modifiable light own/others experiences.
Diagram Desc: Timeline newborn to adult self.
Process 2: Self-Esteem Assessment
Step-by-Step:
Step 1: Present statements "good at homework".
Step 2: Indicate true extent.
Step 3: High if true; low if no.
Step 4: Areas academic/social/physical.
Step 5: Overall sense combine.
Diagram Desc: Bars high/low areas.
Process 3: Self-Regulation
Step-by-Step:
Step 1: Observe own behavior info.
Step 2: Instruct do/behave want.
Step 3: Reinforce pleasant outcomes.
Step 4: Delay gratification cultural like vrata.
Step 5: Monitor external demands adapt.
Diagram Desc: Cycle observe/instruct/reinforce.
Process 4: Cultural Self Boundaries
Step-by-Step:
Step 1: Western fixed dichotomies.
Step 2: Indian shifting no dichotomies.
Step 3: Expand fuse cosmos/others.
Step 4: Withdrawn focus individual.
Step 5: Harmonious group co-existence.
Diagram Desc: Fig 2.1 triangles separate/circles overlap.
Process 5: Personality Assessment
Step-by-Step:
Step 1: Self-report statements true.
Step 2: Projective ambiguous respond interpret.
Step 3: Behavioural observe/rate/interview.
Step 4: Multi-method complete profile.
Step 5: Predict/explain behavior.
Diagram Desc: Flow self-report to unconscious reveal.
Process 6: Type Categorization
Step-by-Step:
Step 1: Observe behavioral patterns.
Step 2: Similarities place type.
Step 3: Humors/tridosha/trigunas/Sheldon basis.
Step 4: Degrees dominate behavior.
Step 5: Predict from type features.
Diagram Desc: Categories boxes people sort.
Tip: Draw flows; label parts. Easy: Numbered with analogies (self as mirror).
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