All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

The principle that nothing in psyche happens by chance and all mental activities have a prior cause is called

The correct answer is
Psychic determinism

Understanding Psychic Determinism

The question asks for the psychological principle stating that all mental events have a cause and nothing in the psyche occurs randomly.

Principle Explained

This principle is known as Psychic determinism. It posits that every mental process, whether conscious or unconscious, is determined by prior causes. Events like thoughts, feelings, memories, and actions are not accidental but are the result of preceding psychological occurrences.

Evaluating Options

  • Psychic determinism: This directly matches the definition given in the question, asserting that all mental activities stem from prior causes.
  • Overdetermination: This concept, often discussed in psychoanalysis, suggests that a single event or symptom can have multiple, sometimes unconscious, causes rather than just one. While related to causality, it's not the overarching principle that *all* mental activities have a prior cause.
  • Pleasure Principle: This principle refers to the drive to maximize pleasure and minimize pain, often associated with the id's immediate gratification demands. It doesn't encompass the idea that all mental activities are determined by prior events.
  • Reality Principle: This principle describes how the ego balances the id's desires with the constraints of the external world, often involving delayed gratification. It's a specific mechanism, not the general principle of causality for all mental events.

Conclusion

Based on the definition provided in the question, Psychic determinism is the correct principle.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from Personality - Teaching

  1. Identify correct assertions according to Roger's theory of personality.

    A. Self-actualisers are the healthiest one percent of the population.
    B. The perceived self influences both the person's perception of the world and his or her behaviour.
    C. People are likely to function more effectively if they are brought up with unconditional positive regard.
    D. Each of us has an ideal self.
    E. Individuals, whose self-concepts match their feelings and experiences, must defend themselves against the truth.

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
  2. Arrange the following tests/concepts related to projective techniques in chronological order (oldest to newest)
    A. Introduction of the term 'Projective Method' by Frank
    B. The Holtzman Inkblot Test
    C. The Rorschach Test
    D. Word-Association Test by Galton
    E. Thematic Apperception Test
    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
  3. Who first attempted to describe personality traits in terms of Lexican descriptors ?
  4. Which of the following have been explained by Freud in his psycho-analytic theory of motivation ?
    a. Homeostasis
    b. Drives
    c. Hedonism
    d. Instincts
  5. Match List - I with List - II and select the correct answer by choosing from the codes given below :
    List - I (Concept)List - II (Explanation)
    a. Traiti. Specific emotional and behavioural qualities of personality that are thought to be biologically based
    b. Typeii. A collection of highly interconnected traits or dispositions which determine personality integration
    c. Systemiii. Clustering of many stable and enduring dispositions or qualities.
    d. Temperamentiv. Consistent pattern of emotional and behavioural reactions a person displays across variety of situations.
Need Expert Advice?

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App