straight from the notebook... I list below some things I've learned thus far in my psychopathology class that I find enlightening...
a normal, healthy personality is defined as: (1)conforming to or consisting of a pattern, process, or standard regarded as usual or typical and (2) well-adjusted, without marked or persistent mental, personal, emotional or behavior aberrations.
"normal" personality traits are destinguished by: (and the presence of these things apparently makes you a happier person)
self-actualizing - reasonable level of confidence, initialve, style of motivation, opportunity seeking, satisfaction with acquired status.
ability to accept oneself, others and nature - such persons accept their shortcomings, are not ashamed or being what and who they are, have a positive self-concept, feel they are making contribution to the world and have recognition and acceptance of self.
adequate perception of and comfortable attitude toward reality - prefer to cope with unpleasant realities rather than to avoid or deny them. base decision on how things really are rather than on how they wish they were.
spontaneity - is relatively spontaneous in behaviour and thought; behave naturally.
focus on external problems - locus of control balance, but general focus on external rather than worrying about themselves; not overly self-conscious; can devote attention to a task that seems appropriate; recognition of responsibility, but not blame.
need for privacy - enjoys time to self, some solitude, even more than others (not aloof or withdrawing); devote time to themselves but very much appreciate others around them.
independence from the environment - remains relatively stable and secure in spite of harsh conditions; can maintain happiness in circumstances that might upset others; withstand stress such as economic depreivation, physical hardship.
continued freshness of appreciation - capacity to appreciate again and again basic joys of world and nature; have ability to see uniqueness and enjoy many commonplace experiences...creative, open, posses strong feeling of "belongingness" with humanity.
