Psychology of Personality

A simple breakdown shows that the Psychoanalytic social theory was created upon the theory that cultural and social conditions, particularly the various experiences one would have during their childhood, play a big role in shaping a person’s personality. Those who did not have their needs for love and affection fulfilled during their childhood develop some sort of aggression toward their parents, because of this aggression they could develop some level of anxiety. It could be an understood culture that is not controlled by any sort of cultural values, but this could be a hard task to complete. “Erikson envisioned a psychoanalytic approach that would consider social and cultural realities rather than focusing exclusively on the individual, as Freud had done. James Côté and Charles Levine have developed such a psychoanalytic social psychology in their research and theorizing” (Cloninger, 2013).

1. What makes the psychoanalytic social perspective of personality unique?

Horney’s theory emphasizes the role of anxiety, with the basis that normal psychological development is achieved when a child’s basic needs of satisfaction and safety are met. She introduced three coping styles that children develop to deal with anxiety when the parent or caregiver does not meet their basic needs. These three skills are moving towards people, moving away from people, and moving against people.

1. What are the main components of each of the psychoanalytic-social personality theories? What are some of the main differences between theories?

Erikson believed that the key to developing personality is the experience of social relationships during the eight stages of life. The eight stages of life include trust vs. mistrust (0-1), autonomy vs. shame/doubt (1-3), initiative vs. guilt (3-6), industry vs. inferiority (7-11), identity vs. confusion (7-11), intimacy vs. isolation (19-29), generativity vs. stagnation (30-64), and integrity vs. despair (65+) (Cloninger, 2013). Each of the eight stages include a developmental task or conflict. Social interaction in each stage of life is needed to complete each task. The theory states a healthy individual masters the task in each stage of life.

Adlerian theory focused on the importance of individual’s being socially connected to one another. Individual’s desire social interaction and connectedness. With this focus Adler created 3 social tasks including, occupational, societal, and love. A large contribution to the psychoanalytic-social theory was Adler’s thought that personality was created by birth order. This idea is continually referred to by mothers and father today. For example, the oldest child is an overachiever, the only child prefers adult company, and the youngest child struggles making it work and leaving the home.

The differences between the three theories is the focus behind each theory. Horney’s theory is based on neurotic defenses to cope with difficulties in life. These neuroses were created in childhood and became part of the personality that affected an individual’s adulthood. Adler’s theory focuses on the idea of inferiority in childhood. When a child feels inferior he strives to become superior. Adler believed the desire to become superior drives an individual’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Erickson’s theory is based on the idea that an individual’s personality is developed parental and social influences throughout a lifespan. This is different from both Horeny’s and Adler’s theories in that they believe personality is created in childhood.

When reading through the text and learning about the different psychoanalytic-social theories the one that I connected to most was Karen Horney’s basic survival needs. The word safety and its definition stuck in my head. When I was less than a year old my father and mother divorced and I did not see or speak to him again until I was eight. My mother dated and married multiple men throughout my childhood. When I was six my mother married my second step-father. During the time that I lived with my mother and my step-father I was emotionally and physically abused. I often felt disconnected form my mother and I remember being in fear. During this time is did not receive affection nor a warm connection from my parents. When I was 15 I chose to live with my paternal grandmother in Oregon. This was the first time I felt love and supported by family. To this day I am still very close with my grandmother.

1. Choose one of the psychoanalytic-social personality theories, and apply it to your own life. Explain your own personality and personality development through this theory.

As I grew into adulthood I often longed for love and acceptance that I did not receive as a child. I dove head first into my first relationship at the age of 19, because I believed this was the love and connection I had been missing. We quickly married after 7 months. After reading Horney’s coping skills I immediately understood mine to be moving towards people, in order to lessen inner anxiety. I believe I married so quickly, because I had a neurotic desire to feel loved. For many years and after a child I tried to make my marriage work by buying gifts and doing anything to feel accepted and loved, but inevitably my ex-wife asked for a divorce. For many years I vowed never to marry again and focused my life on work to provide for my daughter. For many years everything I worked for went to my daughter. I worked overseas for 6 years, because my job was to provide my child with the life I never had, unbeknownst to me I was all she really needed. I understand now that she needed safety, as well as, satisfaction, but not receiving it as a child I was not able to provide my own child with this basic need. I am very thankful that her mother was there to provide her with what I wasn’t. Looking back I would have made many changes in her life. I dated other women and often got attached quickly, before my heart was broken again. At some point in my life I built a wall, dated, but never let anyone in close enough to hurt me again. Many would say I was very guarded and mean. After therapy and much healing I met my beautiful wife.

Reference

1. Moving towards people- A child becomes dependent of his parents and often seeks love and acceptance. This coping skill is used later in life when seeking close relationships with others.
2. Moving away from people- When this child’s needs are not met they withdraw from the world. In adulthood these children have avoid meaningful relationships and often pour themselves into personal interests and work.
3. Moving against people- A child becomes angry when his needs are not met and often takes his anger out on innocent individuals. As an adult this child continues to bully others and leads with aggression and anger to meet needs.

Cloninger, S. (2013). Theories of Personality (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.