Chapter 5 Flashcards
What did Adler believed that the primary driving force behind human behavior was?
the striving for superiority or the desire to overcome feelings of inferiority
what is the approach of Adler called?
individual psychology
According to Adler, what is the goal of therapy?
the goal of therapy is to help individuals overcome feelings of inferiority, develop a stronger sense of social interest, and create a more positive and constructive style of life.
ex. imagery “picture yourself doing exactly what you want to do, how would things change”
according to adler, what can you transform feelings of inferiority into?
motivation for personal growth and achievement.
according to adler, what indicates mental health of a person
striving for superiority + social interest
what’s the single motivation source for adler?
striving for superiority
what can lead to excessive feelings of inferiority (in childhood) according to Adler?
- Physical or Mental Limitations: feel inadequate compared to others
- Pampering or Overindulgence: become overly dependent on others
- Neglect or Abuse: internalize a sense of worthlessness
fictional finalism
refers to the idea that individuals are motivated by an idealized, fictional goal or ultimate purpose that gives direction and meaning to their lives
ex. “I will only be happy if I become the best in my field and achieve widespread recognition.” Even though this might be an unrealistic goal, it motivates them to work hard, seek validation, and push themselves in their career.
meaning of Teleological
geared towards the future
when does inferiority complex developp
when a person is unable to compensate for normal inferiority feelings
-poor self-opinion, helpless, difficult to cope with life demands
when does a person develop superiority complex
when a person overcompensates for normal inferiority feelings
-self-centered, tend to denigrate others
how does adler explain styles of life
expression of striving is different and unique for every person
what is a mistaken lifestyle according to adler
unhealthy or maladaptive way of living and interacting with the world, which stems from their feelings of inferiority and an inaccurate perception of life
mistaken life styles
- ruling-dominant: Individuals who try to dominate or control others to overcome their feelings of inferiority. They often engage in aggressive or manipulative behavior, using power to compensate for their perceived weaknesses.
- getting-leaning: These individuals rely heavily on others for support and do not develop self-reliance. They often expect others to meet their needs, leading to dependency and a lack of personal responsibility.
- avoidant: People who avoid challenges or social interactions to protect themselves from failure or criticism. They tend to retreat from life, avoiding risks and opportunities for growth out of fear of failure.
What is the ideal lifestyle according to Adler?
Socially Useful Type: Individuals with a socially useful life style are cooperative, socially interested, and engaged in contributing to the welfare of others.
what is the equivalent of freud’s defense mechanisms in Adler’s theory
Safeguarding strategies
Safeguarding strategies: 3 forms of agression
Depreciation: “He doesn’t deserve to get this”
Idealization: Trying to put other down by making them look inferior compared to idealized standards
Solicitude: Let me help you with that. Can’t possibly be able to do that. See others as needing help, as being inferior.
safeguarding strategies: accusation
“you messed me up on purpose!!”
safeguarding strategies: blaming others
If it wasn’t from my colleague that screwed me up, i would have gotten the promotion
safeguarding strategies: moving backwards
do something easier to do well in it
safeguarding strategies: creating obstacles
Goal that is difficult to achieve, you create obstacle (like too tired), to have an excuse of why you don’t accomplish goals
safeguarding strategies: no lose situations
picking something that you cannot possibly fail
According to Carl Jung, what is the personal unconscious
the part of the unconscious mind that consists of an individual’s repressed memories, forgotten experiences, and subliminal perceptions (material that was once conscious)
According to Carl Jung, what is the collective unconscious?
deep layer of the unconscious mind that is shared by all human beings: made up of inherited experiences, memories, and patterns that are common to humanity as a whole, passed down across generations. these primordial images are archetypes
theory of collective unconscious: anima archetype
- the unconscious feminine side of a man
- associated with emotions, intuition, creativity, and the ability to form deep emotional connections
what happens if anima is poorly integrated ? (consciously acknowledged or embraced)
qualities can manifest in a problematic way: it can lead to emotional instability or the projection of idealized images of women onto real individuals
theory of collective unconscious: animus archetype
- the unconscious masculine side of a woman
- associated with rationality, assertiveness, independence, and a sense of power or will
What happens when the animus is not integrated (consciously acknowledged or embraced)
qualities can manifest in a problematic way: domineering or overly critical attitudes, or as an attraction to aggressive or authoritarian men.
what’s the general idea of the animus and anima archetypes
These archetypes are considered complementary aspects of the human psyche and are part of Jung’s idea that each person contains both masculine and feminine energies, regardless of their biological sex.
key archetypes: the persona archetype
The mask or role that individuals present to the outside world, often shaped by social expectations.
key archetype: the shadow archetype
Represents the darker, hidden side of the personality, including desires and qualities that are often rejected or repressed. primitive animal drive
key archetype: the self archetype
Represents the whole of the psyche and the quest for wholeness or individuation (the process of becoming who one truly is)
according to carl jung, what is the ego
- the conscious thinking part of the psyche.
- mediator between the outer world (reality and social roles) and the inner world (unconscious desires, memories, and emotions).
Carl Jung identified two primary attitudes of the psyche: extraversion and introversion. These attitudes describe the way individuals
orient their energy and attention, either toward the external world or the inner world
Carl Jung proposed four primary psychological function
Thinking: making decisions based on logic, analysis, and objectivity
Feeling: also a decision-making process, but it is based on values, empathy, and emotional considerations
Sensation: focuses on perceiving the world through the senses. detects object.
Intuition: perceiving possibilities, patterns, and abstract connections (gut feeling
jung’s psychological types
Extraverted vs introverted
+
Feeling, sensing, intuition, thinking
8 total, all called extraverted feeling, extraverted sensing etc.
jung’s psychological types are very similar to
Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
what is individuation according to carl jung?
integration of all conscious and unconscious facets of personality.
Individuation is the journey of becoming the most authentic version of oneself
How to reach fulfillment according to carl jung?
comes through the process of individuation: confront the unconscious, dethrone the persona, accept the dark side, accept the anima and animus, transcent
what did Horney agree with freud on
child does develop feelings of jealousy of the father
what did Horney disagree with freud on
didn;t agree with notions of oedipal complex and his division of the mind into id/ego/superego
the core of Horney’s theory
if the parents are neglectful of the children (ridicule, humiliation, isolation) child will develop hostility towards the parent. need to have this feeling of safety
Basic Evil
refers to the harmful, neglectful, or inappropriate treatment of a child by their caregivers (Neglect, Overprotection, Rejection etc)
Basic Hostility
When children experience basic evil (neglect or mistreatment), they naturally develop feelings of anger and resentment toward their caregivers
This hostility is often repressed because the child is afraid of losing whatever support they still receive from their caregivers.
Basic Anxiety
deep-seated feeling of helplessness, fear, and insecurity that arises when a child feels isolated and vulnerable in a hostile or unpredictable world
to cope with basic anxiety, how does Horney call what individuals normally develop:
neurotic coping strategies/neurotic needs
what’s the difference between a neurotic person and a healthy person in terms of neurotic coping strategies
everyone has neurotic needs but a neurotic person will make one need the focal point in their life
examples of neurotic needs (Horney identified 10 in total)
need for affection and approval, need for a partner who will run one’s life, need to live one’s life within narrow limits, need for power, need to exploit others…
individuals often develop neurotic coping strategies that are part of 3 trend categories (also called adjustment patterns), which are they?
1- movement toward people (compliant)
2- movement against people (aggressive)
3- movement away from people (detached)
Unlike Freud, who focused primarily on early childhood and sexual development, Erikson believed that
personality continues to develop throughout life, shaped by challenges at different stages
His theory is often called
ego psychology, because he emphasized the role of ego. powerful and independent part of personality
what is the principal function of the ego
to establish and maintain a sense of identity
what are crises according to Eirk Erikson
turning points encountered by people in personality development
what determines the direction of personality development according to Erik Erikson
how a person resolves a crisis
ex. can results in a specific virtue, or psychological strength
true or false? if you don’t solve one stage you can still resolve the next ones
false, if you don’t solve one stage it’s going to be hard to solve the others
Stage 1 : basic trust vs mistrust (Infancy: Birth to 18 months)
- Starts developing whether the world is a trusting place or a world where you should distrust people
- If needs are consistently met, they develop a sense of trust. If not, mistrust, fear, and suspicion of the world may develop.
Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood: 18 months to 3 years)
Can I do things on my own, or will I always need help?
Children start gaining independence by learning to walk, talk, and make choices. If caregivers encourage autonomy, the child gains confidence. Over-control or criticism can lead to feelings of shame and doubt about their abilities.
Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool Age: 3 to 5 years)
Is it okay for me to take initiative and try new things? Children begin asserting control and power over their environment by initiating activities and making decisions. Encouragement leads to a sense of initiative, while discouragement or excessive punishment can result in guilt.
Stage 4. Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age: 6 to 12 years)
Can I be successful in learning and socializing?
When encouraged, they develop a sense of competence. When they face repeated failure or negative feedback, they may feel inferior.
Stage 5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence: 12 to 18 years)
Who am I, and where am I going in life?
Adolescents explore different roles, values, and beliefs to form their identity. Successful resolution leads to a clear sense of self. Failure results in confusion about one’s identity and future role in society.
Stage 6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood: 18 to 40 years)
Can I form close, meaningful relationships?
Decide wheather to spend the rest of your life on your own or find spouse, family. ability to form intimate relationships leads to connection and love, while failure results in isolation and loneliness.
Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood, 40-65 years)
Can I contribute to the world and the next generation? Can I pass on something to the next generation?
Success in career, family, and community leads to generativity—contributing to society. Stagnation occurs if the person feels unproductive or disconnected.
Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair (Old Age, 65+ years)
Did I live a meaningful life?
In reflecting on life, a sense of integrity emerges from feeling fulfilled, while despair arises from regret and dissatisfaction.
