Problem 1 - An Introduction to Theories of Personality

Question

(a) Why might Allport's reaction to Freud's question during their meeting in 1920 ("And was that little boy you?") be regarded as excessive? What might this imply about Allport's personality? About his theory? (b) Allport regards the very young child as an "unsocialized horror." What might this imply about his personality? About his theory?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Allport's excessive reaction to Freud's assumption indicates his strong commitment to his theoretical perspective emphasizing on the present and future experiences and individual's autonomy. His description of a young child as 'unsocialized horror' supports his belief that personality matures and unique traits emerge with individual experiences and age.

Step 1: Analyzing Allport's reaction to Freud

The first step is to understand why Allport might have reacted excessively to Freud's question. Freud was known for his Psychoanalytic theory, which involves deep examination of one's childhood experiences that might have lasting psychological effects. When Freud asked Allport if the little boy in the story was him, it might have hit a nerve. Allport's theories largely focused on the importance of present and future, rather than past experiences. He emphasized on the autonomy of an individual, which heavily contrasts with Freud's theories that highlighted unconscious influences from the past. This resolved disagreement could be why Allport's reaction was regarded as excessive.

Step 2: Implications on Allport's personality and theory

The intense reaction of Allport might suggest that he strongly stood by his beliefs and theories. He believed in the uniqueness of the individual and the inherent continuous growth and development in personality. This reaction could imply his frustration with the deterministic view of Freud’s psychoanalysis, showing his individualistic and forward-thinking aspects, which are also core tenets of his theories.

Step 3: Interpreting Allport's perspective of a young child

Analyzing Allport’s statement that a very young child is an 'unsocialized horror' requires understanding that Allport believed in the development and maturation of personality across one's lifespan. He thought that personality traits emerge with age and individual experience. According to him, young children are 'unsocialized' as they are still developing their unique traits.

Step 4: Implications on Allport's personality and theoretical perspective

Based on this statement, Allport might have been a realist, acknowledging that the process of socialization, the development of traits, and the maturation of personality are not always seamless or pleasant. His acknowledgment of a child as an 'unsocialized horror' also supports his theoretical perspective that personality develops over time and is not entirely present or fixed at birth, contrasting with developmental theories that underscore the importance of early years in personality development.