Problem 1 - An Introduction to Theories of Personality

Question

Consider the case material in the Appendix. How would Sullivan explain the causes of this man's anxiety, given the following information? (a) His mother suffered from frequent anxiety, and her hand often shook when she held his hand. (b) His mother often referred to relatives and friends in such negative terms as thoughtless, inconsiderate, and likely to hurt one's feelings. (c) He often feared his father's angry criticism and ridicule, but was not afraid of his mother. (d) He could not find a way to alleviate his painful anxiety.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

In summary, Sullivan would explain the man's anxiety as a result of adverse interpersonal experiences with his parents, coupled with his lack of effective strategies to manage his anxiety. Therefore, his mother's frequent display of anxiety, negative depiction of others, his fear of his father's criticism, and his inability to cope with his anxiety may all have contributed to his current state of anxiety, as per Harry Stack Sullivan's interpersonal theory of psychiatry.

Step 1: Analysing Mother's Influence

The starting point is to explore how the man's mother's anxiety might have influenced him. According to Sullivan, a child may absorb and mirror their parent's emotions. So, if his mother constantly displayed signs of anxiety - such as her shaking hand- this could have subconsciously communicated to her son that the world is a dangerous and frightful place, leading to the development of his own symptoms of anxiety.

Step 2: Negative Perception towards Relatives and Friends

The next factor to consider is the negative portrayal of relatives and friends. Sullivan emphasized the importance of interpersonal relationships in personality development. If his mother often referred to friends and relatives in negative terms, this might have influenced his expectations about his social interactions, increasing his anxiety related to dealing with others.

Step 3: Father's Criticism and Ridicule

Another key aspect is the man's fear of his father's criticism and ridicule. Sullivan believed that such fears often stem from an individual's struggles with their perceived self-esteem. The man fearing his father's anger and criticism may indicate a low self-esteem, which is commonly linked with anxiety disorders.

Step 4: Inability to Alleviate Anxiety

Finally, the man's inability to alleviate his anxiety can also be analysed using Sullivan's theories. This could be due to his 'security operation' (Sullivan's term for behaviours used to minimize anxiety) not functioning properly, or possibly, he may not have learned effective strategies to manage or cope with his anxiety due to his parents' influences.