Problem 7 - An Introduction to Theories of Personality

Question

Are there important theoretical differences between Erikson's construct of a negative identity and such related ideas as the Adlerian neglected child, Horney's concept of moving against people, and the Sullivanian malevolent transformation? Or are they all much the same?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The concepts of Erikson's negative identity, Adler's neglected child, Horney's moving against people, and Sullivan's malevolent transformation all revolve around negative shifts in personality and behavior. However, they differ in terms of the causes and focal points – identity formation, child rearing, coping mechanisms, and trauma-induced transformations respectively.

Step 1: Understanding Erikson's construct of negative identity

Erikson's negative identity refers to the idea that individuals can form identities that are undesirable or harmful. This can occur when individuals fail to form positive identities due to societal expectations or personal experiences.

Step 2: Understanding the Adlerian 'neglected child'

The 'neglected child' from Adler's individual psychology refers to a child who does not receive sufficient attention and care, leading to feelings of inferiority and lack of self-worth. This can cause problematic behaviors later in life.

Step 3: Understanding Horney's 'moving against people'

Horney's concept of 'moving against people' pertains to individuals adopting a hostile personality trait, often as a coping mechanism against feelings of anxiety or insecurity. This way, they maintain control and fend off perceived threats at the expense of developing a negative behavioral pattern.

Step 4: Understanding Sullivan's malevolent transformation

Sullivan's concept of 'malevolent transformation' refers to the transformation process in which there's a drastic negative change in a person's behavior or personality, often caused by past traumatic experiences.

Step 5: Making comparisons

Now, comparison should be made among these concepts. Though they appear similar as they all involve some form of negative transformation in personality, they deal with different aspects: Erikson's focuses on identity, Adler's on child's treatment, Horney's on coping mechanisms, and Sullivan's on transformations induced by trauma.