Chapter 5: Problem 4

Give an example from your own life, or from the life of someone you know well, to illustrate: (a) the "tyranny of the should," (b) the neurotic symptoms of inconsistent and indecisive behavior

Short Answer

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The 'tyranny of the should' can be seen in a mother who puts undue pressure on herself to be perfect in all spheres of her life, thus causing her stress. Neurotic symptoms of inconsistent and indecisive behavior are evident in a student who constantly changes his future plans, indicating his lack of decisiveness and consistency.

Step by step solution

Identifying an example for the 'Tyranny of the should'

Let's consider a person constantly pressured by societal and personal standards. For instance, a mother who constantly tells herself she 'should' be able to juggle her job, parenting, and personal life without any help or without taking a break. She constantly feels guilty when she can't meet these unrealistic expectations, thereby creating stress and dissatisfaction within herself. This is an example of the 'tyranny of the should.'

Elucidating the 'Tyranny of the Should'

In this stage, it's explained how the example represents the concept. The mother's belief that she 'should' perfectly manage all spheres of her life is putting her under extreme pressure, leading to stress, guilt and dissatisfaction. Her self-imposed unrealistic expectations mirror the 'tyranny of the should.'

Identifying an example of neurotic symptoms of inconsistent and indecisive behavior

Consider a student who constantly changes his future plans. One day, he plans on taking up an engineering course, the next day he decides to take a business course, then he feels maybe art would be a good option. These sudden changes not only confuse people around him, but they also reflect his indecisiveness and inconsistency. This is an example of 'neurotic symptoms of inconsistent and indecisive behavior.'

Elucidating the 'Neurotic Symptoms of Inconsistent and Indecisive Behavior'

The student's constant change in his choice of future course indicates his lack of decisive and consistent behavior. His unpredictability mirrors 'neurotic symptoms of inconsistent and indecisive behavior.'

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Give an example from your own life, or from the life of someone you know well, to illustrate: (a) the "tyranny of the should," (b) the neurotic symptoms of inconsistent and indecisive behavior

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identifying an example for the 'Tyranny of the should'

Elucidating the 'Tyranny of the Should'

Identifying an example of neurotic symptoms of inconsistent and indecisive behavior

Elucidating the 'Neurotic Symptoms of Inconsistent and Indecisive Behavior'

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