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Chapter 8: Problem 9

Does a healthy personality have no basic mistrust at all? Why or why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A healthy personality doesn't imply the complete absence of basic mistrust. Basic mistrust, in balance, can be part of a healthy personality as it might promote critical thinking and caution. However, a personality dominated by basic mistrust could lead to unhealthy outcomes like isolation or difficulty in forming relationships.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Key Concepts

The first step is understanding the nature of basic mistrust. As postulated by the psychologist Erik Erikson, basic mistrust forms during infancy if needs are not met. This doesn't mean all mistrust, but rather an underlying layer that can affect relationships and overall outlook on life. Healthy personality, on the other hand, is a more subjective concept but is often associated with traits like resilience, self-confidence, and the ability to form stable relationships.
02

Formulate an Argument Based on These Concepts

In considering whether a healthy personality can include basic mistrust, it is helpful to note that basic mistrust can be a natural defense mechanism and a tool for critical thinking. Therefore, it would not prevent a personality from being considered healthy. In fact, it could even be beneficial, helping individuals to question their surroundings and avoid potentially harmful situations.
03

Concluding the Argument

Based on these reflections, one might conclude that a healthy personality does not exclude the presence of basic mistrust. However, a balanced approach to trust and mistrust is likely essential for an overall healthy personality. If mistrust dominated, it could lead to isolation and difficulty in forming relationships, which would not be considered healthy.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Erikson argues that a child enjoys mastery of the environment for its own sake, and not just as a means to the end of satisfying instinctual drives. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

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?

Erikson regards mutuality as the ideal form of interpersonal relationship. What societal influences make it more difficult for us to develop mutuality?

Give an example from real life or from fiction to illustrate identity confusion.

A terrorist blows up a building in a hated foreign country. How might Erikson explain the terrorist's behavior?
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