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Chapter 7: Problem 4

(a) Sullivan rejects Freud's construct of libido on the grounds that "physical energy is the only kind of energy I know." Do you agree with Sullivan or Freud? Why? (b) Describe the purpose of dynamisms in a single sentence. (c) Give examples of behaviors that represent the same dynamism but differ in form and/or intensity.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Personal agreement can vary between Sullivan or Freud's theories: this depends on the perspective whether one values observable behavior or unconscious psychological activities more. Dynamism is a characteristic pattern of behavior developed in response to varying life situations. It might take various forms or intensities, as illustrated by the dynamism of self-protection or aggression, which can be seen in diverse behaviors ranging from evasion to fight, or verbal conflicts to physical altercations.

Step by step solution

01

Comparison between Sullivan and Freud

The statement : 'Physical energy is the only kind of energy I know,' was Sullivan's opposition to Freud's belief in psychological energies like the libido. Sullivan focused on observable behaviors and interpersonal relationships in his theories, unlike Freud who was more concerned with internal psychological experiences and unconscious drives. To agree or disagree with either Sullivan or Freud would be a matter of personal perspective. You may agree with Freud if you believe in the existence and influence of unconscious psychological activities. If you are more inclined towards proven, observable behavioral studies, then you would side with Sullivan.
02

Defining Dynamisms

Dynamism is a term from Sullivan's interpersonal theory. It refers to characteristic patterns of behavior that develop in response to the demands and constraints of different life situations. In a single sentence, dynamism can be described as the repeated pattern of behavior reflecting one's way of dealing with life situations.
03

Providing examples of Dynamism

The same dynamism may take different forms or intensities depending on situations or individual differences. For instance, the dynamism of 'self-protection' could be seen in an individual evading danger by running away, while in another individual it could manifest as fighting off a threat. The intensity of the same dynamism, aggression, could range from minor verbal conflicts to physical altercations, dependent on circumstances and individual temperament.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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.

How might a person who frequently tries to increase his or her self-esteem by demeaning and ridiculing other people use personality theories to make better decisions and live a more fulfilling life?

Sullivan has been criticized for attributing the formation of the self-system primarily to the opinions of other people, and ignoring the distortions caused by the child's own misperceptions and incorrect thoughts. Give a real-life example to illustrate how the child's own errors significantly affect the development of the self-system.

Both Sullivan and Jung were particularly interested in schizophrenia. How might Sullivan's concept of the parataxic mode be related to: (a) Jung's construct of synchronicity? (b) the kinds of constructs devised by both theorists?

Freud contends that personality development is virtually complete by about age 5 or 6 Sullivan argues that personality continues to develop through late childhood and adolescence, influenced by such factors as interactions with one's schoolmates, the preadolescent chum, and the emergence of the lyst dynamism, Do you agree with Syllivan or Freud? Why?
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