Self And Personality — Psychology STD 12 Humanities — Question

Explanation of personality development by Alfred Adler and Karen Horney:
Alfred Adler - Lifestyle and social interest - feeling of inferiority and superiority.
Alfred Adler's theory is known as individual psychology.

• The central human motive is that of striving for superiority.
• Human behaviour is purposeful and goal-directed.
• Each one has capacity to choose and create such goals.
• Our personal goals are sources of motivation for us.
• Alfred Adler's view – every individual suffers from 'feeling of inferiority' that are experienced during infancy and childhood. During childhood, child is helpless and depends on others for help and support Karen Horney - Optimism.

Karen Horney advocated a far more optimistic view of human life with emphasis on Human Growth and Self-actualisation. She emphasised on the importance of social relationships in personality development.

• Psychological disorders were caused by disturbed interpersonal relationship during childhood.
• Basic anxiety - refers to the feeling of a child being isolated and helpless in a potential hostile world.