Question

Compare and contrast two theories of personality development in middle age. Are these theories mutually contradictory, or do they add to and enrich each other? Present each theory in full with related examples, relevant research, etc. After these have been explicitly mapped out, make your comparisons and draw your conclusions.

Answer 1

neo freudians developed their theories in contradiction to freuds theory in the middle age. two major theorie were given by carl jung and alfred adler.

carl jung- he disagreed with freud about the nature of unconscious mind.jung believed that unconsciousness held much more than fears, urges and memories. he believed that this was only a part of personal unconscious and there is a collective unconscious as well. according to jung, the collective unconscious contains a kindd of a species memory, including memories of ancient fears and themes that seem to occur in many folktales and cultures. these collective, universal human memories were called archaetypes by jung. there are many archaetypes but two or more ll known are anima/animus i.e. the feminine side of man/ masculine side of woman. and the shadow i.e. teh devil or dark side of personality. the side of personality kknown to the world is persona.

adler- alfred adler disagreed with freud over the importance of sexulity. he developed the theory that as young, helpless childfren, all people develop feelings of inferiority when compairing themselves to others who are more powerful. the driving fprce behind all the emotions , thoughts and endeavours was not seeking pleasure but superiority. compensation is the defence mechanism whereby people try to overcome feelings of inferiority in ones area of life by striving to be superior in another area. he developed a theory that the birth order of a child affected personality. younger sibblings make first borns feel inferior as they get all teh attention and overcompensate by becoming overachievers. middle children has a feling of supriority to older one and inferiority to younger one. the younger child has feeling of inferiority because they are not allowed freedom and responsibility of the older children.

these two theories are completely different. there main focus is different but both directly nd indirectly explain the concept of personal and collective personality.