Question 1

How does Adler's superiority complex compare to Horney's concept of idealized self?

Accepted Answer

In both concepts the individual displays a tendency to think of him/herself in an exaggerated, positive light.

Question 2

What did Adler say about birth order that would apply to Toshimi's life?

Accepted Answer

Toshimi was an only child.Adler believed that single children were likely to have a low level of social interest and that they tend to be pampered and overprotected.This is indicated in the case study where it states that, "her parents became overprotective of Toshimi because of her close calls with death and for years encouraged her to "take it easy" and not run around very much, not become too excited." It also states that her parents "loved their daughter and hated to deny her anything."

Question 3

According to Adler's theory what was Toshimi's goal? What was Toshimi's unique style of life that could be used to achieve this goal? Provide evidence for your answer.

Accepted Answer

Toshimi wanted "to be good at some kind of physical activity and to have others respect her athleticism." The style of life that she chose to use to meet this goal was to become a ballet dancer.We know this is her style of life because Adler believed that style of life could be determined by a person's earliest memory.One of her earliest memories was of watching Swan Lake on television after not being chosen for a baseball team.

Question 4

Does Toshimi have a high or low level of social interest? What does this imply about her personality and adjustment? What is the cause of this level of social interest?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Does Toshimi have a high or low...

Question 5

According to Adler's theory what was Martin's goal? What was Martin's unique style of life that could be used to achieve this goal? Provide evidence for your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Adler's theory what was Martin's...

Question 6

Using Adler's theory of individual psychology, analyze Toshimi's life by answering the following questions.
-What is the motivation behind Toshimi's career choice, according to Adler's theory?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using Adler's theory of individual psychology, analyze...

Question 7

What did Adler say about birth order that would apply to Martin's life?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What did Adler say about birth order...

Question 8

What other theory, besides Adler's, could explain Toshimi's career choice? How?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What other theory, besides Adler's, could explain...

Question 9

How do Adler's safeguarding tendencies compare with Horney's neurotic trends? Explain Martin's lack of relationships using these two concepts.

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do Adler's safeguarding tendencies compare with...

Question 10

Did Martin have a high or low level of social interest? What does this imply about his personality and adjustment? What is the cause of this level of social interest?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Did Martin have a high or low...

Question 11

According to Bowlby and Ainsworth, what type of attachment style does Martin display? Explain.What would be the source of this type of attachment style?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Bowlby and Ainsworth, what type...

Question 12

How do Adler's thoughts on parenting compare with Erikson's? Would Adler consider Toshimi's parents as having good parenting skills? What about Erikson?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do Adler's thoughts on parenting compare...

Question 13

Using Adler's theory of individual psychology analyze Martin's life by answering the following questions.
-What evidence is there that Martin had feelings of inferiority?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using Adler's theory of individual psychology analyze...

Question 14

According to Adler's theory, how did feelings of inferiority influence Martin's behavior? What influence did these beliefs of inferiority have on his striving for superiority?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Adler's theory, how did feelings...

Question 15

How could Horney's concept of basic anxiety explain Martin's exaggerated independence? What mechanisms are used by Martin to help him deal with basic anxiety? How does Adler's concept of social interest compare with Horney's trend of moving away from people?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How could Horney's concept of basic anxiety...

Exam 5: Case Studies 7-8 Karen Horney: Contributions