Psychology personality traits

Question

I will give you the following scenario about Hank and Leslie. I will also list a personality theory/theorist that you will need to apply to the scenario to explain why each person acts the way they do. You will get this question two times with two different personality theories. For each explanation, you should provide a general overview of the theoretical approach and then 2-key points from each theory. Here are the theories you might encounter:
o Freud’s Psychodynamic theory
o Horney’s Neurotic Needs
o Erikson’ Sociocultural theory
o Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
o Rotter’s Locus of Control
o Bandura’s Observational Learning & Self-Efficacy
Here is the scenario:
Hank and Leslie are having a lot of relationship difficulties. Hank is extremely critical of Leslie. He puts her down about everything…she is ugly, fat, stupid, talks too much, you name it. Leslie is actually quite thin, very attractive, is finishing her college degree, and is considered well-liked and sociable by those who know her. Hank is unemployed and spends most of his time smoking, drinking, and hanging out with his other unemployed friends. Hank never went to college. Leslie and Hank have been together for five years. Leslie’s friends have begged her to leave Hank but she says she loves him and wants to make the relationship work.

Answer 1

Freud's Psychodynamic Theory

Overview:

Freud believed personality develops through unconscious conflicts, childhood experiences, and defense mechanisms that protect people from anxiety.

Key Concept 1: Defense Mechanisms (Projection)

Hank may feel insecure about being unemployed and unsuccessful. Instead of accepting those feelings, he projects them onto Leslie by criticizing her appearance and intelligence. His Insults help him avoid confronting his own inadequacies.

Key Concept 2: Unconscious Conflict

Leslie may unconsciously fear abandonment or believe she must earn love through sacrifice. These unconscious beliefs could explain why she stays despite emotional abuse.

Horney's Neurotic Needs

Overview:

Karen Horney believed that anxiety created in childhood leads people to develop unhealthy relationship patterns called neurotic needs.

Key Concept 1: Need for Power

Hank attempts to maintain control by constantly putting Leslie down. Making her feel inferior may help him feel more powerful.

Key Concept 2: Need for Affection and Approval

Leslie continues trying to make the relationship work because she has a strong need for love and acceptance, even at the expense of her own well - being.

Erikson's Psychosocial Theory

Overview:

Erikson believed personality develops through stages of psychosocial conflict across the lifespan.

Key Concept 1: Identity vs. Role Confusion

Hank may struggle with his sense of identity because he lacks employment and educational achievement. His frustration contributes to his negative treatment of Leslie.

Key Concept 2: Intimacy vs. Isolation

Leslie values maintaining close relationships and may fear being alone. This helps explain why she remains committed despite the unhealthy relationship.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Overview:

Maslow proposed that people are motivated to satisfy needs beginning with basic survival and ending with self - actualization.

Key Concept 1: Esteem Needs

Hank appears to have low self- esteem because of unemployment and lack of accomplishments. He attempts to boost his own self - worth by criticizing Leslie.

Key Concept 2: Love and Belonging Needs

Leslie's desire for love and connection outweighs her need for safety and self - esteem, causing her to stay in the relationship.

Rotter's Locus of Control

Overview:

Rotter believed people differ in whether they believe outcomes are controlled by their own actions (internal locus) or outside forces (external locus).

Key Concept 1: External Locus of Control

Hank may blame circumstances or other people for his lack of success rather than taking responsibility for changing his situation.

Key Concept 2: Internal Locus of Control

Leslie believes she can improve the relationship through her own efforts, leading her to continue investing in it despite the abuse.

Bandura's Observational Learning & Self - Efficacy

Overview:

Bandura believed that behavior is learned through observing others and that self-efficacy influences people's confidence in achieving goals.

Key Concept 1: Observational Learning

If Hank grew up observing criticism or emotional abuse, he may have learned that it is a normal way to behave in relationships.

Key Concept 2: Self - Efficacy

Leslie has confidence in her ability to solve problems and believes she can repair the relationship, which contributes to her decision to stay.