The sickly child who goes on to become a forceful, physically active adult is engaging in what Adler called
a. compensation.
b. displacement.
c. fixation.
d. regression.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
a. compensation.
Explanation:
Alfred Adler, a renowned psychologist and founder of individual psychology, introduced the concept of compensation as a psychological mechanism in which individuals strive to overcome real or perceived weaknesses by excelling in other areas. In this context, a sickly child who grows up to become a physically strong and active adult is engaging in compensation because they are working to counterbalance their early physical frailty by developing strength and vitality later in life.
Adler believed that individuals often feel a sense of inferiority due to perceived physical, psychological, or social weaknesses. To cope with this inferiority, they engage in compensatory behaviors that help them improve their self-worth and effectiveness in the world. This idea is central to Adler’s broader concept of striving for superiority, which he argued is the fundamental driving force behind human motivation.
For example, a child who was frequently ill and physically weak may develop a strong desire to engage in sports, exercise, or other physically demanding activities as they grow older. This transformation is a way of compensating for the limitations they experienced in childhood, ultimately leading to personal growth and achievement.
Adler distinguished between healthy and unhealthy compensation. In the case of the sickly child who becomes physically strong, the compensation is healthy because it leads to self-improvement. However, if the child were to overcompensate by developing an extreme obsession with strength or power, it could become maladaptive.
In contrast, the other answer choices do not fit this scenario:
- Displacement (b) involves redirecting emotions from one target to another.
- Fixation (c) refers to an unresolved psychological stage.
- Regression (d) involves reverting to an earlier developmental stage.
Thus, compensation best explains this phenomenon.