Both Carl Jung and Alfred Adler were especially critical of Freud’s emphasis on
a. the influence of childhood experiences.
b. sexuality.
c. the unconscious.
d. defense mechanisms.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
b. sexuality.
Explanation:
Carl Jung and Alfred Adler, both prominent figures in the field of psychology, were originally followers of Sigmund Freud but later diverged from his theories. One of the main reasons for their departure from Freudian psychoanalysis was their strong disagreement with his emphasis on sexuality as the primary driving force of human behavior and psychological development.
Carl Jung’s Criticism
Jung, who developed analytical psychology, believed that Freud’s focus on sexual instincts was too narrow and reductionist. Instead, Jung introduced the concept of the collective unconscious, a shared reservoir of archetypes and symbols that shape human experience across cultures. He argued that human motivation is driven not just by sexual urges but also by a deeper spiritual and existential quest for meaning. He also proposed that personality development involves the process of individuation, where a person integrates different aspects of the self to achieve wholeness.
Alfred Adler’s Criticism
Adler, the founder of individual psychology, rejected Freud’s idea that human behavior is primarily shaped by sexual desires and unconscious conflicts. Instead, Adler emphasized the importance of social factors and personal striving. He argued that people are driven by a desire to overcome feelings of inferiority and achieve superiority, a concept known as the inferiority complex. Adler believed that childhood experiences and social relationships play a crucial role in shaping personality, rather than unconscious sexual drives.
Both Jung and Adler expanded psychological theory by shifting focus away from Freud’s sexual determinism to broader perspectives, including social, spiritual, and cognitive factors. Their work greatly influenced modern psychology, leading to new approaches to understanding personality and human motivation.