Comparison

Erik Erikson

Believed people are born with inherent potential to develop and must know and accept themselves to thrive.

Id, Ego, Superego

Structural elements of personality; Erikson emphasizes the ego's lifelong development influenced by social environment.

Striving for identity

Main motive in Erikson's theory, where behavior stems from inherent tendencies modified by social interaction.

Actualising tendency

In Rogers' theory, the basic motive is the drive to grow and achieve one's full potential.

Self-concept

Your internal picture of yourself and the value you place on that image in Rogers' framework.

Will to meaning

Frankl's primary motive, suggesting the search for meaning is more pivotal than pleasure or power.

Existential vacuum

A state of emptiness emerging when the will to meaning is not fulfilled according to Frankl.

Social Constructionism

View that personality is shaped through social interaction and cultural context, rejecting fixed human nature.

Ubuntu

An African philosophy emphasizing community and interconnectedness; 'A person is a person because of other people'.

Holistic perspective

An African view of personality where the self integrates spiritual, communal, and individual aspects.