Sullivan's Interpersonal Theory

These flashcards cover key concepts of Sullivan's Interpersonal Theory, focusing on his views about personality and human behavior.

What are the major concepts that make up Sullivan's Interpersonal Theory?

Energy system, dynamisms, anxiety, need, interactions, personifications.

How does Sullivan view personality?

As an energy system, not a fixed structure.

What did Sullivan say about personality as a concept?

Personality is a hypothetical term—almost an 'illusion'—used to explain behavior.

What creates personality according to Sullivan?

Interpersonal events (our interactions with others).

How do people learn behaviors, according to Sullivan?

Through interactions with the environment, including responses to imagined characters or scenarios.

Why did Sullivan reject the id–ego–superego model?

He believed it was useless; human activity depends on current interpersonal interactions, not libido.

What determines human activity at any given moment according to Sullivan?

Interaction with the environment and the impulses associated with it.