Question

Sullivan distinguished anxiety from fear in three ways:

(1) usually stems from complex interpersonal relations and is only vaguely presented in awareness
(2) has no positive value
(3) blocks the satisfaction of needs

Answer 1

Sullivan distinguished anxiety from fear by highlighting its roots in complex interpersonal relations, lack of positive value, and its hindrance to satisfying needs.

Step-by-step explanation:

Harry Stack Sullivan's differentiation between anxiety and fear rests on three key distinctions.

Firstly, anxiety is intricately linked to complex interpersonal relationships, often lurking in the background of awareness, making it challenging to pinpoint.

Unlike fear, which is more immediate and specific, anxiety is a pervasive emotional state that arises from the complexity of human connections.

Secondly, Sullivan emphasizes that anxiety lacks positive value. Unlike fear, which can serve as a protective mechanism in response to a clear and present threat, anxiety doesn't provide any constructive benefits.

It's a more nebulous and potentially debilitating emotional state that doesn't contribute to the individual's well-being.

Lastly, Sullivan notes that anxiety acts as a barrier to the satisfaction of needs. While fear may trigger a fight-or-flight response, mobilizing the individual to address an imminent danger, anxiety tends to impede the fulfillment of one's needs.

This hindrance can manifest in various ways, such as avoidance behaviors or difficulties in forming and maintaining meaningful relationships.

In summary, Sullivan's distinctions highlight the intricate nature of anxiety, its lack of utility, and its potential to obstruct the satisfaction of fundamental human needs, setting it apart from the more concrete and adaptive nature of fear.

Answer 2

Sullivan distinguished anxiety from fear by indicating that anxiety usually stems from complex interpersonal relations, lacks positive value, and blocks the satisfaction of needs.(1)

Step-by-step explanation:

Sullivan, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, made distinctions between anxiety and fear based on their origins, effects, and functions. He highlighted that anxiety often arises from intricate interpersonal relationships, existing in a vague state of awareness. Unlike fear, which can have a specific stimulus, anxiety's origins might be less defined and rooted in complex social interactions.(1)

Secondly, Sullivan emphasized that anxiety lacks positive value compared to fear. While fear can prompt action and self-preservation in response to a specific threat, anxiety tends to be more nebulous and doesn't serve an immediate, tangible purpose. This lack of adaptive value contributes to its differentiation from fear.

Lastly, Sullivan proposed that anxiety can hinder the fulfillment of needs. Unlike fear, which might prompt behaviors to address or confront a threat, anxiety can act as a barrier, inhibiting the satisfaction of one's needs or goals due to its pervasive and often unclear nature.