160k views
0 votes
"Too much mother love during infancy produces whiny, dependent adults." This statement would most likely be made by a(n):

a. Psychoanalyst
b. Behaviorist
c. Humanist
d. Evolutionary psychologist

User Parkr
by
8.3k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The statement about mother love leading to whiny, dependent adults is characteristic of a psychoanalytical perspective, particularly the theories of Sigmund Freud, focusing on early childhood experiences shaping adult personality. The correct option is a. Psychoanalyst

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement "Too much mother love during infancy produces whiny, dependent adults" would most likely be made by a psychoanalyst.

This perspective is associated with the theories of Sigmund Freud who believed that overindulgence in any of Freud's stages of psychosexual development could lead to certain adult characteristics. Freud posited that individuals who receive too much gratification during the oral stage, for example, might become overly dependent adults.

In contrast, the behaviorist would focus on observable behaviors and their reinforcement. A humanist might emphasize the inherent potential and self-actualization of individuals rather than attributing adult behavior to childhood experiences.

An evolutionary psychologist would likely be interested in how attachment behaviors have been shaped by evolutionary processes for adaptive reasons, rather than the immediate effects of too much maternal care.

Research by the likes of Harry Harlow, John Bowlby, and Mary Ainsworth emphasized the importance of comfort and security from caregivers for healthy psychosocial development, countering the idea that dependency traits in adults are solely the result of excess affection in infancy. The correct option is a. Psychoanalyst

User Rolodophone
by
7.5k points