Final answer:
Howard Hughes' phobia likely developed during early childhood, consistent with Freudian and Horney's theories on the lasting impact of early psychosocial experiences on adult personality.option a is correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The psychological autopsy of Howard Hughes by Dr. Robert Fowler suggests that Hughes' phobia and fear for his own well-being most likely developed during his early childhood. This aligns with Freudian theory, which postulates that personality and associated psychological issues often originate in the conflicts of early psychosexual development.
Understanding psychosocial development is also critical as it offers insights into how childhood experiences, such as those involving anxiety, loneliness, or isolation, can significantly influence adult personality and coping styles as theorized by Karen Horney. These early experiences may shape how individuals later cope with relationships and stressors, affecting their propensity towards phobias and anxieties.
While Piaget emphasized cognitive development in infancy and childhood, the acknowledgment of psychosocial factors and their impact during these early stages are crucial in understanding phobias like that of Hughes'. Dr. Fowler's assertion indicates that the roots of such fears are often planted early in life.