In contrast with Freud, the neo-Freudians emphasized

In contrast with Freud, the neo-Freudians emphasized

• A. Biological drives
• B. Social factors
• C. Ego development
• D. Unconscious conflict

Answer: (B)

Neo-Freudians center personality development on social and environmental influences rather than on biological drives. They argued that family dynamics, culture, and interpersonal relationships shape who we become, as well as how we cope with life and form our self-concept. This shift is seen in thinkers like Adler, who stressed social interest and striving for significance; Horney, who highlighted sociocultural factors and basic anxiety; and Erikson, who framed development as a series of psychosocial challenges across the lifespan. While they didn’t ignore the unconscious or the ego, the emphasis moved away from innate biological urges and inner conflicts as the primary forces shaping personality toward the impact of social context.

Neo-Freudians center personality development on social and environmental influences rather than on biological drives. They argued that family dynamics, culture, and interpersonal relationships shape who we become, as well as how we cope with life and form our self-concept. This shift is seen in thinkers like Adler, who stressed social interest and striving for significance; Horney, who highlighted sociocultural factors and basic anxiety; and Erikson, who framed development as a series of psychosocial challenges across the lifespan. While they didn’t ignore the unconscious or the ego, the emphasis moved away from innate biological urges and inner conflicts as the primary forces shaping personality toward the impact of social context.