D564 Theories of Personality | Western
Governors University
1. According to Carl Jung, the ‘Shadow’ represents which aspect of the human psyche?
A. The public mask individuals wear in social situations.
B. The dark, repressed, and unconscious side of the personality.
C. The feminine side of the male psyche.
D. The ultimate goal of self-realization and unity.
Answer: B
Rationale: The Shadow consists of the animal instincts and undesirable traits that we try
to hide from ourselves and others. Jung believed that recognizing and integrating the
Shadow is a critical step in the process of individuation. Failure to acknowledge these
darker aspects can lead to projection and psychological imbalance.
2. Alfred Adler’s concept of ‘Social Interest’ (Gemeinschaftsgefühl) is best described as:
A. An innate potential to cooperate with others for the common good.
B. A person’s desire to dominate others for personal gain.
C. A defensive mechanism used to protect the ego from anxiety.
D. The drive to achieve fame and recognition in one’s career.
,Answer: A
Rationale: Adler considered social interest the barometer of mental health, reflecting an
individual’s sense of belonging to the human community. It involves a shift from self-
centeredness to a focus on contributing to society and the welfare of others. This concept
differentiates Adlerian psychology from more deterministic or purely biological models.
3. In Erikson’s Psychosocial stages, which conflict characterizes the period of adolescence?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Answer: C
Rationale: During adolescence, individuals struggle to develop a consistent sense of self
and direction in life. Successful resolution leads to the virtue of fidelity, allowing the youth
to commit to values and roles. Those who fail to resolve this crisis may experience
uncertainty about their place in society and adult life.
4. Karen Horney proposed three trends for dealing with basic anxiety. Which trend is
characterized by a ‘Moving Toward’ people?
A. The aggressive personality type seeking power.
B. The detached personality type seeking independence.
, C. The compliant personality type seeking affection and approval.
D. The neurotic need for perfection and unassailability.
Answer: C
Rationale: Moving toward people involves an intense need for acceptance and protection,
often leading to self-effacing behaviors. Horney argued that this is a neurotic response to
basic anxiety, where the individual tries to secure safety through dependency. This strategy
attempts to minimize conflict by submitting to the will and desires of others.
5. Jung defined ‘Archetypes’ as which of the following?
A. Traumatic memories stored in the personal unconscious.
B. Universal, inherited predispositions to perceive the world in certain ways.
C. Learned behaviors passed down through family education.
D. Random biological impulses that drive sexual behavior.
Answer: B
Rationale: Archetypes are the structural elements of the collective unconscious, shared by
all humans across time and culture. They manifest in myths, dreams, and religious symbols,
representing primordial images like the Mother, the Hero, or the Wise Old Man.
Understanding archetypes allows for a deeper analysis of universal human experiences and
psychological patterns.