Question

One-third of people who felt unhappy as children continue to feel unhappy as adults. In contrast, fewer than one-tenth of those who were happy as children become unhappy adults (Freeman et al., 1999). How might different theorists explain this correlation between childhood and adult happiness? pp. 247-263

Short answer

Different theorists might explain the correlation between childhood and adult happiness differently, depending on their theoretical perspective. Psychoanalytical theorists would link this with unresolved conflicts from the past, behaviorists would link this with learnt behaviors, humanistic theorists would consider the impact on self-actualization, and cognitive theorists would focus on established negative cognitive schemas.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Statistics

Firstly, review the provided statistics: a third of people who were unhappy as children remain unhappy as adults, while fewer than a tenth of those who were happy as children become unhappy adults. This correlation suggests that childhood emotions have a long-term impact which underscores the importance of positive experiences during early development.

Applying Psychoanalytic Theories

Psychoanalytic theorists might argue that early experiences of unhappiness can lead to repressed feelings and unresolved conflicts that continue to impact an individual's psyche into adulthood. These unresolved issues might manifest later on as adult unhappiness. Freud, for instance, emphasized the role early experiences play on adult character and mental health, including happiness

Considering Behaviorist Theories

Behaviorists like Skinner and Watson, who focus on observable behaviors rather than internal experiences, might argue that children who experience unhappiness learn behaviors and responses associated with this emotional state. If these behavioral patterns are reinforced over time, they may persist into adulthood, leading to continued unhappiness.

Incorporating Humanistic Theories

Humanistic theorists, like Maslow or Rogers, might explain the correlation by focusing on how early unhappiness might interfere with the individual's self-actualization process. If the basic needs are not adequately met in childhood, it could hinder the progress towards fulfilling one's potential, leading to unhappiness in adulthood.

Using Cognitive Theories

Cognitive theorists, such as Piaget, might suggest that unhappy children may develop negative cognitive schemas about themselves and the world around them. These schemas, once established, are hard to change and could result in a continued pattern of unhappiness in adulthood.

Key concepts

Psychological Development Impact

The idea that our childhood experiences affect our adult life is widely recognized within the study of psychological development. It suggests that the events and emotions we encounter during our early years have a lasting influence on our emotional well-being and happiness as adults. This is supported by the finding that a significant portion of individuals who were unhappy as children continue to experience unhappiness in adulthood. Understanding this correlation can inform preventive strategies to enhance resilience and promote positive developmental trajectories.

By identifying key elements during childhood that contribute to adult happiness, psychologists and educators can develop interventions that might help break the cycle of unhappiness. This could involve fostering supportive relationships, promoting emotional intelligence, and creating environments that encourage positive experiences and coping skills.

Psychoanalytic Theory

Psychoanalytic theory, established by Sigmund Freud, might interpret the correlation between childhood and adult happiness through the lens of internalized emotional conflicts. Freud's model of the psyche, comprised of the id, ego, and superego, signifies that the unconscious mind holds onto early emotional experiences.

Children who experience unhappiness may internalize these emotions and develop repressed feelings. As adults, unresolved childhood conflicts can resurface and impact their overall well-being. Treatment methods rooted in psychoanalytic theory, such as talk therapy, could help bring these unconscious feelings to the surface, allowing for resolution and improved adult happiness.

Behaviorist Theory

Behaviorist theory centers on the idea that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment, primarily through a process known as conditioning. Key figures like B.F. Skinner and John Watson could suggest that children who are unhappy may learn behaviors that are associated with feelings of negativity and distress.

These learned behaviors, when consistently reinforced, can become ingrained and manifest as patterns of unhappiness in adulthood. Interventions in behavior therapy, based on this theory, may focus on relearning through techniques like reinforcement and desensitization to break the cycle of unhappiness and replace it with more positive behaviors.

Humanistic Theory

Humanistic theory, advocated by psychologists such as Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization as the core of psychological well-being. According to this perspective, the continued unhappiness seen in some adults may be attributed to disruptions or deficiencies in their psychological growth during childhood.

The failure to meet basic needs, such as safety, love, and belonging, might hinder an individual's journey toward reaching their full potential. By promoting an environment that nurtures self-esteem and self-acceptance, humanistic approaches aim to assist individuals in moving towards a more fulfilled and happy adult life.

Cognitive Theory

Cognitive theory explores the processes of knowing, perceiving, remembering, and thinking that influence our behavior. Pioneers like Jean Piaget might explain the correlation between childhood and adult happiness by considering how children interpret and understand the world. Unhappy children could develop negative cognitive schemas—mental frameworks that influence how they perceive themselves and their environment.

These schemas, once established, tend to remain consistent over time and may contribute to persistent unhappiness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), an approach derived from cognitive theory, aims to challenge and change these negative thought patterns in order to facilitate a greater sense of well-being and happiness in adulthood.