According to Adler, all but one of the following parental behaviors is likely to lead to personality problems in children. Which one is NOT likely?

According to Adler, all but one of the following parental behaviors is likely to lead to personality problems in children. Which one is NOT likely?

• A. allowing the child to be independent
• B. overly protective
• C. shaming and controlling
• D. neglecting the child's needs

Answer: (A)

Adlerian theory emphasizes the importance of fostering independence, courage, and a sense of belonging and competence in a child. When parents allow a child to be independent, they support the development of initiative and problem-solving skills, which strengthens self-worth and social interest—the capacity to care about others and function well in a community. This autonomy helps children become resilient and capable, reducing the likelihood of personality problems. In contrast, overly protective parenting limits opportunities to master tasks and to experience responsible independence, which can breed dependency, anxiety, and feelings of inferiority. Shaming and controlling undermine self-esteem and teach the child to equate worth with pleasing others or avoiding failure, rather than developing inner motivation. Neglecting a child’s needs deprives them of essential emotional support and security, leading to insecurity, attachment problems, and maladaptive social behavior. So, allowing independence aligns with healthy personality development in Adler’s view, making it the choice that is not likely to lead to personality problems.

Adlerian theory emphasizes the importance of fostering independence, courage, and a sense of belonging and competence in a child. When parents allow a child to be independent, they support the development of initiative and problem-solving skills, which strengthens self-worth and social interest—the capacity to care about others and function well in a community. This autonomy helps children become resilient and capable, reducing the likelihood of personality problems.

In contrast, overly protective parenting limits opportunities to master tasks and to experience responsible independence, which can breed dependency, anxiety, and feelings of inferiority. Shaming and controlling undermine self-esteem and teach the child to equate worth with pleasing others or avoiding failure, rather than developing inner motivation. Neglecting a child’s needs deprives them of essential emotional support and security, leading to insecurity, attachment problems, and maladaptive social behavior.

So, allowing independence aligns with healthy personality development in Adler’s view, making it the choice that is not likely to lead to personality problems.