Select one theory of personality and use this theory to tell Michael how this theory explains his or her situation.

Here is the case study: Michael is a 40-year-old airline pilot who has recently begun to experience chest pains. The chest pains began when Michael signed his final divorce papers, ending his 15-year marriage. He fought for joint custody of his two children, ages 12 and 10, but although he wants to be with them more frequently, he only sees them every two weeks. This schedule is, in great part, a result of his employer's announcement that budget constraints would result in layoffs. Michael worries that without his job he will be unable to support his children and lose the new townhouse that he purchased. Michael's chest pains are becoming more frequent and he fears that he may be dying.

I first thought of learning theory because Michael can learn from the actions of behavior during his marriage to help change the course of future relationship problems. However, now I am second guessing myself and think of the Sociocultural Perspective because Michael might be considered a Collectivist.

I have read and read my textbooks, but I really do not understand each personality theory. Can someone please point me in the right direction and help put the theories in a more layman's term for me? Thanks!!!

I am reminded of the difference between a medical doctor and a psychologist: The medical doctor will run tests to try to determine the source of the chest pains first, but the psychologist will explain it with a theory of the psyche.

Think on this:
What is Michael attached to..connected to...does he have connections to things other than his family, or has he lost all?
Is he sleeping at night? Is he experiencing symptoms of depression? Does he have a past history of depression?
The answers to those question may implicate something specific.
Thence, to personality theory. I would focus on Rollo May.
http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/may.html

You might want to try the personality theory of Erik Erikson. With threats of not meeting several goals at his stages of development, he may be experiencing panic attacks. Of course, physical causes need to be ruled out.

I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.

Certainly! It can be quite overwhelming to understand different personality theories, so let's break it down for you.

In the case of Michael, let's look at two possible theories that could explain his situation: the learning theory and the sociocultural perspective.

1. Learning Theory: This theory suggests that personality and behavior are shaped by our interactions and experiences with the environment. In Michael's case, we can apply the principles of learning theory to see how his experiences during his marriage and divorce may have contributed to his current situation.

For example, if Michael experienced a lot of stress and conflict during his marriage, it could have led to the development of negative coping mechanisms, such as worries about losing his job and not being able to support his children. The chest pains could be a physical manifestation of the stress and anxiety he is experiencing.

To help Michael, the learning theory would propose that he needs to identify and unlearn those negative coping mechanisms. This could involve seeking therapy or support groups to develop healthier ways of coping with stress and anxiety. By learning new, positive behaviors, Michael can change the course of his relationships and ultimately improve his overall well-being.

2. Sociocultural Perspective: This perspective considers how cultural and social factors influence personality development. Michael's situation could be interpreted from a sociocultural perspective by examining the influence of his cultural background and the broader societal context he is in.

For instance, if Michael comes from a collectivist culture that places a high emphasis on family and communal support, his concerns about not being able to spend enough time with his children and losing the ability to support them may be intensified. Additionally, the economic and job instability caused by his employer's budget constraints and possible layoffs could further contribute to his anxiety and chest pains.

To address Michael's situation from a sociocultural perspective, it would be important to consider the cultural norms and values regarding family and support. Providing him with resources that align with his cultural background, such as counseling services or support groups focusing on family and community, may help alleviate his concerns. It's also crucial to address the economic factors contributing to his anxiety and explore potential solutions or alternatives with him.

Remember that these explanations are simplified versions of the theories, but I hope they give you a clearer understanding of how they might apply to Michael's situation.