Sullivan’s Approach

Harry Stack Sullivan’s interpersonal theory examines personality from the
perspective of the interpersonal relationships that have influenced it, especially
the mother-infant relationship. Sullivan believed that this relationship
contributed to an individual’s development of a “good me,” “bad me,” or
“not me” personification of self. He also proposed six stages of development:
infancy, childhood, juvenile epoch, preadolescence, early adolescence,
and late adolescence. These stages illustrate an individual’s experiences
and need for intimacy with significant others. Overall, his theory
emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relations, the appraisals of others
toward an individual, and the need to achieve interpersonal security and
avoid anxiety.