NAME: BESANA, KHATE PAULEEN B.

YR/COURSE/SECTION: 2- AB Psychology- C
2023.12.16

1. How could Fromm’s theory explain Jeff and Ann’s return to Batavia every
holiday season despite the hardships?

In accordance with Fromm's theory, Jeff and Ann's annual pilgrimage back to Batavia was fueled by a
deep longing for something more, a quest for a greater sense of fulfillment and significance in their
existence. Fromm asserted that individuals possess an inherent inclination to rise above their individual
selves and form connections with external forces, such as religious or moral principles. For Jeff and Ann,
revisiting Batavia provided a means of reacquainting themselves with their cultural heritage,
reestablishing ties with their extended family, and instilling essential values in their children. This
profound connection served to rationalize their experiences and satisfy their yearning for
transcendence.

2. Why do people in general, and Jeff and Ann, in particular, marry or form
other close relationships, according to Fromm’s theory?

According to Fromm, human beings possess an inherent inclination towards love and relationships, as it
fulfills their fundamental need for belonging and connection. Beyond physical attraction, this desire for
connection also encompasses emotional intimacy and the ability to open oneself up to others. In the
case of Jeff and Ann, their marriage served as a means of satisfying their need for companionship and
guidance, as well as providing them with the emotional intimacy they craved. Furthermore, Fromm's
theory of biophilia offers a compelling explanation for why close relationships are formed in the first
place. It suggests that humans have an innate urge to seek connections with others, as it is essential
for survival and self-protection. In essence, our natural inclination towards biophilia may be the driving
force behind our innate desire for meaningful connections with others.

3. What is the transcendence need according to Fromm? Has it been fulfilled by Ann and Jeff? Explain.

According to Fromm, the human longing for transcendence is rooted in our inherent desire for a rational
and purposeful existence. This inherent desire extends beyond our own selves and often involves
seeking connections with external ideals, such as religious or moral principles. For the couple, Ann and
Jeff, this quest for transcendence is embodied in their efforts to rekindle their cultural heritage by
returning to Batavia during the holidays. Additionally, their commitment to serving their community
through meaningful employment satisfies their desire for connection and contribution to society.
Through these actions, Ann and Jeff find fulfillment in fulfilling their longing for transcendence.

4. What is the identity need according to Fromm? Has it been fulfilled by Ann
and Jeff? Explain.

Fromm highlighted that the yearning for identity is rooted in a deep desire for self-awareness and a
sense of self. This longing involves comprehending one's personal beliefs, morals, and individual
characteristics. For Ann and Jeff, fulfilling this craving involves connecting with their cultural roots,
coming to terms with their own values and beliefs, and embracing their true selves. Through their trip
to Batavia and the imparting of their cultural heritage and values to their children, Ann and Jeff
successfully satisfied their need for identity by preserving and advocating for their cultural history and
passing it on to future generations.

5. What is the excitation and stimulation need according to Fromm? Has it been fulfilled by Ann and
Jeff? Explain.

According to Fromm, individuals have the ability to select herbal medicine as a means of enjoyment
and stimulation, as it can aid in handling challenging situations and maintaining a strong physical state.
This was exemplified in Ann and Jeff's search for a job that was challenging yet not too overwhelming,
allowing them to sustain a healthy level of energy while performing effectively. Additionally, Fromm's
concept of biophilia may shed light on why humans have a natural inclination towards seeking
stimulation, stemming from their inherent drive to explore new environments for survival. Despite
enduring a tedious six-hour car ride in a snowstorm to return to Batavia for the holidays, Ann and Jeff
still found satisfaction in the excitement it offered them.

6. What is Jeff and Ann’s frame of orientation, according to Fromm’s theory?

According to Fromm, individuals possess one of three potential outlooks: unfavorable, constructive, or
important. Those with a destructive mindset are primarily motivated by a relentless craving for power
or pleasure, disregarding the impact on others and society as a whole. Conversely, constructive
individuals are compelled by an overpowering desire for love or connection with others, often at the
expense of their own well-being or societal norms. The third orientation, picky, involves sacrificing
affection or vigor in pursuit of reality or experience, constantly seeking a balance between these
underlying goals. After evaluating Jeff and Ann, it is evident that they possess positive attitudes as they
prioritize love over energy or contentment. During the holidays, they make it a point to focus on
fostering strong connections with loved ones and family. At the same time, they also place importance
on contributing to society and the environment by seeking a job that aligns with those values. Rather
than solely seeking personal satisfaction, they strive to prioritize love and transcendence. It's worth
noting that individuals may switch between these mindsets depending on the circumstances, as all
three goals are inherent within them. As time passes, they work towards finding a balance between
these aspirations, without allowing one to overshadow the others. These experiences are shaped by
spending years in the company of others.

7. What character orientation, according to Fromm, would Ann and Jeff

Fromm observed that individuals possess three distinct personal orientations: hoarding, courtship, or
production. Those with hoarding disorder prioritize their own survival over forming meaningful
relationships, likely due to past traumas of abandonment or neglect during adolescence. As a result,
they view others as potential threats rather than potential allies and prioritize their own well-being
above all else. In a similar manner, marketers also prioritize personal gain over the value of human
connection. Yet, this is likely due to a different set of experiences, such as childhood upbringing, which
may have shaped their beliefs on relationships and the importance of others in their lives. However,
there is a risk that these individuals, at their most vulnerable, may lose sight of the true meaning of
relationships due to these external factors. Successful individuals place a higher value on love rather
than energy or happiness. This is because research on parenting has shown that they view others as
potential sources of support and companionship, particularly during their formative years, such as
childhood. From my observations thus far, it is most likely Jeff who fits this description.

8. How could Fromm’s theory explain Jeff and Ann’s mixed feelings about
initially moving to Cleveland?

According to Fromm's principles, Jeff and Ann's initial emotions during their relocation to Cleveland
stem from their inherent desire for both connection and transcendence. On one hand, the move fulfilled
their need for connection by allowing them to establish a new life as a united front, independent from
their families. It served as a passport to building their own identity as a couple and forming their own
familial and communal bonds. However, it also brought about a sense of isolation and detachment from
Ann's family, leaving her unfulfilled in her longing for connection with them.Being separated from their
family and cultural background generates a sense of loneliness and longing, greatly hindering their
desire for connection.

THEORY COMPARISON QUESTIONS

Fromm and Rogers share a common belief in the crucial role of pleasure in human desire, though they
approach this idea differently. While Rogers highlights self-actualization, he also considers other needs
such as intentional thought and existential elements. In contrast, Maslow's hierarchical model
categorizes desires based on importance, with physiological desires at the base, safety desires in the
middle, and love/belonging desires at the top of the middle tier, followed by esteem desires at the top.
Although each theory highlights the significance of fundamental human desires, there are variations in
the language used to emphasize these desires and the way they are organized hierarchically. While
Rogers emphasized self-actualization, he also incorporated other desires in addition to the core needs
of respect and existentialism. In contrast, Maslow structured these needs in a hierarchical fashion,
whereas Fromm saw them as interconnected and interdependent.