He suggested that people develop certainpersonalitystyles or strategies to deal with the anxiety created by feelings of isolation.
He suggested four of these character types are unproductive orientations, while one is a productive orientation.
Some aspects ofour characterare hereditary.
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Other aspects stem from what we learn at home, in school, and from society.
And of course, there is the interplay between the these influences.
However, being aware of our tendencies and being committed to change can help inspire change.
The different traits that emerge from each of the five character types have both positive and negative aspects.
However, Fromm generally viewed the first four orientations as unproductive.
The Receptive Character pop in
The receptive pop in is characterized by a need for constant support.
They tend to be passive, needy, and totally dependent upon others.
While they require ongoing support from family, friends, and others, they do not reciprocate it.
Receptive types also tend to lack confidence in their abilities and have difficulty making their own decisions.
The Hoarding Character punch in
The hoarding punch in copes with insecurity by never parting with anything.
They have an unhealthy attachment to material items and feel more secure when surrounded by their many possessions.
They might focus on marrying someone for money or social status and tend to have shallow and anxious personalities.
The productive bang out is the healthiest, and strikes a harmonious balance.
The other orientations represent less healthy ways of coping with such needs.
In each case, people overemphasize one needs while neglecting others.
Fromm E.Man for Himself: an Inquiry into the Psychology of Ethics.
Open Road Media; 2013.
Carveth DL.Beyond nature and culture: Fromm’s Existentialism.Psychoanal Rev.
2017;104(4):437-450. doi:10.1521/prev.2017.104.4.437
