Chosen Character Chris Gardner From The Film Pursuit Of Happ
Chosen Character Chris Gardner From The Film Pursuit Of Happy Nesswr
Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper analyzing the personality of Chris Gardner, a character from the film "The Pursuit of Happyness." The paper should examine Gardner’s personality using one theorist from Column A, one from Column B, and one from Column C. Specifically, select a theory or theorist from each of the following columns:
- Column A: Jung, Allport, Five-factor model, Adler, Cattell
- Column B: Freud, Kelly, Maslow, Horney, Ellis
- Column C: Object relations, Sullivan
Include an introduction outlining Gardner’s demographic and background information, a detailed evaluation of how each selected theory explains his personality through relevant examples and direct quotes, and a discussion of how his behavior could be interpreted differently depending on the theoretical approach. Also, analyze how each theory might account for social, cultural, environmental, biological, or unconscious influences on Gardner’s actions. The paper should be formatted according to APA guidelines.
Paper For Above instruction
Christopher Gardner, popularly known as Chris Gardner, is the central figure depicted in the film "The Pursuit of Happyness," which narrates his inspiring real-life story of overcoming severe adversity to achieve professional and personal success. Born in 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gardner’s life has been marked by struggles related to poverty, homelessness, and systemic barriers. As a single father raising his son amidst financial instability, Gardner’s resilience and determination serve as the focal points for psychological analysis through various theoretical lenses. His background sets the stage for understanding how different personality theories interpret his behaviors, motivations, and coping mechanisms.
Introduction and Background
Chris Gardner’s upbringing was characterized by economic hardship. His early life was marred by instability; he faced challenges such as poverty and a tumultuous family environment which significantly impacted his development. Despite these obstacles, Gardner displayed remarkable perseverance, seeking to uplift himself and his son from homelessness to financial stability. His journey involved periods of joblessness, living in shelters, and enduring societal stigma, yet he maintained a steadfast commitment to his goal of secure employment and a better life. Gardner’s personality appears to embody traits such as resilience, determination, and a strong internal locus of control, themes that are central to understanding his motivations.
Personality Theories Explaining Gardner’s Behavior
1. Carl Jung and Analytic Psychology
Jung’s theory emphasizes the importance of the collective unconscious, archetypes, and individuation. Applying Jung’s framework to Gardner, one could interpret his personality as driven by archetypes such as the Hero and the Self. The Hero archetype, in particular, manifests in Gardner’s relentless pursuit of success despite overwhelming odds. His journey reflects an internal striving for self-actualization and integration of unconscious elements, aligning with Jung’s view that personal growth involves balancing conscious ambitions with unconscious motivations. For instance, Gardner’s resilience can be seen as an expression of the Hero archetype, embodying the innate drive to overcome adversity and attain wholeness.
2. Allport and Trait Theory
Allport’s trait theory characterizes individuals based on central and secondary traits. Gardner, from an Allport perspective, might be described as possessing core traits such as conscientiousness, perseverance, and extraversion. His conscientiousness is evident in his tireless work ethic and dedication to providing for his son, while his extraversion is reflected in his proactive engagement with opportunities despite social barriers. Allport’s focus on individuality and traits highlights Gardner’s consistent behaviors across different situations, emphasizing his internal predispositions that fuel his persistent pursuit of stability and success.
3. Five-Factor Model (Big Five)
The Five-Factor Model offers a comprehensive description of personality through openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Gardner’s personality profile likely scores high on conscientiousness, given his disciplined approach to life and work. His extraversion is indicated by his assertiveness and ability to seek help and network, while his emotional resilience suggests moderate neuroticism. The model helps explain how Gardner’s traits interact to produce his resilient, determined behavior amidst adversity. His relatively low agreeableness in some contexts might reflect a focus on personal goals over social harmony at times, especially when facing societal barriers.
4. Alfred Adler and Individual Psychology
Adler’s emphasis on striving for superiority and feelings of inferiority illuminates Gardner’s psychological drive. His upbringing and social environment likely fostered feelings of inferiority, motivating him to strive for achievement and recognition. Adler might interpret Gardner’s persistence as an overcompensation for early feelings of inadequacy, pushing himself relentlessly to gain mastery over his circumstances. His efforts to succeed can be seen as an attempt at compensation and self-improvement, highlighting Adler’s focus on social interest and community feeling.
5. Cattell and Surface and Source Traits
Cattell identified source traits that underlie surface behaviors. Gardner’s personality may involve traits such as independence, self-control, and motivation. His behavior demonstrates an internalized structure aimed at overcoming external obstacles, with source traits driving his perseverance. Cattell’s trait theory underscores the importance of understanding underlying factors that produce observable behaviors, explaining Gardner’s relentless pursuit of stability despite external hardships.
6. Freud and Psychoanalytic Theory
Freud’s psychodynamic model suggests that unconscious drives, conflicts, and defense mechanisms shape personality. Gardner’s behaviors could be viewed as influenced by unconscious motivations rooted in early childhood experiences. For instance, his persistent effort might be driven by deep-seated needs for security and recognition, possibly linked to unresolved conflicts or feelings of neglect. Defense mechanisms such as sublimation could explain how Gardner channels impulses into socially acceptable pursuits like work and caregiving. Freud might also interpret his resolve as a manifestation of the ego mediating between primal drives and societal expectations.
7. Kelly and Personal Construct Theory
Kelly’s personal construct theory emphasizes individual interpretations of experiences. Gardner’s perception of his circumstances and future is shaped by personal constructs of hope, resilience, and self-efficacy. His meaning systems guide his behavior, as he constructs a worldview centered on self-belief and mastery. This perspective highlights the importance of subjective interpretation in understanding Gardner’s motivation to pursue a better life despite external barriers.
8. Maslow and Humanistic Psychology
According to Maslow, self-actualization and the hierarchy of needs are fundamental. Gardner exemplifies self-actualization as he strives to realize his potential and provide a secure environment for his son. His basic needs for safety and belonging are challenged, yet his pursuit of employment and stability reflects his drive toward esteem and self-actualization. Maslow’s theory underscores the significance of intrinsic motivation and the importance of fulfilling psychological needs for personal growth.
9. Horney and Social-Cultural Influences
Horney’s emphasis on social and cultural factors indicates that Gardner’s personality is shaped by societal influences such as social stigma, gender roles, and economic hardship. His behaviors can be interpreted as responses to external stressors and social expectations, with his neurotic tendencies possibly developing from feelings of insecurity and inadequacy fostered by his environment.
10. Ellis and Rational Emotive Behavior Theory
Ellis’s cognitive-behavioral approach suggests that Gardner’s thoughts and beliefs significantly influence his emotions and behaviors. His resilience might stem from rational beliefs about self-worth and control, while setbacks could evoke irrational thoughts like hopelessness. Ellis would analyze how Gardner’s cognitions reinforce his persistence and motivate his goal-oriented actions.
11. Sullivan and Interpersonal Theory
Sullivan focused on the importance of interpersonal relationships in personality development. Gardner’s attachment to his son and his interactions with others serve as critical influences shaping his self-concept. His perseverance can be understood as driven by the need for intimacy, affirmation, and connection, which bolster his resilience in face of social adversity.
Interpretation of Gardner’s Behavior Through Various Theories
When examining Gardner’s personality through different theoretical lenses, his behaviors can be interpreted diversely. For example, from a psychodynamic perspective, his persistence might be driven by unconscious motives rooted in early childhood needs for security, whereas a humanistic view would emphasize his self-actualizing tendencies and intrinsic motivation. Trait theories highlight his consistent personality traits such as conscientiousness and resilience, offering a stable explanation of his behaviors. Conversely, social and cultural theories, like Horney’s and Sullivan’s, stress the environmental influences and social interactions that motivate his actions. These differing interpretations demonstrate how personality is shaped by a complex interplay of internal drives, conscious beliefs, and external influences.
Conclusion
Chris Gardner’s remarkable journey exemplifies a resilient personality influenced by various internal and external factors. Theories from Jung to Sullivan offer diverse insights into his motivations and behaviors, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of personality. Understanding Gardner through these different perspectives enhances appreciation of the psychological mechanisms that sustained his perseverance and success. Ultimately, incorporating multiple theoretical approaches provides a richer, more comprehensive understanding of how personality functions within complex social and personal contexts.
References
- Alder, A. (1937). Understanding human nature. New York: Harper & Brothers.
- Cattell, R. B. (1965). The handbook of trait theory. Chicago: Rand McNally.
- Freud, S. (1923). The ego and the id. SE, 19: 12-66.
- Jung, C. G. (1964). Memories, dreams, reflections. New York: Pantheon Books.
- Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.
- Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
- Sullivan, H. S. (1953). The interpersonal theory of psychiatry. New York: Norton.
- Allport, G. W. (1937). Personality: A psychological interpretation. New York: Holt.
- Horney, K. (1937). The neurotic personality of our time. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
- Ellis, A. (1962). Ellis’ rational-emotive therapy. In: B. L. Wolfe (Ed.), Theories of psychotherapy. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.