Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

Who developed the psychiatry of interpersonal relations?

1. Erik Erikson

2. Harry Stack Sullivan

3. Abraham Maslow

4. Carl Rogers

The correct answer is: Harry Stack Sullivan

The psychiatry of interpersonal relations was developed by Harry Stack Sullivan. His work emphasized the importance of interpersonal relationships and social context in understanding mental health and psychiatric conditions. Sullivan believed that personal identity and mental functioning are largely shaped through relationships with others. He focused on how individuals relate to one another and how those interactions influence their behavior and mental well-being. Sullivan's theories were groundbreaking in that they shifted the focus from intrapsychic processes, which look at what happens within an individual's mind, to the relational dynamics between people. This perspective laid the groundwork for contemporary interpersonal therapy and has been influential in both psychology and counseling practices. In contrast, the other individuals listed have made significant contributions to psychology but in different areas. Erik Erikson is known for his psychosocial development theory, which describes the impact of social experience across the whole lifespan. Abraham Maslow is famous for his hierarchy of needs, which explains human motivation and the desire for self-actualization. Carl Rogers is associated with humanistic psychology and person-centered therapy, emphasizing individual potential and the therapeutic relationship, but he did not specifically develop the concept of the psychiatry of interpersonal relations as Sullivan did.