An existential criterion for normal and abnormal personality in the works of Erich Fromm

Abstract

This is the first of four articles scheduled for publication in this journal on the posi - tion people with normal and abnormal personalities take in regard to so-called ex - istential dichotomies. The main objective of this article is to propose a new, existen - tial criterion for normal and abnormal personality implicitly present in the works of Erich Fromm. According to this criterion, normal and abnormal personalities are determined, first, by special features of the content of their position regard - ing existential dichotomies, and, second, by particular aspects of the formation of this position. Such dichotomies, entitatively existent in all human life, are inherent, two-alternative contradictions. The position of a normal personality in its content orients one toward a contradictious predetermination of life in the form of existen - tial dichotomies and the necessity of searching for compromise in resolving these dichotomies. This position is created on a rational basis with the person's active par - ticipation. The position of an abnormal personality in its content subjectively denies a contradictious predetermination of life in the form of existential dichotomies and orients one toward a consistent, noncompetitive, and, as a consequence, one-sided way of life that doesn't include self-determination. This position is imposed by other people on an irrational basis. Abnormal personality interpreted like this is one of the most important factors influencing the development of various kinds of psycho - logical problems and mental disorders - primarily, neurosis. In the following three articles it will be shown that this criterion is also implicitly present in the theories of personality devised by Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, Carl Jung, Carl Rogers, and Viktor Frankl.