Self and PersonalityClass 12 Psychology Case Study Questions

Anjali has always been passionate about painting and sketches, spending hours creating art that her friends admire. She feels most authentic and fulfilled when she is creative. Her dream is to become a professional artist. However, she belongs to a family of renowned doctors who have always expected her to follow in their footsteps. Her family members often say, "We love you, and we will be so proud of you once you become a doctor." They strongly disapprove of her artistic pursuits, viewing them as a mere hobby. This has led Anjali to feel a significant amount of stress and unhappiness, as she feels a deep conflict between who she is and who her family wants her to be. She is considering enrolling in medical coaching, despite her lack of interest, just to gain their approval.

Rohan is a manager at a competitive firm. He is known for his high motivation and ambition. He always feels short of time, is constantly in a hurry, and often takes on more work than he can handle, feeling perpetually burdened. He has difficulty relaxing even on weekends. His colleagues find him impatient and prone to getting irritated over small delays. Recently, during a performance review, he was told that his aggressive communication style was causing friction in the team. Rohan reacted defensively, stating, "I am not aggressive; it is the others who are constantly trying to undermine me and act in a hostile way." His doctor has warned him about his consistently high blood pressure.

The Birhor are a tribal group from Jharkhand who primarily live a nomadic life in forests, relying on hunting and gathering for their livelihood. This 'economic maintenance system' requires constant movement in small groups. To adapt to this lifestyle, the Birhor society's child-rearing practices are designed to foster specific personality traits from a young age. Children are given considerable freedom and are encouraged to be independent, autonomous in their decision-making, and achievement-oriented. They learn to accept the risks and challenges involved in hunting. In contrast, children in nearby agricultural societies are socialised very differently. They are taught to be obedient to elders, nurturant towards younger ones, and responsible for their duties, as these traits are more functional for a settled, farming life.