Sullivan's Interpersonal Theory This page was last updated on October 6, 2011 Introduction

Harry Stack Sullivan (18921949) Father of interpersonal psychiatry or Interpersonal Psychoanalysis He proposed interpersonal theory of personality. He explained the role of interpersonal relationships and social experiences in shaping personality. He also explained about the importance of current life events to psychopathology. The theory further states that the purpose of all behavior is to get needs met through interpersonal interactions and decrease or avoid anxiety.

Stages of development

Sullivan explained six developmental stages called "epochs" or heuristic Stages in Development. Stages (Epochs) Characteristics Infancy (Birth1 Gratification of needs 18 months) 2 3 4 Childhood (18 mo-6 yrs) Delayed gratification

Juvenile era(6-9 Formation of peer group yrs) Preadolescence (9-12 yrs) Developing relationships within same gender Identity Forming lasting, intimate relationships

Early 5 Adolescence (12-14 yrs) Late 6 Adolescence (14-21 yrs)

Sullivan explained about three types of self: o The good me versus the bad me based on social appraisal and the anxiety that results from negative feedback o The not me refers to the unknown, repressed component of the self.

Sullivan's theory explains about anxiety, self system and self-esteem: o Security operations those measures that the individual employs to reduce anxiety and enhance security. o Self system all of the security operations an individual uses to defend against anxiety and ensure self esteem

Applications

Sullivan's interpersonal theory provides the theoretical basis for interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for depression and schizophrenia. Interpersonal theory proposes that depression develops most often in the context of adverse events, particularly interpersonal loss. (Tasman 2008) He also wrote on techniques and approaches on psychiatric interview.

References 1. Sullivan HS (ed) (1953 ) The Interpersonal Theory of Psychiatry . W. W. Norton , New York, USA. 2. Sullivan HS (1953 and 1956) The Collected Works of Harry Stack Sullivan, Vol. 1 and 2. WW Norton, New York, NY, USA. 3. Sullivan HS (1954) The Psychiatric Interview. WW Norton, New York, USA. 4. Psychiatry, Third Edition. Ers. Allan Tasman, Jerald Kay, Jeffrey A. Lieberman, Michael B. First and Mario Maj. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2008.