Neil is crippled by the thought of the inevitability of his own death. As such, he views life as meaningless and has trouble in relationships. What advice might an existential psychologist provide to Neil?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An existential psychologist would likely recommend that Neil face the issue of his own mortality directly and learn to accept the pain of existence. This is because the existential perspective posits that individuals must grapple with the realities of life, including death and suffering, in order to find meaning and purpose. Avoiding or numbing the pain through habitual behaviors or constructing defenses would only perpetuate Neil's sense of meaninglessness, whereas directly confronting the issue may lead to a sense of acceptance and empowerment. Waiting until self-actualization is complete before engaging in relationships may also delay Neil's ability to find meaning, as relationships are often a key factor in individuals' searches for purpose.

Neil Is Crippled by the Thought of the Inevitability of His