The Psychology of Adjustment

Abstract

Reviews the books, The Psychology of Adjustment by L. F. Shaffer (see record 1936-02550-000 ); and The Anatomy of Personality by C. C. Fry and H. W. Haggard (see record 1936-03076-000 ). These two current publications reveal a sharp contrast between the psychological and the psychiatric approaches to personality. While it is not fair to expect the same standard of technical exactitude (since Shaffer is writing a text and Fry and Haggard present a popular discussion), the whole point of view of the two books is sharply different. Fry and Haggard drew their inspiration from psychiatric and typological approaches. Their emphasis leans heavily upon heredity. Shaffer's position in this regard is much more closely in line with available data. It would be instructive to compare the two volumes with reference to other theoretical differences. However, we can only say that in general, Shaffer takes the view that, "personality traits develop by a gradual process of learning," and interprets cases in the light of this view, while Fry and Haggard lean to the typological assumption and cast much cold water on the role of conflict, trial and error, and adjustment, in the determination of personal characteristics. According to the reviewer, Fry and Haggard present an entertainingly written volume, with a good selection of cases whether one agrees with the interpretation or not. Shaffer's volume I consider a great improvement over previous texts on the normal personality, as it ties up much more closely with the concepts of general psychology. It is highly recommended for the second or third course in the customary psychology curriculum. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)