B) Irvin Y
I agree with Irvin Yalom’s position that anxiety is an existential dilemma that can emerge in a person’s daily life, and that it requires concrete decisions from the individual in order to ameliorate it.
Yalom’s perspective is grounded in the key tenets of existential psychology, which emphasizes the individual’s fundamental freedom and responsibility to make choices that shape their own existence. From this view, anxiety arises from the human condition itself, as we grapple with the realities of our finite existence, our freedom to choose, and the ultimate uncertainty of life.
Anxiety, in this context, is not merely a symptom to be eliminated or a problem to be solved, but rather a manifestation of our existential predicament. It is a deeply personal and subjective experience that requires the individual to confront and engage with it directly, rather than simply seeking external solutions or attempts to eliminate it.
My personal worldview aligns with this existential understanding of anxiety. I believe that the human experience is inherently fraught with existential tensions and dilemmas, and that our ability to navigate these challenges is central to our personal growth, authenticity, and the creation of meaning in our lives.
From this perspective, anxiety is not something to be avoided or suppressed, but rather an invitation to engage in self-reflection, to make bold choices, and to take responsibility for the direction of our lives. It is through this process of confronting and working through our anxiety that we can develop a deeper sense of self-awareness, agency, and the capacity to create a life of personal significance.
At the same time, I recognize that this process is not always easy or straightforward. Ameliorating existential anxiety requires a level of self-awareness, courage, and willingness to confront the unknown that not all individuals may possess or feel equipped to handle. This is where the role of supportive communities, therapeutic interventions, and personal growth practices can be invaluable in providing the necessary resources and guidance for individuals to navigate these existential challenges.
In conclusion, I agree with Yalom’s position that anxiety is an existential dilemma that requires concrete decisions from the individual in order to be addressed. This perspective aligns with my own worldview, which emphasizes the central role of personal responsibility, authenticity, and the ongoing process of self-discovery in the human experience. By embracing and engaging with our existential anxiety, we can unlock the potential for personal growth, meaning-making, and a deeper connection to the human condition