Engagement 6: Alfred Adler's Individual Psychology

Individual Psychology

fashioned an image of human nature that did not depict people as victimized by instincts conflict or doomed by biological forces and childhood experiences

Alfred Adler tried to veer away from the conception of his predecessors that capitalized on biological aspects and childhood experiences for determining the personality of an individual

uniqueness

individual psychology focused on the ______________ of each person and denied the universality of biological motives and goals

• subjective

Inferiority feelings

The normal condition of all people, the source of all human striving; it is not a sign of weakness or abnormality

Adler believed that humans are inferior, but this helps fill the vacuum that we feel from time to time.

Compensation

A motivation to overcome inferiority to strive for higher levels of development.

ex: a swimmer with no legs is trying to do his best to “make up” for not having legs

Inferiority Complex

a condition that develops when a person is unable to compensate for normal inferiority feelings

organix inferiority, spoiling, neglect

Types of inferiority complex

Organic Inferiority

Refers to a concept in psychology and sociology that suggests certain individuals or groups may feel inferior due to perceived physical or biological limitations. This idea can be linked to theories of compensation, where individuals strive to overcome their perceived deficiencies through achievements in other areas. It is often discussed in the context of self-esteem and social dynamics.

spoiling

In the context of an inferiority complex, "______" refers to the tendency of individuals to overindulge or excessively pamper someone, often as a way to compensate for feelings of inadequacy or low self-worth. This can manifest in behaviors that shield the individual from challenges or responsibilities, ultimately reinforcing their feelings of inferiority rather than helping them develop resilience and self-esteem.

Neglect

____________, in the context of an inferiority complex, refers to the lack of attention, support, or validation from caregivers or significant others. This absence can lead individuals to develop feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and a belief that they are less worthy or capable than others. Such neglect can reinforce negative self-perceptions and contribute to the persistence of an inferiority complex.

Superiority complex

A condition that develops when a person overcompensates for normal inferiority

Striving for superiority

the fundamental fact of life

the urge toward perfection or completion that motivates each of us

means a drive for perfection; fictional finalism

Fictional finalism

is a concept introduced by psychologist Alfred Adler. It refers to the idea that individuals are motivated by their goals and aspirations, which may not be based on reality but rather on imagined ideals or future outcomes. Adler believed that these fictional goals guide behavior and influence personality development, shaping how people strive for success and fulfillment in their lives.

Pertains to the reality that we have an ultimate goal, a final state of being, and a need to move toward it

Style of LIfe

A unique character structure or pattern of personal behaviors and characteristics by which each of us strives for perfection

dominant, getting, avoiding, and socially useful types

Basic styles of life include the _______, _____________, _________ and ____________

Getting type

Those who rely on others for support and resources

Dominant Type

Individuals who seek control and power over others.

Socially Useful Type

Individuals who contribute positively to society and engage constructively with others.

Avoiding type

People of this type have such low energy they recoil within themselves to conserve it, avoiding life as a whole, and other people in particular. In extreme cases, these people develop psychosis—the end result of entirely retreating into one’s self.

Creative Power of the Self

the ability to create and appropriate style of life (depends on the individual’s definition of appropriate)

1. Problems involving our behavior toward others

2. Problems of occupation

3. Problems of love

Universal problems

Social Interest

our innate potential to cooperate with other people to achieve personal and societal goals

Birth order

The idea that order of birth is a major social influence in childhood, one from which we create our style of life

first borns

perfectionist, achiever, cautious

leader, bossy, controlling

responsible, motivated, reliable

Middle Borns

adaptable, independent, go-between (messenger or peacemaker), people pleaser

can be rebellious, feels leftout, social

Last Borns

social, charming, outgoing, uncomplicated, manipulative, seeks attention, self-centered, fun

The only child

Confident, conscientious, responsible, perfectionist, center of attention, mature for their age seeks approval, sensitive, leader

Assessment in Adler’s theory

Early recollections; dream analysis

Early Recollections

A personality assessment technique in which our earliest memories, whether of real events or fantasies, are assumed to reveal the primary interest of our life

Dream Analysis

Dreams involve our feelings about a current problem and what we intend to do about it. ex: school exams (being unprepared), death (unresolved issues with someone), sexual themes (retreating from sex)

feelings of worthlessness and shame, depression, anxiety

According to Alfred Adler, children neglected tend to develop ______________________, __________, _______________.

social interest

People who score high in ____________ tend to:

• score low on depression, anxiety, and hostility

• Develop feelings of empathy for others

• Become happy and agreeable