Neo-Freudians: Adler and Horney

Adler

illness lead to feelings of inferiority

individual psychology

inferiority and superiority complexes

individual psychology

focus on interpersonal relationships and the whole individual (humans are better understood as a whole rather than as a collection of parts)

interactions with others is at a conscious level of awareness; behavior is purposeful and motivated by a person’s goals

emphasis on concern for others and the human desire to find one’s place in the world

individual psychology foci

personal choice

centrality of motivating life focus / idealistic goals

limiting social inequality

prioritization of social relationships

human nature is strong and able

inferiority feelings

develop in childhood and are present in each of us due to real or imagined inadequacies (help us strive for achievement)

compensation

people are motivated to take positive steps to change to overcome inferiority feelings

striving for superiority

going beyond compensation

striving for mastery to reach one’s full potential and help society

inferiority complex

excessive feelings of inferiority that are expressed through difficulty handling stress

overcompensation

an excessive reaction to feelings of inferiority

overemphasizing strengths in one area to deny or hide weaknesses

leads to superiority complex

superiority complex

evading feelings of inadequacy and attempting to dominate others (to hide underlying inferiority complex)

style of life

an individual’s life plan (beliefs, purposes, and ways of handling adversity)

distinctive for each person

affected by early childhood experiences (especially in the family); emerges around the age of 6

how a person chooses to overcome feelings of inadequacy / inferiority

healthy style of life

goals that are optimistic, reflect confidence, and focus on the welfare of others

mistaken style of life

goals that are self-centered, competitive, and focused on personal power

birth order

has effects on personality development (e.g., responsibility, sociability, ambition, rule-breaking)

• first born

• second

• youngest

• only

pampered child

rejected child

first born

independent, sense of social interest (e.g., taking care of younger siblings)

high achievement striving, higher IQ, more desire to be with others

more anxious, often dependent on others

second born

intense inferiority feelings (especially as it relates to older sibling)

Adler argued highest-achiever

youngest

many models of how to strive for superiority

younger siblings

generally more popular and extraverted than first born children

only child

intellectual, high academic success

may become a timid, passive adult

pampered child

develops from an overprotective, overindulgent parent-child relationship

as adults, rely on others; not confident

rejected child

neglect or rejection in the parent-child relationship

as adults: independent, but socially isolated; low level of social interest

sibling rivalry

rooted in each child’s feelings of inferiority

• differentiation / de-identification

power differentials and comparisons in families are largely responsible for a person’s sense of self

competition for parents’ time and attention

differentiation / de-identification

siblings develop unique, opposing qualities to reduce conflict

e.g., firstborn “dethroned”

Adler maladaptive behavior

mental disorders are the result of a mistaken style of life (mistaken goals)

stems from exaggerated feelings of inadequacy

• inferiority complex

• superiority complex

limited social interest / focus on selfish pursuits

inferiority complex

hopelessness, overwhelmed

superiority complex

arrogance, defensive

Adlerian therapy goals

collaborative between the therapist and client

use of encouragement (focus on prevention, no remediation)

helps clients identify style of life and alter beliefs / goals

• life investigation and basic mistakes help therapists identify the client’s style of life

• identify and change faulty beliefs / self-talk to change behavior

help client overcome discouraging beliefs / self-talk to change behavior

foster social interest and feelings of belonging

improve self-confidence / overcome inferiority

treatment of the “whole person” and focus on the client’s unique experiences, strengths and goals

Horney

founded feminist psychology

importance of interpersonal relationships

less focus on sex and aggression as central to personality development

social security

psychoanalytic social theory

personality shaped through upbringing, social environment, cultural experiences, and relationships (rather than biological drives)

driving motivation for humans is establishing a sense of security

we all develop a personality style to help us cope

emotional problems are rooted in childhood and early social relationships (esp. between parent and child)

social security

basic hostility

basic anxiety

neurotic trends

strategies to achieve social security

• moving toward

• moving away

• moving against

basic hostility

anger toward parents for not providing a completely secure environment

basic anxiety

expansion of basic hostility

feelings of anxiety in an environment they feel is hostile

neurotic trends

intense feelings of anxiety lead us to develop irrational needs and desires to achieve a sense of security

• modern conceptualization of neurotic trends is neuroticism → characteristic of highly anxious, pessimistic, uncertain people who view myriad situations as threatening

• neurotic tendencies→ irrational, unrealistic solutions to overcome anxiety (e.g., procrastination, codependency)

strategies for achieving social security

coping mechanisms to avoid hurt

healthy people use all three coping strategies depending on the situation, relationship, or interaction (using one of three exclusively is maladaptive)

• moving toward

• moving away

• moving against

moving toward

give people what they want and they will give you love

• peer pressure, abusive relationships

moving away

withdrawing / retreating from others

• afraid of love

moving against

aggressive, hostile, exploitative

• if I hurt them first, they can’t hurt me

feminine psychology

de-emphasized the sexual foundations of the conflict between opposite sex parent and child; emphasized the interpersonal relationship between the two

disputed penis envy and said that women are envious of the power, opportunities, and social freedom men enjoy rather than the anatomy itself

womb envy

examined what we now call “double standards” for men and women

womb envy

the admiration and respect men have for women because they can bear children