Alfred Adler

Individual Psychology

Developed by Alfred Adler, this theory focuses on the individual's striving for superiority and overcoming inferiority feelings.

Inferiority feelings

A universal feeling in all infants of being immature, incomplete, and incompetent, which is productive as it motivates development.

Inferiority complex

An exaggerated feeling of inadequacy and inferiority in adults, arising when initial inferiority feelings are not adequately addressed by nurturing and care.

Striving for superiority

An innate, major motivating force that leads to growth, representing an attempt to overcome inferiority and move from a negative to a positive state.

Superiority complex

Developed when a person has an exaggerated need to prove they are more superior than they are, involving exaggerated beliefs about one's abilities or achievements.

First-born

In birth order theory, individuals often characterized as 'a guardian of law and order,' showing high concern with power and a desire to lead, protect, or help.

Second-born

In birth order theory, individuals described as 'striving for superiority under pressure,' often competitive, ambitious, and surpassing firstborns in achievement.

Youngest child

In birth order theory, individuals who are constantly trying to prove themselves, often more sociable and dependent, having been the 'baby' of the family.

Only child

In birth order theory, individuals who become highly dependent, constantly waiting for guidance and searching for support, due to being the sole object of parental attention.

Creative self

The aspect of an individual that establishes, maintains, and pursues personal goals, constructing one's personality from heredity and environment.

Social interest

The urge in human nature to adapt oneself to the conditions of the social environment.

Goal-directed and purposeful behavior

The concept that all behaviors are a result of our goals, with all living things being governed by goals.

Fictions (Guiding goals)

Beliefs and goals that lead human behavior but may not be based in reality and cannot be tested or confirmed, deriving from the Latin root 'fictio' meaning 'to invent' or 'construct'.

Fictional finalism

The structured beliefs and goals an individual creates for themselves that may not be based in reality, thus cannot be tested or confirmed, motivating all human behavior.

Alfred Adler

An Austrian psychotherapist (1870-1937) who originally worked with Sigmund Freud but later founded Individual Psychology, emphasizing social connections and purposeful striving.

Individual Psychology (Adlerian Theory)

Adler's theory emphasizing the uniqueness of each person, importance of social connections, purposeful striving, and the role of inferiority, compensation, and personal goals in shaping personality.

The Final Goal (Adlerian)

A fictional objective, shaped by personal creativity, that represents an imagined destination in life and makes a person's actions understandable in the long run.

Source of Human Striving (Adlerian)

According to Adler, the fundamental feeling of inferiority which drives individuals to improve themselves and strive for perfection through compensation.

Inferiority (Adlerian)

A basic human feeling that begins in infancy when children feel weak and dependent, serving as a root for human striving.

Inferiority Complex

A condition where a person cannot compensate for their feelings of inferiority, leading to persistent feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, and inadequacy.

Organic Inferiority

A source of inferiority complex stemming from physical defects or bodily weaknesses.

Spoiling/Pampering (Inferiority Complex)

A source of inferiority complex where being overly indulged leads to a struggle when not treated as special, resulting in feelings of deficiency.

Neglect/Rejection (Inferiority Complex)

A source of inferiority complex caused by a lack of love and security, leading to feelings of worthlessness, anger, and distrust.

Superiority Complex

A condition where individuals overcompensate for inferiority feelings, characterized by exaggerating abilities, boastfulness, conceit, self-centeredness, and belittling others to feel superior.

Fictional Finalism

The concept that humans are guided by future-oriented ideals or 'fictions' that provide motivation, direction, and purpose, even if they are not objectively real or achievable.

Teleological (Adlerian)

A key feature of Fictional Finalism, indicating that behavior is best understood in terms of an individual's goals and future aspirations, not past causes.

Style of Life (Adlerian)

The unique, organizing pattern that includes one's self-ideal, thought patterns, and strategies for approaching life tasks (e.g., friendship, work, love).

Personal Superiority (Final Goal)

A type of final goal rooted in feelings of inferiority, where individuals focus on being stronger, better, or smarter than others, often self-centered and pursued even at the cost of others.

Success for All Humanity (Final Goal)

A type of final goal (often seen in psychologically healthy individuals) focused on personal growth that helps others and improves life along with everyone, valuing cooperation and contribution.

Social Interest (Gemeinschaftsgefühl)

An innate human potential to connect with others and contribute to society's welfare, serving as the foundation of empathy, cooperation, and belongingness, and a cornerstone of mental health.

Cognitive Social Interest

A layer of social interest developed by learning to recognize interdependence and the importance of collective welfare.

Affective Social Interest

A layer of social interest developed by cultivating empathy and genuine emotional connection with others.

Behavioural Social Interest

A layer of social interest developed by acting in ways that balance personal growth with service to others.

Creative Power (Adlerian)

The innate force within each person to develop, strive, and achieve, emphasizing what individuals do with their abilities rather than what they are born with.

Family Constellation (Adlerian)

A structure describing each family member's niche within the family system, where birth order influences a person's lifestyle choices.

First-Born Child (Adlerian)

A birth order position often associated with traits like responsibility, leadership-orientation, advanced cognitive development, and high expectations.

Middle Child (Adlerian)

A birth order position often associated with traits like adaptability, independence, being a peacemaker, and potentially seeking attention outside the family due to being overshadowed.

Last-Born Child (Adlerian)

A birth order position often associated with traits like being outgoing, sociable, charming, free-spirited, and potentially being spoiled, immature, or a risk-taker.

Only Child (Adlerian)

A birth order position often associated with traits like maturity for age, perfectionism, diligence, and self-reliance due to undivided parental attention and high expectations.