Individual Psychology
The System of Alfred Adler (1870–1937)
Who was Alfred Adler?
A former pupil of Freud who broke away because he disagreed with Freud’s obsession with sex as the primary human motive. Adler focused on the uniqueness of the individual and their social context.
1. The Core Philosophy: Freud vs. Adler
| Feature | Sigmund Freud | Alfred Adler |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Motive | Sex / Life Instinct | Power / Superiority / Perfection |
| Focus | The Unconscious Mind | The Conscious Mind |
| Human Nature | Driven by biology/instincts | Driven by social interest/unique goals |
2. Major Concepts
A. Striving for Superiority
This is the “great upward drive.” Adler believed we are all born with a sense of Inferiority because we start as helpless infants. To compensate, we strive for Superiority (not necessarily over others, but toward our own perfection).
B. Style of Life
This is your unique flavor of living. It includes your habits, your way of solving problems, and your social interactions. Adler identified four types:
- The Ruling Type: Aggressive and dominant.
- The Go-getting Type: Dependent on others; takes rather than gives.
- The Escaping Type: Avoids problems to avoid failure.
- The Struggling Type: Overcomes hurdles (The ideal adjusted personality).
3. Factors Shaping Personality
- Birth Order Your position in the family (eldest, middle, youngest, only) shapes your outlook. Example: An eldest child may feel protective and responsible, acting as a leader for younger siblings.
- Fictional Finalism We live by “fictions” (ideals) that aren’t necessarily true but guide our behavior. Example: Living by the motto “Honesty is the best policy” guides your actions even if it doesn’t always lead to immediate success.
- Compensation We develop strengths to make up for perceived weaknesses. Example: A person born with a small physical stature might work exceptionally hard to become a powerful and influential leader.
- The Creative Self You are the architect of your own personality; you interpret your life experiences. Example: Two people experience the same hardship, but one chooses to become resilient while the other becomes bitter.
- Social Interest The desire to cooperate with others for the betterment of society. Example: Volunteering your time to teach others because you care about the success of your community.
4. How the System Operates (The Process)
Adler’s system functions through a logical chain of events in a person’s life:
1
The Inner Urge: Every human has a strong drive to seek power or strive for superiority from birth.
2
Developing Complexes: In the first 4-5 years, environmental factors or physical limitations create Inferiority Feelings.
3
Compensation: To overcome this inferiority, the Creative Self forces the individual to strive even harder for perfection.
4
Adopting a Lifestyle: The individual picks a life style (ruling, escaping, etc.) that suits their environment to fulfill this urge.
5
The Outcome:
- Success: If they adjust and reach their goals, they stay Normal/Adjusted.
- Failure: If they fail to adjust, they drift toward Mental Illness and need treatment to change their goals.
5. Educational Merits & Contributions
Adler’s work heavily influenced modern teaching. Here are the key takeaways for educators and parents:
1. Child-Centered Education: Treat every child as a unique individual with a specific “Style of Life.”
2. Encouragement over Punishment: Avoid “nagging” or “beating.” Use praise and incentives to foster a sense of value.
3. The “First 5 Years”: Personality is largely set by age 5. Early intervention is key to preventing inferiority complexes.
4. Prevention of Pampering: Don’t “pamper” children; help them stand on their own feet so they don’t feel entitled or helpless.
Summary Tip for Remembering:
Think of “The 3 Cs” of Adler: Conscious choice, Compensation for inferiority, and Creative self!
Adler’s Individual Psychology MCQs
1. According to Adler, what is the primary driving force behind human behavior and personality development?
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2. A student constantly disrupts class to get attention. Adler would likely interpret this as a result of:
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3. Which concept describes an individual’s unique, repetitive way of perceiving and responding to life?
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4. In a classroom, Rohan is highly responsible and likes to take charge, while his younger sister is more social and rebellious. This difference is best explained by:
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5. Adler’s ‘Social Interest’ (Gemeinschaftsgefühl) refers to:
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6. Which of the following is a major contribution of Adler to the field of education?
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7. A teacher notices a child feels ‘small’ compared to peers and works excessively hard to prove they are the best. This is:
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8. Adlerian theory suggests that a ‘pampered’ child is likely to grow up:
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9. What is the ‘Creative Power of the Self’ in Individual Psychology?
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10. An Adlerian teacher would most likely focus on:
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