Adlerian psychology, also known as Individual Psychology, was developed by Alfred Adler after his separation from the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society in 1911. Individual Psychology is often misinterpreted as a psychology of the individual or of individual differences, when it actually refers to the indivisibility of the person, to the person viewed as a totality.
Alfred Adler (1870-1937) was a Viennese ophthalmologist-tumed-Nervenarzt (psychiatrist) whom Freud invited to participate in his Wednesday night discussions In 1907 Adler published his Study of organ inferiority and its psychical compensation, which Freud applauded as a significant contribution to Freudian psychology. While the concepts of organ inferiority and compensation found a place m later Adlerian theory, they are no longer regarded as the cornerstones of Adlerian theory In 1908 Adler advanced the notion of the aggressive instincts to complement Freud’s sexual instincts While Freud initially rejected Adler’s introduction of the aggressive instincts, he later integrated them into the corpus of psychoanalytic theory in 1923.
Adler rose in the ranks of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society. He became editor of its journal and president. During this period Adler engaged Freud in controversy over Freud’s concept of penis envy. Freud considered penis envy as the universal wish among women Adler substituted for it the concept of masculine protest, which held that women wish to have equal status with men (which for some means having a penis) or even a status superior to them, while some men strive for the status of “real” men. After acrimonious debate, a vote was taken Adler and his followers, losing the vote, left the society and founded the Society for Free Psychoanalytic Research. Shortly thereafter Adler’s first Adlerian book. The neurotic constitution, was published.
After a suspension of the new society’s activities during World War I. when Adler served in the Austrian army, it resumed as the Society of Individual Psychology and introduced its journal, the Zcitschnft fur Indivtdualpsychologie. The movement flourished in Vienna and elsewhere in Europe until the advent of the Nazi era. Adler dunng the last decade of his life divided his time between Europe and the United States. The umbrella organization for the Adlerian movement is the International Association of Individual Psychology. National societies exist in the United States. Germany. Switzerland. Austria. France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Great Britain.
Basic Assumptions And Concepts of Alderain Theory In Adlerian Psychology.
Adlerian Psychology, developed by Alfred Adler, is a psychological approach that emphasizes the uniqueness of the individual and their drive to fulfill their potential. Here’s a guide to the key concepts of Adlerian Psychology in a tabular format:
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Individual Psychology | Adlerian Psychology is often called Individual Psychology, emphasizing the uniqueness of each person and rejecting the idea of universal laws applicable to all humans. |
| Holism | This concept stresses the importance of viewing individuals as complete and integrated beings, rather than a sum of isolated parts. |
| Social Interest | Adler believed that a key indicator of mental health was the individual’s level of social interest or their feeling of belonging and contribution to the welfare of others. |
| Inferiority Complex | This is the feeling of being inferior, which Adler saw as a driving force behind personality development. It’s not the inferiority itself, but the individual’s perception of it, that matters. |
| Compensation | The process of overcoming real or perceived inferiorities by developing abilities in other areas. |
| Striving for Superiority | This refers to the individual’s drive to adapt, improve oneself, and master life’s challenges. |
| Creative Self | The concept that each person actively shapes and creates their own personality and life style through their choices and interpretations of experiences. |
| Birth Order | Adler was one of the first theorists to suggest that birth order influences personality, with each position having its own set of characteristics and challenges. |
| Family Constellation | Examines the individual’s early social environment, including family dynamics, to understand current behaviors and attitudes. |
| Life Style Assessment | A comprehensive assessment of the individual’s way of thinking, feeling, and acting, which is developed early in life and guides their behavior. |
| Goal Orientation | Emphasizes that individuals are motivated by future goals and aspirations, rather than just past events. |
| Community Feeling | The recognition and acceptance of the interconnectedness of all human beings and the world, leading to cooperative and contributive behavior. |
These concepts form the basis of Adlerian therapy, which aims to foster a sense of belonging and encourage constructive social contributions.
Conclusion:
Adlerian Psychology provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the intricacies of the human mind and behavior. By recognizing the significance of subjective experiences, childhood, and the pursuit of social interest, Adlerian Psychology offers valuable insights and practical tools for personal growth. Incorporating Adlerian principles into everyday life enhances self-awareness, fosters positive relationships, and cultivates a sense of belonging and significance.
