Adler Flashcards
accusation
Adlerian safeguarding tendency whereby one protects magnified feelings of self-esteem by blaming others for one’s own failures.
aggression
Safeguarding tendencies that may include depreciation or accusation of others as well as self-accusation, all designed to protect exaggerated feelings of personal superiority by striking out against other people.
constructing obstacles
Safeguarding tendency in which people create a barrier to their own success, thus allowing them to protect their self-esteem by either using the barrier as an excuse for failure or by overcoming it.
fiction
A belief or expectation of the future that serves to motivate present behavior. The truthfulness of a fictional idea is immaterial, because the person acts as if the idea were true.
hesitating
Safeguarding tendency characterized by vacillation or procrastination designed to provide a person with the excuse “It’s too late now.”
inferiority complex
Exaggerated or abnormally strong feelings of inferiority, which usually interfere with socially useful solutions to life’s problems.
organ dialect
The expression of a person’s underlying intentions or style of life through a diseased or dysfunctional bodily organ.
safeguarding tendencies
Protective mechanisms such as aggression, withdrawal, and the like that maintain exaggerated feelings of superiority.
social interest
Translation of the German Gemeinschaftsgefühl, meaning a community feeling or a sense of feeling at one with all human beings.
standing still
Safeguarding tendency characterized by lack of action as a means of avoiding failure.
style of life
A person’s individuality that expresses itself in any circumstance or environment; the “flavor” of a person’s life.
withdrawal
Safeguarding one’s exaggerated sense of superiority by establishing a distance between oneself and one’s problems
Individual Psychology
A psychological approach developed by Alfred Adler that emphasizes the uniqueness of the individual and the importance of social factors in shaping personality. It focuses on concepts like community feeling, social interest, and the striving for superiority.
Masculine Protest
A concept suggesting that individuals may strive to assert their masculinity or superiority in response to feelings of inferiority or vulnerability. This can manifest in behaviors or attitudes that emphasize dominance or traditional masculine roles.
Creative Power
The idea that individuals have the ability to shape their own lives and destinies through their choices and actions. This concept highlights personal agency and the capacity to overcome challenges and develop one’s potential.
Teleology
The study of purposes or goals in behavior. In psychology, it refers to the idea that human actions are driven by future goals and aspirations rather than just past experiences or causes.
Underdeveloped Social Interest
A lack of concern or connection with the welfare of others, which can lead to feelings of isolation and inferiority. This term emphasizes the importance of social relationships in mental health.
Private Meaning
The subjective interpretation or significance that an individual assigns to experiences, which may differ from shared or common meanings. This highlights the personal and often idiosyncratic nature of meaning-making.
Safeguarding Tendencies
Defensive behaviors or strategies that individuals use to protect their self-esteem or sense of identity, often in response to feelings of inferiority or anxiety. These can manifest as excuses, denial, or avoidance.
