Adler Flashcards
What term did Alfred Adler coin/famous for?
Individual Psychology
What does Adlers theory of personality stem from?
The idea of the person as a whole
Interconnected with their social context
What is Adlers theory based on?
All human behaviour as goal driven and motivated by striving for superiority
Inferiority occurs when goals are not met
Neurosis comes from a sense of inferiority
What does adler suggest all children experience
inferiority
Personality is a result of ________
striving for superiority
What is personality conflict?
incompatibility between environmental pressures and internal strivings for adequacy
What is ‘inferiority complex?’
afraid to take risks and have fear of failing.
What is compensating?
When inferiorities are not used as an excuse
Inferiority drives child to excel e.g. Asthma
What is the social interest?
a sense of belonging, fellowship, community
People express their striving for superiority through concern for Social Interest.
protects against feelings of inferiority
Poor development of The Social Interest leads to psychological problems in adulthood
what type of people are those that are high in social interest?
less aggressive
less hostile
less self-centred
more helpful and ooperative
What does Adler suggest children ‘develop’ when developing their personality?
a child develops their “style of life,” also called a “life plan” or “guiding image”
a unique approach to life’s tasks
between the ages of 3 and 5
How is a child’s style of life formed?
formed through the interaction between the parent and child.
What is the fathers role in personality formation?
Role model for contribution to family welfare and to society
Equally important to the mother
Must be seen to treat mother as an equal
Mother must not defer discipline to the father
What is the mothers role in personality formation?
Introduce to the ‘social life’
If child loved and wanted then mother can focus on teaching social skills
If mother is unhappy with her role then may place competitive demands on the child
Can lead to inferiority complex
How does pampering affect personality formation?
Allowing children to make their own mistakes and decisions is good for them
Avoid pampering by allowing independence to make own choices
How is pampering shown from parents?
Protect from fast rides, aggressive playmates, scary movies, daily hassles
How does neglect affect personality formation?
Grow up cold and suspicious
Incapable of warm personal relationships as adults
Uncomfortable with intimacy/closeness
How is neglect shown from parents?
Emotional or attentional neglect
Too little concern for welfare
Why does birth order create individual differences?
Siblings have a similar upbringing, family circumstances etc.
BUT Siblings encounter families differently
“ that’s not how I remember Dad being!”
What are the experiences of 1st borns?
Dethroned ‘monarch’
centre of attention
understands importance of power and authority
What are the experiences of 2nd borns?
View eldest as competitor
development depends on treatment from eldest: supportive = healthy, resentful = problems
What are the experiences of youngest children?
Remains the ‘baby’
gets most attention
pampered and spoiled
What are the experiences of only children?
No sibling rivalry or models, likely to be pampered, especially by mum
What are the adult characteristics of 1st borns?
Conservative
support authority
intellectually successful
high achievers
What are the adult characteristics of 2st borns?
Demanding of themselves
unrealistic goals to ensure failure
don’t wish to upset the eldest
What are the adult characteristics of youngest children?
Highly dependent on others
need to excel
need for praise
What are the adult characteristics of onlychildren?
High need for approval
intellectually able
high achievers
Adler believed the way a person strives for superiority can be put into how many categories?
4
How many personality types?
2
What are the personality types?
Neurotic
Positive
What are the 4 categories of personality types?
Ruling type
Getting type
Avoiding type
Socially useful type
Which of the 4 categories of personality types call under neurotic types?
Ruling
Getting
Avoiding
Which of the 4 categories of personality types call under positive types?
Socially useful
What lifestyle does the ruling type lead to?
selfish lifestyle
What lifestyle does the getting type lead to?
dependent lifestyle
What lifestyle does the avoiding type lead to?
escapist lifestyle
What lifestyle does the socially useful type lead to?
responsible
Outline the ruling type
From childhood: Aggressive and dominant over others
Strength of striving for personal power is so great – push over anyone/anything in their way
Negative energy can also be self-directed
Most energetic -> Bullies and sadists
Less energetic ->Self harm, alcoholics, drug addicts, suicides
Outline the Getting type
Relatively passive
Feelings of inferiority lead to dependence and submission
Lacking in self-concept and self-love
Prone to phobias, obsessions, anxieties
Prefers others to do things/make decisions
Low energy levels
Outline the avoiding type
Lack confidence to solve problems
Recoil into selves - survive by avoiding life, especially others
Can develop into psychosis if pushed
Retreat into own world
Look for an easy life, with few responsibilities
Lowest energy levels
Outline the socially useful type
Healthy individuals, adequate social interest
Not consumed by inferiority and can give to others
Work to improve themselves
Connect with others in an authentic way
Care about others’ welfare
Appropriate energy levels
Strengths of Adlerian Theory
Simple theory but includes social elements and so is comprehensive
Ideas now in main stream psychology
Led to work on “Parent Training”
Weaknesses of Adlerian Theory
Little empirical evidence
Only one type of motivation for behaviour is included - superiority/social interest
Lacks detailed descriptions
