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
