Adlerian Approach/Individual Psychology

Question 1

Basic philosophies

Answer 1

• Core of Adler’s theory is rooted in optimism of the humanistic view of life
• Humans have an innate tendency to strive for perfection and that is the most important motivator for behavior
• “Social interest” - need others to survive but it also includes feeling inferior – need to balance the two
• Holistic in that he viewed thinking, feeling, & acting are an integrated system directed toward the person’s goals
• “The important thing is not what one is born with, but what use one makes of that equipment”
• An individual can triumph over challenges and struggles and be a contributor to society
• Strive for self-improvement, self-fulfillment, and contributions to the common welfare.

Question 2

Description of Individual Psychology

Answer 2

• It is social psychology in which the individual is seen and understood within his or her social context

Question 3

Spheres of connectedness

Answer 3

• People connect in different spheres and on different levels…if an Individual feels connected with others, than self-created problems of life may cease to exist. Connectedness is essential to the past And present and is necessary to a developing person as well as society.
• Family~Friends~Community

Question 4

Importance of inferiority feelings

Answer 4

• Three influences of inferiority feelings in children:
– Physical handicaps which can create the expectations that others should make their lives easy and to be center of attention. Never test their own strength.
– Family dynamics which includes parenting styles (pampering or abuse/neglect) and position in family constellation
– Societal influences including societal discrimination
• Additional Influence
– Adler also recognized the destructive influence of culture’s view of men and women especially how women were devalued.
• As children search for superiority, they draw conclusions about the self
• When discouraged from attaining superiority or social interests, they tend to choose selfish goals for attaining superiority such as:
– ATTENTION Seeking
– POWER Seeking
– REVENGE Taking
– DECLARING DEFICIENCY OR DEFEAT

Question 5

Motivator for human behavior

Answer 5

• Humans have an innate tendency to strive for perfection and that is the most important motivator for behavior

Question 6

Purpose of defenses

Answer 6

• Three influences of inferiority feelings in children:
– Physical handicaps which can create the expectations that others should make their lives easy and to be center of attention. Never test their own strength.
– Family dynamics which includes parenting styles (pampering or abuse/neglect) and position in family constellation
– Societal influences including societal discrimination
• Additional Influence
– Adler also recognized the destructive influence of culture’s view of men and women especially how women were devalued.

Question 7

Details of birth order including the roles each plays and Adler’s view on it

Answer 7

• ONLY
– Birth is a miracle. Parents have no previous experience. Retains 200% attention from both parents. May become rival of one parent. Can be over-protected and spoiled. Likes being the center of adult attention. Often has difficulty sharing with siblings and peers. Prefers adult company and uses adult language.
• OLDEST
– Dethroned by next child. Has to learn to share. Parent expectations are usually very high. Often given responsibility and expected to set an example. May become authoritarian or strict. Feels power is his right. Can become helpful if encouraged. May turn to father after birth of next child.
• SECOND
– He has a pacemaker. There is always someone ahead. Is more competitive, wants to overtake older child. May become a rebel or try to outdo everyone. Competition can deteriorate into rivalry.
• MIDDLE
– “Sandwiched” in. May feel squeezed out of a position of privilege and significance. May be even-tempered, “take it or leave it” attitude. May have trouble finding a place or become a fighter of injustice.
• YOUNGEST
– Has many mothers and fathers. Older children try to educate him. Never dethroned. Wants to be bigger than the others. May have huge plans that never work out. Can stay the “baby.” Frequently spoiled.
• TWIN
– One is usually stronger or more active. Parents may see one as the older. Can have identity problems. Stronger one may become the leader.
• Adler realized that the examples given are only a few of many possible outcomes.
• The objective position of the child is not the influencing factor; instead, it is the psychological position and the meaning that the child gives to that position.
• Thus, two children born several years apart may grow up in ways that are quite similar to those of only children.
• On the other hand, if parents help their children cope with the unique demands of their positions in the family constellation, and if there is a cooperative rather than a competitive home atmosphere, the children are likely not to develop the characteristics associated with each of the positions.