Psychodynamic: Adler (individual psychology)

Question 1

Sim and Diff btwn Freud and Adler

Answer 1

• Adler disagreed with emphasis on unconscious instincts, especially sexual.
• Agreed all behav purposeful, but took a teleological approach (behavior motivated by future goals rather than past events)

Question 2

Adler’s personality theory key concepts

Answer 2

1. Inferiority feelings - childhood result of real or perceived weaknesses
2. striving for superiority - inherent tendency towards perfect completion
3. style of life - determined by by how a person compensates for inferiority and strives for superiority.

Question 3

Healthy and unhealthy (mistaken) styles of life

Answer 3

Healthy = goals that reflect optimism, confidence, and concern about other’s welfare.
Mistaken = self-centeredness, competitiveness, and striving for personal power.
Shaped by early experiences, established by 5 y.o., impacted by papering or neglect.

Question 4

Adler’s view of maladaptive behavior

Answer 4

Mistake style of life, chara by maladaptive attempts to compensate for inferiority with preoccupation with achieving personal power, and lack of social interest.

Question 5

Adler therapy goals and techniques

Answer 5

• Help identify and understand style of life and consequences.
• Reorienting the client’s beliefs and goals to be more adaptive

Question 6

Applications

Answer 6

individual, group, family, and marital therapy.
Parent education
student-teacher education
Systematic Training for Effective Teaching - all behavior is goal-directed and purposeful.