theory: individual psychology

Question 1

Individual Psychology

Answer 1

Adlerian psychology

Question 2

Alfred Adler

Answer 2

A Viennese psychologist (1870–1937) who developed the theory of individual psychology (also known as Adlerian psychology). Adler was the first major figure to break away from Freudian psychoanalysis because he disagreed with Freud over the importance of sexuality in motivating human behavior

Question 3

Four key Adlerian concepts:

Answer 3

• inferiority complex,
• birth order,
• lifestyle,
• fictions

Question 4

inferiority complex

Answer 4

In individual psychology, the characteristic of an individual unable to move beyond feelings of inferiority. Interferes with an individual’s ability to live a healthy, socially interested, and goal-directed life. Can lead to overcompensation, which results in a superiority complex.

Question 5

superiority complex

Answer 5

In some individuals, overcompensation for feelings of inferiority

Question 6

birth order

Answer 6

Also referred to as sibling position; the position children occupy in their families of origin. Alfred Adler believed that where individuals fall chronologically in their family influences their personalities. He proposed five ordinal positions: firstborns, second children, middle children, youngest children, and only children

Question 7

lifestyle analysis

Answer 7

An Adlerian technique that is used to interview clients about early-life memories (prior to the age of 10 years), perceptions of their relationships with their parents and siblings, family dynamics, experiences in school and society, and beliefs about themselves.

Question 8

phenomenological philosophy

Answer 8

The notion that a person’s perceptions of an event are more important than the event itself.

Question 9

fictions:

Answer 9

beliefs about oneself and others that are false.

Question 10

Seven Adlerian techniques:

Answer 10

• lifestyle analysis
• encouragement
• acting as if
• asking the question
• spitting in the client’s soup
• catching oneself
• pushbutton technique

Question 11

lifestyle analysis

Answer 11

An Adlerian technique that is used to interview clients about early-life memories (prior to the age of 10 years), perceptions of their relationships with their parents and siblings, family dynamics, experiences in school and society, and beliefs about themselves

Question 12

encouragement

Answer 12

An Adlerian technique whereby the counselor conveys to clients his or her belief and conviction that the client can make important lifestyle changes.

Question 13

acting as if

Answer 13

An Adlerian counseling technique that encourages clients to act “as if” they are the person they hope to be someday. This technique helps clients realize that they are capable of changing and being the person they want to be.

Question 14

asking the question

Answer 14

The question, often asked of clients in Adlerian psychology, “How would your life be different if you were well?” Many variations of this question are used, the primary goals being to help clients think about the possibility of no longer having their problem and to show clients that they have the ability to change their lives. This question also helps counselors gain a clearer picture of what the client would like to change and whether the problem is physiological or psychological.

Question 15

spitting in the client’s soup

Answer 15

An Adlerian counseling technique used to point out certain client behaviors so that the behavior no longer seems as desirable to the client

Question 16

catching oneself

Answer 16

An Adlerian counseling technique that encourages clients to catch themselves when they are engaging in the behaviors that are perpetuating their presenting problem.

Question 17

pushbutton technique

Answer 17

An Adlerian counseling technique used to teach clients that they play a role in maintaining their problems. Specifically, clients are encouraged to focus on their positive feelings and push the positive pushbutton rather than the negative pushbutton