Adlerian

Adlerian psychology, also known as Individual Psychology, is a psychological approach developed by Alfred Adler, a 20th-century Austrian doctor and psychotherapist. This school of thought emphasizes the uniqueness of the individual and the importance of societal factors in shaping personality. Adlerian psychology is widely recognized for its advocacy of holistic approaches to human behavior, focusing on goals and purposes as much as on drives and instincts.

Foundations of Adlerian Psychology

Adlerian psychology is founded on several key principles:

Holism

Adler believed that individuals should be viewed as integrated and whole beings, rather than being broken down into parts. This holistic approach considers the interactions between an individual's emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and social environment.

Social Interest

A central tenet of Adlerian psychology is the concept of Gemeinschaftsgefühl or social interest, which Adler considered a crucial criterion for mental health. Social interest refers to an individual's attitude towards and awareness of being a part of the human community and the extent to which they contribute positively to it.

Goal Orientation

Adler posited that human behavior is purposeful and goal-directed. Individuals are motivated more by their expectations of the future than by past experiences. According to Adler, people set personal goals that guide their behavior and influence their psychological growth.

Inferiority and Compensation

Adler introduced the notion of an inferiority complex, where feelings of inferiority can lead to psychological tension. However, he also believed in the compensatory behavior, where individuals strive to overcome their perceived weaknesses, which can lead to personal development or, if mismanaged, to an inferiority complex.

Family Constellation

Adler emphasized the importance of the family environment and birth order in the development of personality. He theorized that the family dynamics and an individual's position within the family have significant impacts on their personality and behavior.

Adlerian Therapy

Adlerian therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that encourages the patient to overcome feelings of inferiority and to develop a healthier, more adaptive lifestyle. It is characterized by four stages:

1. **Engagement**: Establishing a therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. 2. **Assessment**: Understanding the client's lifestyle and the purpose of symptoms through the use of early recollections. 3. **Insight**: Helping the client gain insights into their unhealthy beliefs and mistaken goals. 4. **Reorientation**: Encouraging the client to develop new, more adaptive strategies and behaviors.

Impact and Applications

Adlerian principles have been applied in various fields beyond psychotherapy, including education, parenting, and organizational development. In education, Adlerian concepts are used to foster cooperative and task-oriented behavior. In parenting, techniques such as democratic parenting and encouragement are emphasized.

See Also

• Psychotherapy
• Personality psychology
• Mental health