2. Individual Psychology
Focuses on uniqueness of each
person
Denies universal biological drives
and goals
3. Feelings of Inferiority
Always present as motivating force
in behavior
Source of all human striving
Growth results from compensation:
attempts to overcome inferior
feelings
4. Inferiority Complex
Inability to overcome inferiority
feelings: helpless, poor self-opinion
3 Sources:
Organic: Physical deficits
Spoiling: Immediate gratification, little
regard for needs of others
Neglect: Lack love, security, develop
feelings of worthlessness
5. Superiority Complex
Overcompensate for feelings of
inferiority
Exaggerated opinion of one’s
abilities and accomplishments
6. Striving for Superiority
Ultimate goal of life
Drive to perfection
Not an attempt to be better than
others
Fictional finalism: Reach goals set in
the future to be complete, whole
Potential goals guide behavior
7. Style of Life
Expression of striving for superiority
to attain goals
Learned from early social
interactions
Guiding framework for all later
behaviors
8. Creative Power of the Self
Ability to create an appropriate style
of life
We create ourselves, personality
and character
Reactions and interpretations of
experience more important than
actual experience
9. Universal Problems and Styles of Life
for Dealing with Problems
Problems:
Involving behavior toward others
Occupational
Relationships/Love
Styles of Life: Specific Types
Dominant: Little social awareness
Getting: Expects to receive satisfaction from
others, becomes dependent
Avoiding: Avoids life’s problems
Socially useful: Cooperates with others, shows
social interest
10. Social Interest
Innate potential to cooperate with
others to reach personal and
societal goals
Individual must cooperate with and
contribute to society to achieve
goals
11. Birth Order
Major social influence in childhood
First born: Oriented to past, role of
leader, organized, scrupulous
Second born: Optimistic,
competitive, ambitious
Youngest: High achievers or
helpless and dependent
Only child: Difficulty when not
center of attention, mature early
12. Assessment: Early Recollections and
Dream Analysis
Early Recollections:
Personality created in first 4-5 years
Earliest memories: reveal primary interest in
life
Ex: 1st school memory: Attitudes toward
achievement, mastery and independence
Dream Analysis:
Reveal feelings about current problem and
intended solution
Oriented to present and future, not past
Ex: School exams: Unprepared in situations
13. Research in Adler’s Theory
Dreams: Support for solving current
problems
Early Recollections: Early memories
may be associated with later
problems Ex: Criminals
Neglected children: Later showed
more depression (inferiority)
14. Research in Adler’s Theory Continued
Social Interest: Higher social
interest=less depression and stress,
higher empathy and popularity
Birth Order:
1st born: Overrepresented in achievement-oriented
positions
2nd born: No support for competitive, ambitious
nature
Last born: More likely to become alcoholics
than 1st born (pampered excessively)
Only: Adjustment, initiative comparable to
groups with siblings
