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Individual (Adlerian) Psychology

DefinitionOverview

Individual Psychology, foundeddeveloped by Alfred Adler,Adler isin the early 20th century, focuses on understanding human behavior and mental processes within a holisticsocial theorycontext. of personality thatIt emphasizes thepersonal unitygrowth, of the individualself-awareness, and the importance of socialhow connectedness.individuals Adlerinterpret believedtheir thatexperiences. humanUnlike behavior is purposeful and goal-directed, driven by an innate striving for significance, belonging, and superiority—not over others, but over one’s own limitations. He rejected Freud’Freud's focus on unconscious conflict,drives, insteadIndividual proposingPsychology thatprioritizes conscious striving for goals, often linked to overcoming feelings of inferiority,inferiority developedor earlyfinding in life, motivate people to compensate through growth, achievement, and contribution to the community.purpose.

ExampleKey Themes

  1. AGoal clientOrientation: whoAdler feelsargued overlookedthat atbehavior workis might unconsciously compensatedriven by workingfuture harder to prove their value. An Adlerian therapist would help the client explore how early experiences of being ignored or undervalued shaped this striving and would guide them toward developing healthier, cooperative goals, such as contributing meaningfully to the teamgoals rather than seekingpast personalevents. validation.People Adleriansactively mightseek alsomeaning useand familypurpose constellationin analysislife.

  2. Social Interest: A key concept, it refers to understandan howindividual's birthconnection order,to perceived roles,others and earlysociety, socialessential interactions influence current patterns of behavior.

    Why It Matters

    Adler’s theory remains influential because it integrates psychological, social, and ethical dimensions of human life. It emphasizes personal responsibility, social interest, and the belief that change is possible when one’s goals and attitudes shift toward cooperation and contribution.
    In counseling, education, and community work, Individual Psychology promotes resilience and empowerment by focusing on encouragement rather than diagnosis. Its central message, that people are not defined by their past but by the direction in which they choose to move, continues to resonate with contemporary approaches tofor mental health and well-being.

  3. Feelings of Inferiority: Adler suggested that everyone experiences feelings of inadequacy but uses them as motivation to strive for competence and success.

Significance

Individual Psychology remains influential in modern psychology for its holistic approach to understanding behavior. It highlights the interplay between personal growth.goals, social relationships, and mental health, resonating with contemporary concerns about purpose and belonging. Its emphasis on growth and self-improvement makes it relevant across diverse occupational backgrounds.

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