Question

Examine the theory of individual psychology of Adler.

Answer 1

Alfred Adler’s individual psychology focuses on the idea that people are motivated by a striving for superiority and a desire to overcome feelings of inferiority, which usually begin in childhood. Unlike other theories that divide the personality into separate parts, Adler believed that personality is a unified whole guided by goals and purposes.

A key concept in his theory is social interest, which means caring for others and contributing to society. According to Adler, a healthy personality is one that balances personal growth with social responsibility. He also emphasized the importance of birth order, early childhood experiences, and lifestyle in shaping personality.

Overall, Adler saw human beings as creative, goal-directed, and capable of change.