Adlerian Theory

Adlerian Theory

Introduction

The psychology has seen many theories within the context of individual as well as social approaches (Smith, 2012). Alfred Adler was also a brilliant representative of the psychoanalytic approach who introduced concepts such as social interest, a sense of belonging, freedom of choice, goal-directed behavior, inferiority complex, and the style of life. Adler was a contemporary of Freud, the author of the individual psychology of personality (Aslinia et al., 2011). In fact, I intend to become School Counselor and found Adler's work of great significance in terms of individual psychology. Adlerian psychology does not consider the nervous symptoms as a pathological fact circumscribed and isolated, but as a manifestation inherent behavior unified person (Carlson et al., 2005). Thus, it tends to move away from the symptom to understand the whole person. It only becomes intelligible when we take the system of the whole life of the individual. This paper aims to discuss reason of choosing Adlerian theory and also discuss reasons of preferring Adlerian theory over other work in psychology.

Discussion

It is important to understand that personality theory is simple, but is an important part in terms of both the classical and contemporary psychoanalysis (Carlson et al., 2005). As discussed above, I chose this theory because I want to become a School Counselor in future. However, the extensive theory of Adler offers a broad work to understand the psychology of individual, which can be seen as additional reason to choose this theory.

Basic Theory of Individual Psychology

Feelings of Inadequacy and a Desire to Overcome It

Adler argued that all people from childhood have a sense of inferiority. It is explained by the fact that people are born small and helpless creature, and then for a long time learning to use his powers (Ferguson, 2009). While a baby grows and develops, he always sees his older brothers and sisters watching their parents and the whole world as a whole. This also confirms that about the baby's needs and support from the more powerful adults who are around him. A sense of authority and failure reminds him throughout life in certain situations. This feeling brings to life the human discomfort he experiences stress and begins to struggle to overcome it.

Goal-oriented Behavior

In order to feel its full value, creates a perfect man - I set themselves goals to begin to strive for. For this, he uses all his mental and emotional abilities. Very often, the goal is the illusory idea of what should be the person to feel happy or successful. For example, 'I stand for something, if people respect me', or 'I always win, or else'. A person usually does not realize their real goal, but his behavior is completely subordinate to them. Therefore, to understand the purpose, we understand and conduct. Unlike Freud, Adler is not looking for the causes of behavior as he is looking for his purpose (Ferguson, 2009). If we understand the hidden agenda of bad behavior of a child and focus on attention, power, revenge and despair, not on ...