PSY502 Lecture 33

Alfred Adler and Individual Psychology

1. Who Was Alfred Adler

Alfred Adler was an Austrian doctor and psychologist who lived from 1870 to 1937. He first studied medicine, then became interested in mental health and human behavior. He worked with Sigmund Freud for some time but later disagreed with him and started his own school of thought called Individual Psychology.

Key terms

• Psychiatrist – A medical doctor who treats mental and emotional disorders.
• Psychoanalysis – A method of understanding the mind by studying unconscious thoughts and early childhood experiences.

Explanation (friendly voice)

Adler started as a medical doctor. He treated eyes first, then general illnesses, and later mental problems. He joined Freud’s group but did not fully agree with Freud’s focus on sex and unconscious conflict. Adler believed people are more motivated by goals, meaning, and growth, not just hidden desires.

Example

Freud said: “Your behavior comes from unconscious sexual conflicts.” Adler said: “Your behavior comes from your effort to improve yourself and feel important.”

Tip

Remember Adler as the psychologist of purpose and growth, not just problems.

Q2. What Is Individual Psychology?

Answer

Individual Psychology is Adler’s theory that we must understand a person as a whole, not in pieces. The word individual literally means “not divided.” Adler believed personality is best understood by looking at a person’s lifestyle.

Key terms

• Individual – Whole, complete, not broken into parts.
• Lifestyle – The unique way a person lives, thinks, feels, and solves problems.

Adler did not like breaking people into parts like id, ego, superego. He said you must see the entire person. Your lifestyle includes how you handle stress, relationships, school, work, and goals.

Example

Two students fail an exam:

• One says, “I will work harder next time.”
• The other says, “I am useless.”

Their lifestyles are different.

Tip

Lifestyle = your personal “pattern” of living.

3. The Main Motivation: Striving for Perfection

Answer

Adler said all humans are motivated by one basic force called striving for perfection. It means trying to become better, stronger, and more complete.

Key terms

• Striving – Trying hard to achieve something.
• Perfection – Not perfect like a robot, but reaching your full potential.
• Self-actualization – Becoming the best version of yourself.

We all want to grow. We want to feel capable, successful, and meaningful. This drive pushes us to study, work, improve skills, and set goals.

Example

A shy student joins debates to gain confidence. That is striving for perfection.

Tip

Adler believed people are future-oriented, not just stuck in the past.

4. Organic Inferiority

Answer

Organic inferiority means having some physical or biological weakness in the body.

Key terms

• Organic – Related to the body or organs.
• Inferiority – Feeling less capable or weaker than others.

Adler noticed that people often have weak parts in their body (like poor eyesight, weak lungs, short height). These weaknesses make people feel small or powerless.

Example

Adler himself was weak and sick as a child. That pushed him to become a strong thinker and successful doctor.

Tip

Weakness can become the starting point of strength.

5. Striving for Superiority

Answer

Because of inferiority, people develop striving for superiority, meaning they try to overcome weakness and feel strong, capable, and important.

Key terms

• Superiority – Not dominating others, but becoming better and more competent.

We feel small → we try to become big. We feel weak → we try to become strong.

Example

A poor child studies hard to become a successful professional.