Alfred Adler Research Paper

Alfred Adler was an Austrian doctor and psychotherapist who focused on the humanistic side of socialism and individual psychology. A philosopher, Hans Vaihinger, greatly influenced Alfred Adler with his mental construct ideas. Alfred Adler developed his theory of organic inferiority while he was still a member of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society. Alfred Adler traveled for 25 years to promote his approach and ideas. He wanted to rival other people who were in the field of psychology. He wanted others to understand the holistic integrity of psychological well being and how that relates to social equality. His inferiority complex is an isolating element that has an affect on an individual’s personality development. Adler called his studies in

Adler believed that humans are driven by the need to be perfect. He called this desire, the teleological position. People strive to be perfect because they suffer from feelings of inferiority. When striving to achieve perfection, domination and control over others can be achieved. Upon seeing this, Adler revised his thinking on striving for perfection and decided that the ultimate goal is superiority. People that strive for superiority can go down two different paths, constructive or destructive. “In other words, Adler believed that all individuals were continually striving to improve themselves as they progressed toward perfection. He thought that such a goal could be attained only by cooperative efforts.” (Ryckman. 2013. p.79) Adler stated that goals, whether healthy or unhealthy goals, are developed by experiences during the first five years of life. Adler believed that an individual’s mental health and growth depends on their efforts to contribute positively to their community. Adler described this as social interest, “a striving for a form of community which must be thought of as everlasting as it could be thought of it mankind had reached the goal of perfection.” (Ryckman. 2013. p.

He is well liked by fans but is seeking therapy because of a very public divorce. Angel, the 37-year old male who experiences low self-esteem is experiencing a destructive life style. Angel would be described as a neurotic individual because he has developed a faulty style of life. It is possible that in Angel’s childhood he experienced rejection, neglect or possibly over pampering. This all has lead to Angel having low self-esteem, feelings of inferiority, and has felt the need to seek therapy. Adler proposed that neurotic individuals cope with their feelings of inferiority by striving for personal superiority. (Ryckman. 2013. p. 92) Angel may be struggling with the need for perfection since he was very successful in his professional career. The fact that Angel is very philanthropic and is well liked by fans shows that Angel has a high level of social interest. Angel has experienced unstable emotions that may have lead to the divorce of him and his wife and thus leading to fears of being alone, feelings of inferiority, and an unhealthy