Adlerian psychology, also known as individual psychology, is a school of thought founded by Austrian psychiatrist Alfred Adler. Adlerian principles focus on the individual's subjective experience and place an emphasis on social connectedness and the psychological importance of a person's sense of belonging and contribution to their community.
According to Adler, the primary motivation of an individual is their search for meaning and purpose in life. He believed that people have a natural drive to contribute to their society and make a positive impact on the world around them. This drive is often referred to as the "life task," and Adler believed that it was crucial for individuals to discover their unique life task in order to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Adler also believed that feelings of inferiority and the need for superiority play a significant role in an individual's development and motivation. He argued that feelings of inferiority can lead individuals to strive for superiority, either through achievement or aggression, in an attempt to compensate for their perceived inadequacies. Adler believed that individuals who are able to overcome their feelings of inferiority and find a healthy balance between striving for superiority and feeling connected to others are more likely to lead fulfilling and happy lives.
In Adlerian psychology, the concept of social interest is also crucial. Adler believed that individuals who are able to develop a strong sense of social interest and connection to their community are more likely to be successful and happy. He argued that the ability to work cooperatively with others and contribute to the well-being of one's community is essential for personal and social growth.
Adlerian principles also emphasize the importance of the subjective experience and the role of the individual's perception in shaping their reality. Adler believed that people's perceptions of events and situations are often influenced by their past experiences and their unique life tasks, and that it is important for individuals to examine their own subjective experiences in order to better understand their motivations and behaviors.
In conclusion, Adlerian psychology is a school of thought that emphasizes the importance of the individual's subjective experience and the role of social connectedness in personal growth and well-being. Adler's concepts of the life task, feelings of inferiority and superiority, social interest, and the subjective experience continue to be influential in contemporary psychology and have had a lasting impact on the field.