Deck 3: Alfred Adler: Individual Psychology

Question 1

If it were possible to choose, which birth-order position would you select for yourself in your family Why

Answer 1

The birth-order that would be possibly selected by Mr. X and its reasons:
It is found that Mr. X would select to be the youngest child in the family. It is because, the youngest child will not be said about the difficulties of the family. Generally, the burden of the family does not come in the hands of the younger child.
The younger child of a family is always found to be under the achievers list. When they practice and work out well, no one else can beat them. The younger child does not face difficulties like ignorance from parents as the first-born child undergoes.
In addition, when the younger child demands for a product, the parents will immediately purchase it. The youngest child will be the pet of the family and enjoy to the fullest in the house.

Question 2

Describe research on the personality of first-born and only-born children. Do the results support Adler's predictions

Answer 2

The research on personality of first-born children:
The research on personality of the first-born children concludes that the first-born children are the ones who are intelligent and hard working. They have a high self-esteem and are considered as successful persons.
They lack anxiety and depression. This gives a positive impact on the behavior of first-born children. They get good name in their school and college life. In addition, they have a successful career ahead.
The research on personality of only-born children:
According to the research conducted, it is found that the only-born children possess high self-esteem. They are found to be similar to the first-born children. They perform well in their academics.
They possess high self-esteem that makes them to achieve their goals. They are hardworking people who are capable to tolerate the things that are happening around them.
Determine if the results support Mr. A's predictions:
It is found that Mr. A's predictions on the first-born children are not found to be correct in all the cases. The research says that first-born children are intelligent when compared to the second born children and the second born children is more intelligent when compared to the third child. In addition, it is found that the first-born children do not score high grades in their examinations. Hence, the prediction of Mr. A is not deemed to be true in all the cases.
The predictions of Mr. A based on the only-child is also proved to be incorrect in few cases. Research has found the fact that only born children are not selfish. They are found to be cooperative when compared to others.
The following are the predictions of Mr. A that did not support the research on first-born child and the only-born child:
Mr. A's predictions were based on the answers that were said by his patients. He treated his patients like friends and asked the questions in a friendly manner. Therefore, he felt that his predictions would be appropriate among the people. He thought that he was able to collect a clear picture of the things that were exactly required by him. To his vain, the research did not go well with his predictions.
According to Mr. A, the first-born child is always unique and the parents take care of the baby in a very careful way. The first-born child is being pampered and hence they are found to be stubborn. They are often worried about the past.
The only child in the family will not have experienced sharing. It takes everything for itself. The child experiences privacy in its social life. The child may not go according to the wishes and the advices of the parents. They may do what they see and feel as right.

Question 3

How does Adler's image of human nature differ from Freud's

Answer 3

The following is the way by which Mr. A's image of human nature differs from Mr. F's image of human nature:
It is found that Mr. A's image of human nature is more helpful when compared to Mr. F. Mr. A has positive attitude towards human beings whereas Mr. F's theory proves that he does not have positive thoughts with regard to human.
Mr. A feels that human beings are unique and they are capable of shaping their own future. They are competent in finding out their mistakes and correcting it whereas Mr. F says that human beings are directed only with the help of experiences.
According to Mr. F, human beings are victims of their childhood experiences. In the view of Mr. A, childhood experiences are important for an individual but they should not be considered as victims. They shape their life in a better way than they were in their childhood.
According to Mr. A, some qualities and characteristics possessed by individuals are inborn and they cannot be changed very easily. For example, the interest that is possessed by an individual on the society is innate.

Question 4

Describe the approaches Adler used to assess the personalities of his patients.

Question 5

What is the importance of early recollections in personality assessment Give an example of how one of Adler's recollections revealed an aspect of his personality.

Question 6

What is the purpose of dreams Does contemporary research on sleep and dreaming support Adler's views

Question 7

Explain how Adler's theory of personality is at least partly a reflection of his own childhood experiences.

Question 8

How do people who score high in social interest differ from people who score low

Question 9

On what points did Adler differ with Freud

Question 10

Discuss the criticisms and contributions of Adler's system within psychology today.

Question 11

What is the difference between inferiority feelings and the inferiority complex How does each develop

Question 12

How does the superiority complex differ from the idea of striving for superiority How did Adler define superiority

Question 13

Describe the concept of fictional finalism. Explain how fictional finalism relates to the notion of striving for superiority.

Question 14

How does the self develop Do people play an active or a passive role in the development of the self

Question 15

What are the four basic styles of life, according to Adler

Question 16

What parental behaviors may foster a child's development of social interest Which basic style of life is identified with social interest

Question 17

Describe the personality characteristics proposed by Adler that may develop in first-born, secondborn, and youngest children as a result of their order of birth within the family.

Question 18

According to Adler, what are the advantages and disadvantages of being an only child