Overview
This lecture covers Alfred Adler's theory of abnormal development, highlighting the influence of social interest, external factors, safeguarding tendencies, and family constellation, along with critiques of Adler's approach.
Adler's View on Abnormal Personality
- Abnormal personality develops when social interest (concern for others) is underdeveloped.
- People with abnormal personality set overly high goals, isolate themselves, and are rigid or inflexible.
- Failure to adapt to situations is a sign of maladjustment.
External Factors Affecting Abnormal Development
- Exaggerated physical deficiencies can lead to maladjustment due to subjective perception, not actual defects.
- Pampered style of life results in weak social interest and entitlement; often leads to anxiety and impatience.
- Neglected style of life arises from feeling unloved, leading to distrust and suspicion of others.
- Both pampering and neglect can foster abnormal personality development.
Safeguarding Tendencies
- Safeguarding tendencies are conscious strategies (unlike Freud's unconscious defenses) to protect exaggerated self-esteem.
- Excuses: Using "if only" or "yes, but" to avoid responsibility.
- Aggression: Includes depreciation (undervaluing others), accusation (blaming others), and self-accusation (self-blame to manipulate or harm others).
- Withdrawal: Avoiding difficulties through moving backward (regressing), standing still (refusing to progress), hesitating (procrastination), constructing obstacles (creating easy problems to solve), and handicapping (setting oneself up for failure).
Masculine Protest
- Adler argued men and women have similar psychological lives; gender roles are shaped by culture, not biology.
- Masculine protest: Overemphasis on being "manly" due to societal values, not innate differences.
Family Constellation and Birth Order
- Birth order influences subjective perception and personality traits:
- Oldest: Confident, leader-like, responsible.
- Middle: Independent, competitive, often a mediator.
- Youngest: Pampered, ambitious, diverse interests.
- Only child: Traits similar to oldest or youngest, no middle position.
- Parental treatment and sibling dynamics shape individual differences.
Early Recollections and Mental Health
- Early childhood memories reflect style of life and future goals.
- Health issues in early life can impact personality and participation.
Adlerian Psychotherapy
- Therapy focuses on fostering social interest, self-esteem, and courage.
- Approach is friendly, warm, and goal-directed.
Critique of Adler’s Theory
- Strengths: Generates research, considers subjective perception, guides therapy.
- Weaknesses: Circular reasoning, vague terms, less precise definitions, not highly parsimonious.
- Emphasizes free will, social factors, optimistic and future-oriented.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Social Interest — Concern for the welfare of others; key to healthy personality.
- Pampered Style of Life — Overindulgence leading to dependency and entitlement.
- Neglected Style of Life — Feelings of being unloved, leading to distrust and withdrawal.
- Safeguarding Tendencies — Conscious behaviors to protect self-esteem.
- Masculine Protest — Desire to be "manly" due to cultural influences.
- Family Constellation — Birth order and family dynamics shaping personality.
- Early Recollections — Significant childhood memories revealing personality themes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Adler's concepts in your textbook.
- Reflect on your own early recollections and possible influence on your personality.
- Prepare for discussion on Carl Jung’s theory next week.