Chapter 4: Individual Psychology

Individual psychology theory was founded by Alfred Adler. This theory states humans are motivated by the strive for superiority as well as the need to belong. Ultimately motivation falls to how the individual reconciles these two desires. The constructs for this theory are compromised of five areas; life style, social interest, inferiority feelings, basic tasks and basic mistakes. Lifestyle is the plan developed at an early age which guides an individual’s entire life including perceptions and actions in the world. Social interests is the measure of an individual’s interest in how much that individual cares for and shows interest in they’re society.   Inferiority feelings (complex) are a normal part of life without these feelings there would not be progress as humans strive for superiority. Basic tasks consist of three problems communal life, work, love or intimate devotion expressed towards a partner. Finally basic mistakes are distorted attitudes about self, the world and people, also distorted attitudes about self, the world and people, also distorted goals, methods of operation, ideals and conclusions.                      

                While working with international students it’s not uncommon to have student who originate for very wealthy backgrounds. Some of these students have been allotted privileges from early age, such as a pampered childhood with servants or even cultural privileges such as those some male student form Islamic countries have. In this way, as is stated by Adler, the student never learns how to tackle life’s problems as superiority has been handed to him form a young age. As Individual Psychology also states these feeling of superiority may actually be a mask for the real feelings of inferiority. Through Assessment of each individual situation, a situation such as this may be assisted by other techniques such as goal setting, interpretations, encouragement to introduce natural and logical consequences or creating images.