Psychology: Opinion on Alfred Adler's Approach

This week's reading has encouraged me to think about the beginnings of Personality theory as presented by Freud. I question what evolution occurred to produce more contemporary views. Our reading tells us that Freud's ideas are alive and highly functional even today. Freud's approach did have limits and failures. I propose that contemporary theorist expounded upon and improved Freud's model.

Alfred Adler's approach appeared to be more developed and did address occupational task and Social task as essential factors in personality and identity. I believe that societal evolution has brought the general populace from the farm and close-knit family networks and social groups in which an individual's "Society" may be made up of folks within a fifty mile radius, a society in which you know you will take over your father's trade or take care of the children. Today our "Society" is a global one in which at the stroke of a keyboard you can talk to someone across the globe and is far different than the Social circles of Freud's time and most likely contribute to the lack of focus in Freud's theories on Social impact.

I believe Adler's theories capture this evolution and the theory transcends over time. Social issues of occupational task and societal task, in my opinion, are great contributors to our personalities and our identities. Adler's theory of individual psychology focuses on the belief the unique motivations of individuals and the importance of each person's perceived niche in Society resonated with me. I have watched my children integrate into multiple schools systems all over the country. I know individually they are motivated by different things; however I also see changes in what is important to them with every move as they try to integrate into their new societal niche. When they talk to a friend from where they previously lived they may find interest in an old thing that motivated them before, but it quickly is forgotten when they are back with their local friends.

Friedman, H. S. & Schustack, M. W. (2012). Personality: Classic theories and modern research, 5th Ed. Allyn & Bacon: Heights, MA