Individual psychology, also known as Adlerian psychology, is a psychological approach developed by Alfred Adler, a colleague of Sigmund Freud. It focuses on understanding the unique and subjective experiences of individuals within the context of their social environment. Individual psychology emphasizes the significance of an individual’s subjective perceptions, beliefs, goals, and values in shaping their behavior and psychological functioning.

Key principles of individual psychology include:

1. Holistic View of Individuals: Individual psychology takes a holistic approach to understanding individuals, viewing them as integrated beings with physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Adler believed that individuals should be understood within the context of their entire lives, including their early childhood experiences, family dynamics, cultural background, and social environment.
2. Striving for Superiority: One of the central concepts in individual psychology is the idea of the “striving for superiority.” Adler proposed that individuals are motivated by a universal drive to overcome feelings of inferiority and achieve a sense of competence, significance, and belonging in society. This striving for superiority motivates individuals to set goals, pursue success, and seek fulfillment in various domains of life.
3. Inferiority Complex: Adler introduced the concept of the inferiority complex, which refers to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and inferiority that individuals may experience when they perceive themselves as falling short of societal or personal standards. The inferiority complex can lead to behaviors such as compensation (overcompensating for perceived weaknesses), aggression (lashing out at others to protect one’s ego), or withdrawal (avoiding challenges to protect one’s self-esteem).
4. Creative Self: Individual psychology emphasizes the individual’s capacity for creativity and self-determination in shaping their own personality and destiny. Adler believed that individuals have the power to reinterpret their life experiences, set new goals, and make choices that lead to personal growth and fulfillment. The creative self refers to the individual’s ability to actively construct their own identity and life story.
5. Social Interest: Individual psychology highlights the importance of social interest, or Gemeinschaftsgefühl, which refers to the individual’s innate tendency to connect with others, contribute to the welfare of society, and strive for social harmony and cooperation. Adler viewed social interest as a crucial factor in mental health and well-being, as it fosters a sense of belonging, connectedness, and empathy toward others.
6. Birth Order and Family Dynamics: Individual psychology emphasizes the influence of early family experiences, particularly birth order and family dynamics, on an individual’s personality development and psychological functioning. Adler proposed that birth order (the position a child occupies in the family hierarchy) and sibling relationships shape individuals’ personality traits, attitudes, and interpersonal styles.
7. Therapeutic Process: Individual psychology offers a collaborative and empathic therapeutic approach aimed at helping clients gain insight into their subjective experiences, understand their goals and values, and develop healthier coping strategies. Adlerian therapists focus on exploring clients’ early life experiences, identifying patterns of behavior, and promoting self-awareness, responsibility, and social interest.

Overall, individual psychology offers a holistic and optimistic perspective on human nature, emphasizing individuals’ capacity for self-determination, growth, and social connection. By focusing on the subjective experiences and unique life contexts of individuals, individual psychology provides insights into the complexities of human behavior and the factors that contribute to psychological well-being and fulfillment.