The human personality becomes unified through development of a life goal (Dinkmeyer, Dinkmeyer, & Sperry, 2000). An individual’s thoughts, feelings, beliefs, convictions, attitudes, character, and actions are expressions of his or her uniqueness, which helps the individual develop a plan of life that allows for movement toward a self-selected life goal. Adler implied that people cannot be understood in parts, but all aspects of humans must be understood in relationship. The focus is on understanding whole persons within their social contexts of family, culture, school, and work. People are social, creative, decision-making beings who act with purpose and cannot be fully known outside the contexts that have meaning in one’s life.
An individual’s…show more content… The second group is “The Self-ideal”; Adler described this group as the convictions of ‘what I should be or am obligated to be’ to have a place in this world. The third group is “The Weltbild” and as Adler described it, it is the picture of the world and the conviction about people, and nature. The last group is “The Ethical Convictions”, which is the personal right-wrong code. This is one’s ethical beliefs and understandings. Adler believed this group is highly influenced by individual’s childhood…show more content… These terms refer to individuals’ awareness of being part of the human community and to individuals’ attitudes in dealing with the social world. Adler believed that people can be understood interpersonally and as social beings moving through and interacting with their environment (Mosak & Maniacci, 2011).
Adler believed that in society people are encouraged to be the first, the best, and to excel and be popular (Dinkmeyer et al., 2000). He addressed that competition is a drive that is activated by confidence, courage, and abilities. Adler mentioned that one of the first places in life that competition manifests itself is in individual’s own family with siblings. Adler also emphasized birth order and called it a critical variable.
According to Adler’s theory, the youngest child is most likely to break the family pattern in terms of occupation or avocation (Mosak & Maniacci, 2011). It has been said by Adlerian followers and psychologists that it usually takes the “only child” longer to develop the ability to relate socially with peers, but this does not appear to have any significant effects on ability to adjust to the world as an adult. Adler’s opinion about gender role and how it affects people is called “Masculine protest” (Mosak & Maniacci, 2011). In a culture that places a premium on masculinity, some women feel inferior because they have not
