Understanding Life: An Introduction to the Psychology of Alfred Adler PDF
Preview Understanding Life: An Introduction to the Psychology of Alfred Adler
Alfred Adler (1870-1937) was born in a suburb of Vienna, the son of a Jewish grain merchant. He became a medical doctor and was one of the first to take a serious interest in the theories of Sigmund Freud, recognizing that they opened up a new phase in the development of psychiatry and psychology. He joined Freud's discussion group and in 1910 became President of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society. Shortly afterwards the divergence between his views and those of Freud and Jung led to his resignation. It is clear both that Adler's work is deeply indebted to his one-time colleague, and that from the beginning he had an independent approach to formulating the problems of human psychology and finding solutions to them. In 1912 he formed the Society for Individual Psychology, which stressed the importance of taking a broad and responsive view of the human personality, rather than adherence to the strict scientific principles of the Freudians. He died in 1937, while on a lecture tour of Scotland, and his name is bracketed with those of Freud and Jung as one of the three great fathers of modern psychotherapy. Colin Brett is an Adlerian counsellor and former Training Officer of the Adlerian Society of Great Britain. He currently works as a freelance management consultant and Adlerian Coun- sellor Trainer in both Great Britain, Ireland and South Africa. He is the translator of Alfred Adler's Understanding Human Nature and the editor of What Life Could Mean to You, both published by Oneworld Publications, 1992. by the same author The Case of Miss R: The interpretation of a life story The Education of Children The Neurotic Constitution The Patfern of life The Practice and Theory of Individual Psychology Problems of Neurosis: A book of case histories Social Interest: A challenge to mankind Understanding Human Nature What 1i fe Could Mean to You Understanding Life Alfred Adler edited and with an introduction by Colin Brett O N E W O R L D O X F O R D UNDERSTANDING LIFE Oneworld Publications (Sales and Editorial) 185 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 7AR England Oneworld Publications (US Marketing Office) PO Box 830,21 Broadway Rockport, MA 01966 USA First published as The Science of Living in 1927 O this edition Oneworld Publications 1997 All rights reserved. Copyright under Berne Convention A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library ISBN 1-85168-128-0 Printed and bound by WSOY, Finland Cover design: Peter Maguire Cover illustration: All M.C. Escher works O Cordon Art - Baarn - Holland. All rights reserved. NL08 contents introduction IX About this Book ix Key Concepts of Individual Psychology xi Adler's Work xvii Adler: 'A Man Ahead of his Time' XX Adler's Personality xxii Individual Psychology in Practice xxiv Therapeutic Education xxvi 1 . individual psychology - the science of living 1 Striving Towards a Goal 3 Ways of Seeing the World 5 Parental Influences 7 Birth Order 9 Exploring Childhood Memories 10 Private Logic 11 The Importance of Social Interest 14 Feelings and Emotions 15 The General Approach 16 2. the inferiority complex Consciousness and Unconsciousness Our Social Relationships Language and Communication Social Training Overcoming Limitations Feelings of Inferiority 3. the superiority complex The Goal of Superiority Avoiding Real Solutions Superiority and Inferiority Self-Interest Boasting and Confidence Healthy Ambition 4. the life style Recognizing Life Style The 'Normal' Life Style The 'Maladjusted' Life Style Methods of Diagnosis Developing Social Feeling Overcoming Depression and Fear 5. childhood memories Discovering the Prototype Types of Memories Death in the Family The Memories of Pampered Children Specific Memories Predictive Analysis expressions of the life style Body Language Timidity Moods The Development of Personal Characteristics Masters of our own Fate Envy and Jealousy The Masculine Protest 7. dreams The Life of Dreams The Purpose of Dreams Dream Logic Methods of Interpretation Dreamers and Non-Dreamers Sleep and Hypnotism problem children Principles of Education Understanding Parents and Children The Superiority Complex in Problem Children Some Characteristics of Problem Children Gifted Children How to Encourage Children Birth Order and Family Dynamics 9. social adjustment The Social Context Behavioural Problems Adjusting to School Facing the Three Tasks of Life The Need to Build Character 10. social feeling and common sense Social Usefulness Hidden Complexes Symptoms of Neurosis A Case History Providing Encouragement 1 I . intimate relationships The Importance of Preparation Equality of the Sexes The Dynamics of Attraction The Spoilt Child Offering Advice Mistaken Attitudes Danger Signs Marriage as a Social Task 1 2. sexuality and sexual problems Fact and Superstition Childhood Sexuality The Life Style and Sexuality A Criminal Case Sexual Excess 1 3. conclusion glossary of key terms select bibliography index introduction About this Book First published in English in 1927, ten years before Adler's death, Understanding Life covers the main principles of Individual Psychology. This text is especially interesting to students of Adler's method because it contains numerous examples to illus- trate the theoretical points made. The connecting thread through- out the book is the importance of having an understanding of society's needs and our willingness to contribute usefully wher- ever we can to the common weal. Readers will also find that common sense plays a significant role in Adler's thinking. Indeed, there is a story that, after he had held a lecture on his psychology, the comment was made that everything he had said was common sense. 'And what is wrong with common sense?' was the reply. Adler was known to be an inspiring speaker but unfortunately
Description:The list of books you might like
