how were alfred adler's theories different from sigmund freud's

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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28-02-2025

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Alfred Adler and Sigmund Freud, while both founding figures of psychoanalysis, diverged significantly in their theoretical approaches to human psychology. While both acknowledged the importance of the unconscious, their emphasis and interpretations differed dramatically, leading to the development of distinct schools of thought: Adlerian psychology and Freudian psychoanalysis. This article will explore the key differences between their theories.

Divergent Views on the Driving Force of Human Behavior

Freud's Psychoanalysis: Freud posited that human behavior is primarily driven by sexual and aggressive instincts, residing in the unconscious mind. He believed these drives, stemming from early childhood experiences, particularly those related to psychosexual development, shaped personality and behavior throughout life. Unresolved conflicts and repressed desires, he argued, manifested as neuroses and psychological distress.

Adler's Individual Psychology: Adler, initially a close associate of Freud, later parted ways, emphasizing the importance of social interest and striving for superiority as the primary motivators of human behavior. He believed that individuals are inherently driven by a desire to overcome feelings of inferiority and achieve a sense of belonging and significance within society. This striving, he argued, is a fundamental aspect of human nature and shapes our goals and actions.

The Role of the Unconscious

While both acknowledged the unconscious, their perspectives differed significantly.

Freud's View: Freud saw the unconscious as a reservoir of repressed desires, traumas, and instinctual drives. These elements, he believed, significantly influenced conscious thought and behavior, often in ways individuals were unaware of. He employed techniques like dream analysis and free association to uncover these hidden elements.

Adler's View: Adler viewed the unconscious as less of a repository of repressed instincts and more of a storehouse of strategies and beliefs that individuals develop to cope with their feelings of inferiority and strive for superiority. He believed that individuals are largely aware of their goals and motivations, even if they may not fully understand the underlying reasons behind them.

Importance of Childhood Experiences

Both acknowledged the formative role of childhood experiences, but their interpretations differed substantially.

Freud's Emphasis on Psychosexual Development: Freud’s theory centered on psychosexual stages, arguing that unresolved conflicts during these stages (oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital) leave lasting impacts on personality. Fixation at a particular stage, he believed, could lead to specific personality traits and psychological problems in adulthood.

Adler's Focus on Family Dynamics and Early Social Experiences: Adler placed greater emphasis on the influence of family dynamics and early social interactions on the development of an individual’s style of life – a unique pattern of behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that guides their actions. He believed that birth order and sibling relationships played crucial roles in shaping personality.

Methods of Therapy

Freud's Psychoanalysis: Freud's therapeutic approach involved uncovering repressed memories and unconscious conflicts through techniques like free association, dream analysis, and transference analysis (exploring the patient's relationship with the therapist as a reflection of past relationships). The goal was to gain insight into the unconscious and resolve underlying conflicts.

Adler's Individual Psychology: Adlerian therapy focused on understanding the individual's unique style of life and helping them to develop more adaptive and socially beneficial ways of coping with their feelings of inferiority. It emphasizes collaboration between the therapist and patient and focuses on encouraging self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the development of social interest.

Summary: Key Differences

In conclusion, while both Freud and Adler made significant contributions to the field of psychology, their theories differed fundamentally in their understanding of the human psyche and the driving forces behind human behavior. Adler's emphasis on social interest and conscious striving for meaning stands in contrast to Freud's focus on unconscious drives and the impact of early psychosexual experiences. Both theories, however, continue to influence contemporary psychological thought and therapeutic practice.