Keywords

Adlerian Theory, Inferiority complex, Superiority complex, Inferiority

Abstract

Alfred Adler once afflicted with inferiority due to organ inferiority, became the founding father of Individual/Adlerian psychology. Adlerian psychotherapy spans numerous contemporary theories in psychology. Adlerian psychotherapy is a holistic, phenomenological, optimistic and socially entrenched theory, on how everyone interprets themselves and others within the society they live (Maniacci & Sackett-Maniacci, 2019). An overview will be provided of where one of Adler’s most important assumptions, inferiority, fits within the Adlerian theory. Given such, the negative responses to inferiority: inferiority complex and superiority complex will be discussed, followed by socially useful type of inferiority. After that, inferiority as a specific element will be examined in relation to key principles of Adlerian theory. Next, a discussion on the different theoretical underpinnings of Adlerian theory and Freudian theory. Concluding with how Adlerian theory can continue to flourish in the modern social climate.