Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

Which psychological school of thought was established by Alfred Adler?

1. Behaviorism

2. Humanistic Psychology

3. Analytical Psychology

4. Individual Psychology

The correct answer is: Individual Psychology

Alfred Adler is best known for founding the school of thought known as Individual Psychology. This approach emphasizes the unique motivations of individuals and the importance of social influences on personality development. Adler viewed individuals as actively striving for superiority and overcoming feelings of inferiority, which shaped many of his theories on human behavior and personality. Individual Psychology places a strong focus on the holistic view of a person, acknowledging the interplay of social connections, family dynamics, and community factors in one’s psychological development. Adlerian concepts such as the inferiority complex and the importance of community feeling highlight how one's social environment influences behavior and mental health, distinguishing this approach from others that might focus more narrowly on biological or behavioral components. In contrast, the other options reference different psychological frameworks. Behaviorism primarily explores observable behaviors and the effects of conditioning, whereas Humanistic Psychology emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization without the specific focus on social influences found in Individual Psychology. Analytical Psychology, founded by Carl Jung, delves into concepts such as the collective unconscious and archetypes, which are different from Adler's focus on individual experiences and social context.