When we think of influential psychologists, names like Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and B.F. Skinner often come to mind. However, there's one psychologist who often gets overlooked despite making major contributions to the field of psychology - Alfred Adler.
Adler, who was born in 1870 in Austria, was a contemporary of Freud's and was one of the first members of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society. However, he broke away from Freud's theories and developed his own unique approach to psychology, known as individual psychology.
His pioneering approach to understanding human behaviour and his emphasis on social interest and community contrasted significantly with those theories put forward by his academic peers. Over a century after his death, Adler's ideas and theories remain just as, if not more, relevant and impactful as they were when he first introduced them.
Adler believed that our early childhood experiences shape our life's purpose and direction and that our actions are driven by our desire for success and a sense of belonging. He emphasised the importance of addressing issues in childhood to prevent problems later in life and was a strong advocate for preventative mental health care.
In today's world, where mental health is more prevalent and important than ever before, Adler's ideas couldn't be more relevant. The emphasis on preventative mental health and the role of the community in shaping an individual's self-esteem and personal growth is just as relevant today as it was when Adler first introduced these ideas.
Adler's work also laid the foundation for fields such as educational psychology, occupational therapy, and life coaching. The importance of understanding an individual's early childhood experiences and how they shape their life's purpose is just as important today as it was a century ago.
Consequentially, Alfred Adler's work is not only relevant but also necessary in today's world. The emphasis on preventative mental health, the role of the community, and the importance of understanding childhood experiences are all critical aspects of modern psychology that continue to shape the way we understand and approach human behaviour. So, I think it is time to give more recognition to Alfred Adler for his groundbreaking work and give more credit to his ideas and theories, particularly in A-Level and Undergraduate curriculums.
If you would like to read more about Alfred Adler's work, in an easy to digest and interesting format, I heartily recommend the book "The Courage To Be Disliked" by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. This is one of my all time favourite books and leads a discussion of Adlerian psychology in a conversation based dialogue.
And of course, you can buy my hand drawn Alfred Adler inspired sustainable apparel HERE to continue the conversation about Alfred Adler and support small ethical business at the same time.
Susan
Chief Lobster, Inkhorn Apparel
