The Objectives of the Research The Significance of the Research

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B. Basic Assumption of Individual Psychology

The basic assumption of Individual Psychology can be presented in six general categories: 1 fiction finalism, 2 inferiority feeling, 3 striving for superiority, 4 style of life, 5 social interest, and 6 creative power.

1. Fiction Finalism

Fiction finalism is the individual goal of life, which is imaginary in nature or as a fiction as stated by Adler in Hjelle and Ziegler 1992: 154 that each person’s quest for superiority is guided by the fictional goal that he or she has adopted. Adler in Hjelle and Ziegler, 1992: 154 believes that the person’s fictional goal of superiority is self- determined; it is formed by the person’s own creative power, which makes the individually unique. Adler in Ryckman, 1985: 98 argues that people create ideas that guide their behavior and he concludes that, no one’s different struggling can occur without the perception of goals. The fiction finalism takes a place as imaginary goals where all kinds of striving and struggle of a person will lead to. Adler’s concept of fiction finalism is the idea the human behavior is directed toward a future goal of its own making. Adler in Hjelle and Ziegler, 1992: 153 theorizes that our ultimate goals those goals which give our live direction and purpose are fictional goals that can neither be tested nor confirmed against reality. 9

2. Inferiority Feeling

Inferiority feeling is the manifestation of individual consciousness due to a condition, which results from incompetence or imperfection feeling. Literally, inferiority is feeling weak and inexperienced in the appearance of tasks that need to be completed. Hall and Lindzey 1985: 147 explain that this inferiority feeling is considered as a challenge to strive for the compensation of inferiority until psychological equilibrium is attained. According to Adler as quoted by Hall and Lindzey 1985: 147, the feeling of inferiority is quite normal. Throughout life, feelings of inferiority arise as we meet new and unfamiliar task that must be completed. Each time we confront a new tasks our initial awareness of inferiority is overcome as we achieve a higher level of functioning. Feeling of inferiority basically can be constructive or destructive.

3. Striving for Superiority

Each individual is naturally forced to be superior, dominant and considered by others. A person will make some efforts to cover the feeling of inferiority and will strive to cover his or her weaknesses to be better. Feist 1985: 68 states that the one dynamic force behind the person activity is the striving for success or superiority. Adler in Fredenburgh, 1971: 219 states as follows.