Striving for Superiority Basic concept of Individual Psychology

Adler Hjelle and Ziegler, 1992: 146 maintains four types of life- style attitudes: a. The Ruling Type In this type, people possess a dominating attitude toward the outside world and confront the major life tasks in a hostile, antisocial manner. b. The Getting Type This type shows how people relate to the outside world. People’s main concern in life is getting as much as possible from others. It is depending on the other to satisfy most their need. Adler means that “they possess a low degree of activity, however they are not likely to hurt others” Feist, 1985: 75. c. The Avoiding Type This type shows that they are characterized by an attitude of avoidance. Feist argues that “their life is marked by the socially useless behavior of running away from the task of life” Feist, 1985: 76. In other words, people have neither sufficient social interest nor activity to solve their own problems. Their goal is to sidestep all problems in life, thereby avoiding any possibility of failure. d. The Socially Useful type Person with this type expresses a genuine concern for and fellowship with other people. Adler states that “efforts to solve life’s problem in a manner beneficial to society. This person surely identifies three major problems: neighborly love, sexual love, and occupation” Feist, 1985: 76. It means that the person realizes that solving these major tasks requires cooperation, personal courage, and willingness to contribute to the welfare of others.

6. Creative Self

Adler maintains that “the style of life is shaped by the person’s creative power” in Hjelle and Ziegler, 1992: 150. In other word, each person is empowered with the freedom to create his or her own life- style. Adler also insisted that “this creative power is responsible for the final goal, and contributes to the development of social interest Feist 1985: 77. The concept of the creative self places the responsibility for the individual’s personality into his own hands. Adler sees that “the individual as responsible for himself”. He attempts to show the person that he cannot blame others or uncontrollable forces for his current condition.