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.