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Chapter 3: Alfred Adler and Individual Psychology Multiple Choice Questions 1. Adler was one of the first to leave whose psychoanalytic inner circle? A) Jung’s B) Nietzche’s C) Freud’s D) Vaihinger’s Answer: C Rationale: Adler was one of the first to leave Freud's psychoanalytic inner circle due to theoretical disagreements, particularly concerning the role of social factors and the importance of the individual's subjective experiences in understanding human behavior. 2. Adler and his associates established these in the public schools: A) sex hygiene clinics. B) psychotherapist training programs. C) programs for the elderly. D) child guidance clinics. Answer: D Rationale: Adler and his associates established child guidance clinics in public schools, emphasizing the importance of addressing and understanding the psychological and emotional needs of children in an educational setting. 3. Adler’s early work was strongly influenced by A) Darwin’s theory of evolution. B) Aristotelian logic. C) the death of his mother. D) Rogers, Allport, and Jung. Answer: A Rationale: Adler's early work was strongly influenced by Darwin's theory of evolution, particularly the idea of survival of the fittest and the concept of adaptation to one's environment as key factors in shaping behavior and personality development. 4. From which of the following systems did Adler adopt the philosophy of “as if”? A) The holistic philosophy of Jan Smuts B) The theoretical work of Hans Vaihinger C) Psychoanalytic theory D) Parapsychological theory Answer: B Rationale: Adler adopted the philosophy of "as if" from the theoretical work of Hans Vaihinger, which suggests that individuals often act as if their subjective interpretations of the world are true, even if they may not be objectively accurate, in order to navigate and make sense of their experiences. 5. According to Adler, this is an inevitable consequence of the child’s size and lack of power: A) a feeling of superiority. B) cooperation. C) a sense of inferiority. D) social interest. Answer: C Rationale: According to Adler, a sense of inferiority is an inevitable consequence of the child's size and lack of power, as they compare themselves to others who are bigger and stronger, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a desire to compensate for these perceived deficiencies. 6. Adler believed that the true motivation in an individual is her or his seeking to be A) empathic. B) inferior. C) individualized. D) superior. Answer: D Rationale: Adler believed that the true motivation in an individual is their seeking to be superior, striving to overcome feelings of inferiority and achieve a sense of mastery and competence in life. 7. In Adlerian terminology, the striving for superiority and the actualizing of life goals is also known as A) the will to self. B) self-actualization. C) social Darwinism. D) the will to power. Answer: D Rationale: In Adlerian terminology, the striving for superiority and the actualizing of life goals is also known as the will to power, reflecting Adler's belief that individuals are driven to overcome feelings of inferiority and strive for excellence and success in life. 8. What did Adler suggest serves as a focus for achievement? A) Creative force B) Life goal C) Conscious motivation D) Attitude Answer: B Rationale: Adler suggested that a life goal serves as a focus for achievement, providing individuals with a sense of purpose and direction in pursuing their aspirations and overcoming obstacles. 9. One’s life goal is influenced by A) personal experience. B) values. C) personality. D) one’s experience, values, and personality. Answer: D Rationale: One's life goal is influenced by their experience, values, and personality, as these factors shape their aspirations, priorities, and the direction of their lives. 10. According to Adlerian psychologist Mosak, lifestyle includes which one of the following dimensions? A) Self-concept B) Demographics C) Archetypes D) Religious affiliation Answer: A Rationale: According to Adlerian psychologist Mosak, lifestyle includes the dimension of self-concept, referring to how individuals perceive themselves and their place in the world, which influences their behaviors, choices, and interactions with others. 11. What did Adler think could be detected in a person’s earliest recollections? A) Hidden purposes B) Birth order C) Unconscious drives D) Physical health Answer: A Rationale: Adler believed that a person's earliest recollections could reveal hidden purposes or motives, providing insight into their underlying beliefs, values, and aspirations. 12. By espousing the doctrine of teleology, Adler strived to understand and explain A) mental phenomena. B) behavioral phenomena. C) psychoanalysis. D) power dynamics. Answer: B Rationale: By espousing the doctrine of teleology, Adler strived to understand and explain behavioral phenomena, emphasizing the goal-directed nature of human behavior and the importance of individual's subjective perceptions in shaping their actions. 13. One translation for the German word Gemeinshaftsgefuhl includes A) community health. B) social ability. C) community feeling. D) social aptitude. Answer: C Rationale: One translation for the German word Gemeinshaftsgefuhl is community feeling, reflecting Adler's concept of social interest, which emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and a sense of belonging to the welfare of the community as a whole. 14. Since the need to belong is fundamental to human nature, the focus is on what kind of psychology? A) Intrapersonal B) Depth C) Neo-analytic D) Interpersonal Answer: D Rationale: Since the need to belong is fundamental to human nature, the focus is on interpersonal psychology, which examines how individuals relate to and interact with others, emphasizing the importance of social relationships in shaping behavior and personality. 15. Constructive striving for superiority, plus strong social interest and what comprise the basic traits of the healthy individual? A) Consideration B) Cooperation C) Self-esteem D) Physical health Answer: B Rationale: The basic traits of the healthy individual, according to Adler, include constructive striving for superiority, strong social interest, and cooperation, reflecting Adler's emphasis on the importance of interpersonal relationships and community welfare in achieving personal fulfillment. 16. Adler observed that certain personality and behavior characteristics often varied by the order in which the patient was A) raised. B) born. C) treated. D) respected. Answer: B Rationale: Adler observed that certain personality and behavior characteristics often varied by the order in which the patient was born, suggesting that birth order can influence the development of personality traits and behavior patterns. 17. The siblings’ relationship to each other Adler termed the sibling A) constellation. B) matrix. C) prearrangement. D) tree. Answer: A Rationale: Adler termed the siblings' relationship to each other the sibling constellation, referring to the unique dynamic and interaction between siblings within a family, which can influence the development of their individual personalities and social behaviors. 18. According to Adler, every individual is confronted with the three major life tasks of A) social interest, cooperation, and belonging. B) friendship, love, and power. C) work, friendship, and love. D) work, friendship, and social interest. Answer: C Rationale: According to Adler, every individual is confronted with the three major life tasks of work, friendship, and love, which are essential for achieving a sense of purpose, belonging, and fulfillment in life. 19. Which one of the following childhood situations tends to result in isolation, a lack of social interest, and the development of a noncooperative style of life? A) Being the youngest sibling in the family constellation B) Organ superiority C) Authoritative parenting D) Neglect Answer: D Rationale: Neglect in childhood tends to result in isolation, a lack of social interest, and the development of a noncooperative style of life, as the individual may not have experienced the nurturing and support needed to develop healthy social skills and relationships. 20. For Adler, the self is A) the individual’s style of friendship. B) the destructive power of the individual. C) the personality viewed as an integrated whole. D) a synthesis of the id, ego, and superego. Answer: C Rationale: For Adler, the self is the personality viewed as an integrated whole, reflecting his holistic approach to understanding human behavior and personality development, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of the individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 21. Longitudinal research confirms Adler’s claim that lifestyle is consistent from childhood to A) marriage. B) adulthood. C) old age. D) adolescence. Answer: B Rationale: Longitudinal research has confirmed Adler's claim that lifestyle is consistent from childhood to adulthood, suggesting that the patterns of behavior, attitudes, and values developed in childhood tend to persist into adulthood, shaping the individual's approach to life and relationships. 22. Researchers agree that social interest is a useful concept, although they have yet to agree on a single A) definition. B) application. C) cause. D) determinant. Answer: A Rationale: Researchers agree that social interest is a useful concept, recognizing its importance in understanding human behavior and relationships. However, they have yet to agree on a single, universally accepted definition of social interest, as its meaning and implications can vary across different contexts and perspectives. 23. Research has shown significant correlations between marital adjustment and A) self-esteem. B) birth order. C) personality type. D) social interest. Answer: D Rationale: Research has shown significant correlations between marital adjustment and social interest, suggesting that individuals with higher levels of social interest tend to have better marital relationships, characterized by greater satisfaction, communication, and mutual support. 24. Research on birth order has generated the clearest results in studies of IQ, marriage patterns, and A) academic success. B) work preference. C) religiosity. D) risky behavior. Answer: D Rationale: Research on birth order has generated the clearest results in studies of IQ, marriage patterns, and risky behavior, indicating that birth order can influence these aspects of life, although the exact mechanisms and underlying causes remain subject to further research and debate. 25. Adler’s work on the interaction of psychological and physical elements in organ inferiority was instrumental in establishing A) child guidance clinics. B) credibility in America. C) psychosomatic medicine. D) the popular field of parenting. Answer: C Rationale: Adler's work on the interaction of psychological and physical elements in organ inferiority was instrumental in establishing psychosomatic medicine, which focuses on the influence of psychological factors on physical health and the treatment of medical conditions through a holistic approach that considers both mind and body. True False Questions 26. Adler was the founder of the holistic system called Individual Psychology. Answer: True Rationale: Adler was indeed the founder of Individual Psychology, which is a holistic approach that emphasizes the indivisibility of the individual's personality, focusing on the individual's subjective experiences, goals, and perceptions in understanding human behavior. 27. Adler argued that our goals and expectations have a greater influence on our behavior than do our past experiences. Answer: True Rationale: Adler believed that our goals and expectations, shaped by our subjective interpretations of past experiences, have a greater influence on our behavior than do the experiences themselves, highlighting the importance of future-oriented striving in driving human behavior. 28. Adler’s psychology may be considered a context psychology, as it looks at intangible forces and constructs deep within the psyche. Answer: False Rationale: Adler's psychology may be considered a teleological psychology, as it focuses on the goal-directed nature of human behavior and the individual's subjective perceptions and interpretations of their experiences, rather than on intangible forces or constructs deep within the psyche. 29. In 1920, Adler was the first to practice family therapy. Answer: True Rationale: Adler was one of the first to practice family therapy, recognizing the importance of family dynamics and relationships in shaping individual behavior and personality, and pioneering the use of family therapy techniques to address psychological issues within the family unit. 30. Considered Freud’s student, Adler built diligently upon psychoanalytic theory. Answer: False Rationale: While Adler was initially a member of Freud's inner circle and considered himself a student of Freud, he eventually parted ways with Freud due to theoretical disagreements and developed his own theory, Individual Psychology, which diverged significantly from classical psychoanalytic theory. 31. A strong supporter of social Darwinism, Adler emphasized eliminating the unfit, as well as survival of the fittest. Answer: False Rationale: Adler was not a strong supporter of social Darwinism. Instead, he emphasized the importance of social interest, cooperation, and community feeling in achieving personal fulfillment and contributing to the welfare of society, advocating for the empowerment and inclusion of all individuals, regardless of perceived fitness or superiority. 32. Adler believed that, by necessity, in the process of human evolution, competitive struggle must be seen as more important than cooperation and community feeling. Answer: False Rationale: Adler believed that cooperation and community feeling were more important than competitive struggle in the process of human evolution, emphasizing the significance of social interest and the collective welfare of society over individual competition and dominance. 33. Adler’s concept of social interest stands in diametric opposition to Nietzsche’s individualistic perspective. Answer: True Rationale: Adler's concept of social interest, which emphasizes empathy, compassion, and a sense of belonging to the welfare of the community as a whole, stands in diametric opposition to Nietzsche's individualistic perspective, which focuses on the assertion of individual will and the pursuit of personal goals and desires without regard for others. 34. According to Vaihinger’s concept of social fictions, when people are confronted by a welter of facts and experiences, the systems they create to organize their experiences become formed into truths. Answer: True Rationale: According to Vaihinger's concept of social fictions, individuals create systems or fictions to organize their experiences and make sense of the world, which may not necessarily correspond to objective truths but are accepted as truths within the context of their social and cultural beliefs. 35. Adler was influenced by Jan Smuts’s philosophy of holism, which states that whole systems are made up of distinct parts, and that each distinct part contains the properties of the whole. Answer: False Rationale: Adler was not influenced by Jan Smuts's philosophy of holism. Instead, he was influenced by Hans Vaihinger's concept of "as if" and the holistic approach of viewing the individual as an integrated whole, with each part of the personality contributing to the overall unity of the self. 36. Achieving a sense of superiority by dominating others is the goal of superiority taken in a positive direction. Answer: False Rationale: Achieving a sense of superiority by dominating others is not considered a positive direction of superiority in Adlerian psychology. Instead, Adler emphasized the importance of constructive striving for superiority, which involves striving for personal excellence and mastery in ways that benefit oneself and others, rather than seeking to dominate or control others. 37. One’s life goal is a clear and consciously chosen aim. Answer: False Rationale: Adler believed that one's life goal is not always a clear or consciously chosen aim, but rather a guiding direction or theme that emerges from early experiences, social influences, and personal values, shaping the individual's attitudes, behaviors, and choices throughout life. 38. An Adlerian psychotherapist addresses each part of the style of life separately because a given symptom or problematic trait is most easily eradicated in isolation. Answer: False Rationale: Adlerian psychotherapy takes a holistic approach, addressing the individual's style of life as a whole rather than focusing on isolated symptoms or traits. Adlerians believe that understanding the individual's overall lifestyle and underlying motivations is essential for meaningful change. 39. Creativity is at the core of Adler’s model of human nature. Answer: True Rationale: Adler believed that creativity is at the core of human nature, emphasizing the individual's capacity to creatively adapt to and shape their environment, overcome challenges, and pursue their goals in unique and innovative ways. 40. Adler emphasized that all human behavior is social in nature, since we develop in a social environment and our personalities are socially formed. Answer: True Rationale: Adler emphasized the social nature of human behavior, arguing that individuals develop within a social context and that their personalities are shaped by social interactions, relationships, and cultural influences, highlighting the importance of social factors in understanding human behavior. 41. Adlerian theory states that the meaning of life is largely taught to us by significant others. Answer: False Rationale: Adlerian theory suggests that the meaning of life is not taught to us by significant others, but rather constructed by each individual based on their unique experiences, perceptions, and goals, emphasizing the subjective nature of human existence. 42. Sibling rivalry is present in siblings up to 6 years apart, but more than 6 years is “too much ground” for the younger sibling to make up. Answer: False Rationale: Adler believed that sibling rivalry can occur in siblings of any age gap, as it is more related to the perception of unequal treatment or attention rather than the specific age difference between siblings. 43. Neurosis occurs when we strive for personal superiority instead of healthy, constructive achievement. Answer: True Rationale: According to Adler, neurosis occurs when individuals strive for personal superiority in a maladaptive or destructive way, such as seeking power over others or manipulating situations to inflate their own ego, rather than pursuing healthy and constructive achievement that benefits both themselves and others. 44. Sometimes at the expense of others, conjunctive emotions are intended to bring about a positive change in the life situation of the individual. Answer: False Rationale: Conjunctive emotions, according to Adler, are intended to bring about a positive change in the life situation of the individual, but they are not intended to be at the expense of others. Adler believed in the importance of empathy, cooperation, and social interest in achieving personal fulfillment and contributing to the welfare of society. 45. Similar to Freud, Adler would sit behind his patients while eliciting his patients’ free associations. Answer: False Rationale: Unlike Freud, who often sat behind his patients to encourage free associations, Adler preferred to sit face-to-face with his clients, engaging in a more collaborative and interactive therapeutic process focused on understanding the individual's subjective experiences and goals. 46. Some studies have shown that men score higher in social interest than women. Answer: False Rationale: There is no consistent evidence to suggest that men score higher in social interest than women. Adlerian theory emphasizes the importance of social interest for both men and women, suggesting that individuals of all genders have the capacity for empathy, cooperation, and community involvement. 47. Research has shown that parents treat their children differently depending on the order in which each child was born. Answer: True Rationale: Research has indeed shown that parents often treat their children differently based on their birth order. Firstborn children may receive more attention and responsibility, while later-born children may experience more freedom but also less attention from parents. 48. Confirming Adler’s observations, researchers have found that firstborn children are more often Type A personalities. Answer: True Rationale: Some research has suggested that firstborn children are more likely to exhibit Type A personality traits, such as being more ambitious, competitive, and organized, which aligns with Adler's observations regarding the influence of birth order on personality development. 49. One reason for Adler’s relative lack of popularity lies in his overly precise writing style. Answer: False Rationale: Adler's relative lack of popularity during his time was not due to his writing style but rather to his departure from Freudian psychoanalysis and his development of a unique and sometimes controversial theory, which was not always well-received by his contemporaries. 50. Many of Adler’s pioneering ideas have become so well accepted that they are taken for granted today. Answer: True Rationale: Many of Adler's pioneering ideas, such as the importance of social interest, the influence of birth order on personality, and the holistic nature of human behavior, have become widely accepted in psychology and are often taken for granted in contemporary psychological theory and practice. 51. Adlerian theory has been shown to be a precursor to cognitive theory in many ways. Answer: True Rationale: Adlerian theory has been considered a precursor to cognitive theory in many ways, particularly in its emphasis on the subjective interpretations of experiences, the influence of beliefs and expectations on behavior, and the focus on goal-directed behavior and personal agency in shaping one's life. Essay Questions 52. Discuss how a sense of inferiority can ultimately lead to constructive achievement in the world. Answer: A sense of inferiority, according to Adler, is a feeling of being less capable or significant than others. This feeling can motivate individuals to strive for improvement and success. For example, someone who feels inferior academically may work harder to excel in their studies. This constructive striving for superiority can lead to personal growth and achievement as individuals seek to overcome their perceived shortcomings. 53. What did Adler mean when he stated that all behavior occurs in a social context? What are some related implications; for example, how is mental illness understood in this light? Answer: Adler believed that all behavior is influenced by the social context in which it occurs. This means that our interactions with others, as well as our sense of belonging and significance within our social environment, play a crucial role in shaping our behavior. Mental illness, according to Adler, can be understood as a result of maladaptive responses to social challenges and feelings of inferiority. For example, someone experiencing depression may be struggling with feelings of isolation or inadequacy in their social relationships. 54. Adler discussed how the goal of superiority can take either a positive or a negative direction. Provide some examples from your own life when different directions lead to different outcomes. Answer: In my own life, I've observed how the goal of superiority can manifest in both positive and negative ways. For example, when striving for superiority is driven by a desire to excel and achieve personal goals while also benefiting others, it can lead to positive outcomes such as academic success, career advancement, and meaningful relationships. On the other hand, when the goal of superiority is pursued in a negative direction, such as seeking to dominate or control others, it can lead to conflict, isolation, and unhealthy competition. 55. Constructively criticize one of the basic principles of Adlerian Theory. Choose a principle, outline the basic premise(s), and offer a contrasting argument based on a different theory of personality. Answer: One of the basic principles of Adlerian Theory is the concept of "striving for superiority," which suggests that individuals are motivated to overcome feelings of inferiority and strive for personal excellence. While this principle highlights the importance of personal growth and achievement, it can be criticized for its individualistic focus and its potential to overlook the role of external factors in shaping behavior. From a social cognitive perspective, for example, behavior is seen as a result of interactions between individual characteristics, environmental influences, and behavioral outcomes. This perspective emphasizes the bidirectional nature of influence between individuals and their social environment, suggesting that behavior is not solely determined by internal motivations but also by external factors. 56. Describe your family’s sibling constellation. Who is in which ordinal position? Is sibling rivalry present? In general terms, describe the unique psychological and behavioral characteristics you and your siblings demonstrate. If you are an only child, describe a friend’s family constellation in the aforementioned manner. Answer: In my family, I am the oldest sibling, followed by my younger brother. Growing up, there was some sibling rivalry, especially during our teenage years, as we competed for attention and resources. However, as we've gotten older, our relationship has become more supportive and collaborative. I tend to be more responsible and organized, often taking on a leadership role, while my brother is more laid-back and creative, with a strong artistic streak. Overall, we have a close bond and often rely on each other for support and advice. One of my friends is the youngest of three siblings, with an older brother and sister. Growing up, she often felt overshadowed by her siblings and struggled with feelings of inadequacy. This sometimes led to conflicts with her siblings, especially her sister, who she felt was favored by their parents. Despite these challenges, my friend is now very independent and self-reliant, with a strong sense of determination and resilience. She has a close relationship with her siblings now, but it took time for them to overcome their rivalry and establish a supportive dynamic. Short Answer Questions 57. Since Adler’s ideas are easier to research than either Freud or Jung’s, many of Adler’s central concepts have generated ___________ ___________. Answer: empirical studies 58. Adler focused on the relations between individual and ___________. Answer: environment 59. According to Adler, a constructive striving for ___________ is one of the basic traits of the healthy individual. Answer: perfection 60. A person who ___________ will never become neurotic. Answer: cooperates 61. Adler taught that one of the worst things we may do to a child is to ___________ the child, since the child will have always had others do for them the things they could have done for themselves. Answer: pamper 62. What is crucial for Adler is that the ___________, the central element in his theory, be used constructively for individual growth and social cooperation. Answer: will Matching Questions 63. Individual Psychology P. Thinking that is bound by the individual’s goal of personal superiority 64. Death Q. In Adlerian psychology, the term unconscious is used as a(n) 65. Libido R. Similar to behaviorism in its stress on overt behaviors and their consequences 66. Organic weaknesses S. Selectively codify and interpret experience 67. “Supreme law” of life T. Never known love and cooperation in the home 68. Schema of apperception U. Sense of worth of the self shall not be allowed to diminish 69. Adjective V. What Adler confronted several times as a child 70. Psychological situation W. Tends to isolate the individual because it leads away from social functioning 71. Neglected child X. Adler opposed Freud’s assertion of the primacy of this 72. Neurosis Y. This is what is important, not the actual order of birth 73. Personal intelligence Z. Can be overcome through diligent training and exercise 74. Self-understanding AA. Learning to see the mistakes we make in coping with daily situations Answers: 63) C 64) G 65) I 66) K 67) F 68) D 69) B 70) J 71) E 72) H 73) A 74) L Test Bank for Personality and Personal Growth Robert Frager, James Fadiman 9780205953752, 9780205254781
