In Alfred Adler's view, every individual suffers from:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Inferiority complex
Option (1) Identity crisis — Incorrect. The identity crisis of adolescence belongs to Erik Erikson, whose theory gives ego identity a central place in lifelong development.
Option (2) Basic anxiety — Incorrect. Karen Horney held that when parents’ behaviour towards a child is indifferent, discouraging and erratic, the child feels insecure, and basic anxiety results.
Option (3) Inferiority complex — Correct. In Adler’s individual psychology, every individual suffers from feelings of inadequacy and guilt, that is, an inferiority complex, which arises from childhood. Overcoming it is essential for optimal personality development, and the goals that help one overcome feelings of inadequacy are important for personality.
Option (4) Collective unconscious — Incorrect. The collective unconscious, made up of archetypes or primordial images that are inherited rather than individually acquired, is Carl Jung’s idea.
NCERT (2025-26): “Alfred Adler : Lifestyle and Social Interest … Adler’s theory is known as individual psychology. His basic assumption is that human behaviour is purposeful and goal-directed. Each one of us has the capacity to choose and create. Our personal goals are the sources of our motivation. The goals that provide us with security and help us in overcoming the feelings of inadequacy are important in our personality development. In Adler’s view, every individual suffers from the feelings of inadequacy and guilt, i.e. inferiority complex, which arise from childhood. Overcoming this complex is essential for optimal personality development.…” “Erik Erikson : Search for Identity … Erikson’s theory lays stress on rational, conscious ego processes in personality development. In his theory, development is viewed as a lifelong process, and ego identity is granted a central place in this process. His concept of identity crisis of adolescent age has drawn considerable attention.…” |