Read the following statements carefully and identify the statements which are true about Alfred Adler's theory.
(A) Adler's theory is known as the theory of identity crisis
(B) He believed individual's personal goals are the source of one's motivation
(C) In Adler's view, every individual suffers from inferiority complex
(D) He argued that people must generate a central perspective and direction for themselves
(E) The basic assumption of his theory is human behaviour is purposeful and goal-directed
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → (B), (C), (E) Only
Adler’s theory is known as individual psychology.
(A) Adler’s theory is known as the theory of identity crisis Incorrect. The concept of identity crisis of adolescent age belongs to Erik Erikson, whose theory stresses rational, conscious ego processes and treats development as a lifelong process.
(B) He believed individual’s personal goals are the source of one’s motivation Correct. For Adler, our personal goals are the sources of our motivation; goals that give security and help overcome feelings of inadequacy are important in personality development.
(C) In Adler’s view, every individual suffers from inferiority complex Correct. Every individual suffers from feelings of inadequacy and guilt, i.e. inferiority complex, which arise from childhood; overcoming it is essential for optimal personality development.
(D) He argued that people must generate a central perspective and direction for themselves Incorrect. This is Erikson’s argument: young people must generate for themselves a central perspective and a direction that gives them a meaningful sense of unity and purpose.
(E) The basic assumption of his theory is human behaviour is purposeful and goal-directed Correct. Adler’s basic assumption is that human behaviour is purposeful and goal-directed; each of us has the capacity to choose and create.
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. Erikson argues that young people must generate for themselves a central perspective and a direction that can give them a meaningful sense of unity and purpose.…” |