A Primer on Adlerian Psychology

Adlerian psychology balances theory and practical application for easy use by counselors, teachers, and parents who need to understand and communicate effectively with young children. Children are perceived as individuals with the creative capacities to decide and choose according to their private logic. Some Adlerian concepts explained are: active, passive, constructive and destructive behavior patterns, the four goals of misbehavior, punishment vs. logical consequences, and personality/lifestyle development. Alfred Adler, a contemporary of Freud and Jung, was among the first child psychologists and his innovative perceptions of a child's personality development remain timely.