The Individual Psychology Perspective: Positive Psychology, Freud and Adler in Paris, Philosophy, Neuroticism, and Classroom Techniques

This issue presents diverse articles to fit the needs of those who appreciate a comparison between Adlerian Psychology and Positive Psychology, the personal lives of Freud and Adler in Paris, the profound influence of the works of Friedrich Nietzsche’s thinking on Alfred Adler, Adler’s views on neurosis, and finally, a well-constructed study validating the classroom management techniques of Rudolph Dreikurs.

We open this issue with the 2014 Ansbacher address by Gerald Mozdzierz, titled “Pragmatics and Operational Principles of Positive Psychology Research and Clinical Findings with Implications for Adlerian Psychology,” a scholarly mix comparing Positive Psychology and Adlerian Psychology. The lecturer began with the principles of Positive Psychology and artfully described how this theory’s constructs are similar to those of Adler. The lecturer provided an informative comparison of the two theories as well as a scholarly account of empirical studies of recent infant research and other studies to support his assumptions. Of particular interest was the lecturer’s commentary on the differences between the terms Gemeinschaftsgefühl and social interest, and ways of viewing these constructs from a Positive Psychology perspective. The lecturer concluded with a section on posttraumatic stress research and treatment and a case study demonstrating ways of applying therapeutic interventions to deal with the disorder.

Whereas the Ansbacher keynote speaker addressed the principles of Adler’s work from academic and intellectual perspectives, the next article provides a more personal view of Adler as well as Freud. Leibin and Bluvshtein present in their article, “Paris: Freud and Adler,” a well-crafted historical account of the two men’s experiences in Paris. At the time of Freud and Adler’s visits, Paris was the center of art, intellectualism, and progressive political thinking. This article reflects an intimate pilgrimage that pays homage to two of the most influential psychological theorists of the past century. Of interest to the editors were Adler and Freud’s own accounts of their experiences in Paris, augmented by stories shared by their family and friends. On the one hand, Freud viewed the city from a perspective of what the city could offer him in the realm of fine arts and intellectual challenges. Though at first he felt isolated and not especially impressed with the city, his future visits appeared to be much more enjoyable, and in many ways reflected his aristocratic values and needs, as demonstrated by his aspirations to establish contact with well-known intellectuals of the time and his visits to the theater. On the other hand, Adler’s visits were more task-oriented, with the focus of spreading his ideas in this large, diverse city. In his early visits the French were less than enthusiastic about his theory; however, near the end of his visits, they became much more accepting of his ideology, philosophical positions, and theory.

Continuing with those who influenced Adler’s philosophical positions, Stone’s article, titled “Friedrich Nietzsche and Alfred Adler,” provides a historical perspective related to Nietzche’s and his colleagues’ influence on Adler’s theory development. It is often stated that Nietzsche’s ideas played a significant role in Adler’s development of Individual Psychology. Mark Stone cites as motivation for his article Kaufmann’s suggestion that Nietzsche’s influence on Adler be investigated. Stone does an excellent job of describing how Adler’s ideas align with Nietzsche’s through quotes and writings from not only Nietzsche but also from significant others during the fin de siècle time period, such as Andreas-Salome and Ibsen. For example, Stone states that “Nietzsche’s ‘will to power’ may undergird Adler’s ‘creative power . . . to develop, to strive, and to achieve.’” Stone indicates that two impediments to the acceptance of Nietzsche’s work were the unfair association of Nietzsche’s work with the Nazis in Germany and the provocative style of his writing. Through Stone’s discussion of the ideas of some of the intellectuals during the fin de siècle time period, a much clearer understanding of Individual Psychology is obtained...