Psychoanalytic Theory Vs Adlerian Theory

Introduction to Psychoanalytic Theory and Adlerian Theory

Psychoanalytic theory and Adlerian theory were presented to the public within years of each other in the early part of the 20th century. Psychoanalytic theory focuses on unconscious mental processes and the consequent formation of personality, metaphorically organized into an iceberg. Adlerian theory, in contrast, posits that people are driven by conscious, not unconscious, decision-making processes, striving to meet superior general life tasks meant to maximize social gain.

The current study is a comparative look at basic psychoanalytic theory and Adlerian theory. Psychoanalytic theory, the older of the two theories, was proposed as a way to explain the human behavior observed both clinically and in normal people. The psychoanalytic theory posits the primacy of unconscious processes to the formation of the self in such a manner that it is metaphorically represented as an iceberg. The greatest mass of the iceberg is repose; the repose is the conscious mind. The conscious mind is above water level and part of an extrinsic reality. The bottom part of the iceberg is the massive bulk of ice, the unconscious mind.

In light of the current trends in psychological research, this theoretical understanding of the self is one of considerable interest to research in the field of psychopathology and clinical practice. A comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the theoretical foundations of the foremost contemporary theoretical orientations and theories is fostered best via a comparison of similar systems with disparate theoretical underpinnings, where psychoanalytic and Adlerian theories provide a particularly useful juxtaposition within this alternative. The theoretical details and practical application of the theories of the psychoanalytic and Adlerian perspectives were posited in the late 19th/early 20th century.

Key Concepts and Principles of Psychoanalytic Theory

Psychoanalytic theory originates from the works of Sigmund Freud and many of his followers. The emphasis is placed on several key concepts in this theory; one of them is the unconscious mind, where our feelings, past experiences, and memories are locked away. Defense mechanisms are present to protect an individual from anxiety. A huge part of this process is done unconsciously. As a result, childhood experiences are fundamental in determining adult personality. If the individual has an unresolved inner conflict, it will lead to these problems. When there is an unresolved inner conflict, it is essential to use this as a kind of resisting approach and reintroduce these problems to the patient, allowing them to face the issues. Sometimes the individual feels this inner conflict as a symptom, producing a physical reaction. Freud believed these reactions develop from the unconscious and defend the individual by developing a way of symptoms in a coping mechanism. Another key point in Freud's theory was his psychosexual stages of development. In this theory, a human's motivation is unconscious and is composed of sexual instincts. The stages are oral, anal, phallic, latency, and finally, the genital stage, when we grow, mature, and seek to reproduce. His therapy would require an individual to lie down and do free association with the therapist. That way, the client can transfer to the therapist the reactions they are experiencing in this countertransference. Freud would look at the hidden meaning of the client's dreams and use these in therapy by examining symbols and laying interpretations on them. Freud's psychoanalysis is often referred to as psychodynamics. However, psychoanalysis has led to many negative criticisms; hence, follow-up theories were developed. This led to Neo-Freudian theories. Freud's approach was considered unscientific and dominated by sexual themes, leading to an extensive ignoring of feminine dynamics.

Key Concepts and Principles of Adlerian Theory

Although Sigmund Freud had studied under a famous neurologist, while Alfred Adler had studied under a celebrated ophthalmologist before becoming a psychiatrist, Freud became famous for developing psychoanalysis, a theory of personality as well as a novel form of therapy, whereas Adler became celebrated for psychoanalytic child diagnosis and education, separately from Freud. Nonetheless, like Freud’s psychoanalysis, Adler’s theory of personality has continued to be influential to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and many others. This personality theory that he originated is known as individual psychology or Adlerian psychology. If one had to select a single phrase frequently used to encapsulate Adler’s psychology or the overall model of mental health that his personality theory of psychological adjustment entails, often it would be the phrase “social interest.” Underneath the concept of “community” or “society” that social interest denotes lies a deeply rooted philosophical conviction about human nature itself. Basically, Adler posits that people are inherently interdependent, so much so that it is in our biological nature that our selves and our telos can only be found in relation to others. To that extent, Adlerian psychology regards as a fundamental truth that one cannot be selfishly concerned only with oneself without ultimately demeaning as well as diminishing oneself. Instead of subjective self-satisfaction, Adler feels we are motivated by a concern for the objective value of what we are striving for. According to his psychology, the ultimate goal of life is “superiority of usefulness,” serving the social interest. What drives us to use our creative power is our feeling of being inadequate compared to our potential, what Adler termed “inferiority.” His stress on creativity gives him perhaps a more optimistic outlook on the greater mental health for the average person.

Differences and Similarities Between Psychoanalytic Theory and Adlerian Theory

Freud’s psychoanalytic theory cuts people off from their true selves. Adlerian theory helps people to feel what contributes to their self, understand it, and therefore understand others as well. When comparing these two theories, three main differences surface between them. The first point is that psychoanalytic theory puts an emphasis on experiences that occur on the subconscious level. In contrast, Adlerian theory considers the social context of individuals and believes that adults and children are aware of what they choose to do because they have the freedom to make those decisions. The second difference between these two theories is in how both conceptualize people’s view of human motivation. According to Freud, motivation is determined by the power of an individual’s instincts and drives such as sexuality and aggression; on the other hand, Adler emphasizes that motivation is encouraged by social interests and community feeling. Lastly, Adlerian theory argues that it is the conscious mind that shapes thoughts and behaviors, as it attempts to uncover plans and desires. Psychoanalytic theory, however, contends that desires are determined by the unconscious mind; knowing one’s true self does not mean the conscious thought of a person, but what lies underneath the conscious mind.

Both psychoanalytic and Adlerian theory do have some similarities. For example, they both agree that the development of one’s personality can be shaped by experiences received in one’s early years. They also share the idea that even though an event may appear unimportant or extremely important, it is up to the individual and their conceptualization of that event as important or unimportant or traumatic. The progression of therapeutic techniques and applications of both psychoanalysis and Adlerian therapy can be contributed back to these two perspectives, as well as their differing views on the makeup and structure of humans. Freud created a therapy to uncover the meanings behind what he believed to be the overarching motive of sexual drives and repression, while Adler developed a holistic therapy that uncovers what perpetuates the meaning in one's style of living. These theories can effectively be applied to a wide variety of individuals—those from different age groups, different choices of religion, or different races—through their flexible applications.

Applications and Criticisms of Psychoanalytic Theory and Adlerian Theory

Psychoanalytic theory provides concepts that are useful in understanding a diverse range of complex emotional issues. In addition to psychotherapy, it has been applied to understanding normal emotional development, different types of psychopathology, and how these disorders are connected. Various psychoanalytic therapists have also designed treatment approaches that address generalized emotional issues, interpersonal relationships, anxiety, depression, sexual and aggressive conflicts, ego functioning, and relational problems. Among the most significant influences in the development of psychoanalytic treatment are several key figures. In addition to adaptations of standard psychoanalysis, focusing on in-depth psychotherapy, psychodynamic and relational therapy, time-limited dynamic therapy, mentalization-based treatment, and transference-focused treatment are the psychoanalytically informed treatments now practiced. Psychodynamic and psychoanalytic techniques can also be particularly useful as part of an integrated selection approach in treating a variety of psychological disorders, personality disorders, and mind-brain cultures in cross-cultural care. Such practices, however, are less validated by empirical principles than behavior therapy.

Adlerian therapy has a wide range of applications in psychotherapy as well, and has made strong empirical contributions to understanding a variety of problem areas. From the beginning, Alfred Adler designed his treatment approach as a combined system of clinical diagnosis and treatment, with applications for drug therapy, psychosomatic medicine, social psychology, personality psychopathology, and environmental psychology. Conscious, insight-oriented discussion is a fundamental part of the Adlerian therapeutic experience. The non-directive or two-person field theory is criticized when therapists of any theoretical approach have sought too quickly to exercise active behavioral control, and little review has occurred with regard to the forms of therapeutic induction exercised by several famous practitioners from both the Freudian and Adlerian psychotherapeutic traditions.