Alfred Adler: Birthing Order & Fictional Finalism

Alfred Adler’s theory of Individual Psychology focuses on the social side of life. Alfred’s theory deals with the three Universal Tasks that he believes are familiar to everyone in every society. (1) The occupational task which excludes choosing a vocation which is useful to society. (2) Social tasks are next which include choosing a niche in society. And lastly (3) love tasks.

Adler’s theory differentiates between the concepts of striving for superiority and striving for success. According to Adler, Striving for Success (striving for one’s own personal achievement) is healthy. However, Striving for Superiority (striving to be better than others and measure your own success by comparing yourself to others) is neurotic. Adler also states that the more social interest one has the healthier they are and that friendship is not quantitative but qualitative. Social Interest is supposedly innate and moms and dads develop the skills for socialization.
An Inferiority Complex is the idea that a feeling of organ inferiority early in life can lead to feelings of intellect inferiority and can even lead people to compensate (in mostly negative ways) for feelings of inferiority.

Fictional Finalism (1) stands at the center of my existence, (2) is fictional, and (3) helps us to navigate the obstacles of existence. When I was younger, I wanted to be a model and an actress. I am fulfilling my Fictional Finalism by becoming a teacher because I get to be watched and show my personality to an audience!
Alder also touched up Life Styles (how you gain success or superiority) is determined by (1) Fictional Finalism and (2) the environment I was raised in.

Alder, however, is most known for his work with Family Constellations and how they affect lifestyle. Birth Order is a major factor in the behavior of the individual. The Only Child birth is a miracle. Parents have no previous experience. Only children love being the center of adult attention. However, they often have difficulty sharing with peers. Only children prefer adult company and uses adult language. They like attention from both parents. They are usually over-protected and spoiled. The Youngest Child has many “mothers” and “fathers.” Older children try to educate them. The youngest child is never dethroned. Many youngest children have huge plans that never work out. They have the privilege of always being the "baby" of the family. Youngest children, like the only child are frequently spoiled as well. Then, sandwiched is the Middle Child. The Middle child may feel shafted out of a position of privilege and significance. They are usually even-tempered with a "take it or leave it" manner. However, they may have trouble finding a place or even become a fighter of unfairness. The Oldest Child is usually dethroned by next child born. The oldest has to learn to share everything. Parent expectations are usually very high for their first born. They are often given greater responsibility than their siblings and are most-likely expected to set a good example. Also, the oldest child is more likely to have a successful marriage. And, in the case of Twins, one is usually stronger or more active. Parents may tend to see the more mature one as older. Twins sometimes can suffer from identity problems.