Adler and Freud were two of the most influential theorists of the 20th century when it came to understanding human behavior. Though they had some similar points of view, they also had some distinct differences. This blog post will explore those differences in order to provide a better understanding of each theory.
Who is Adler?
Adler is a German philosopher who is best known for his work on the theory of social interest. According to Adler, every human being is born with a natural desire to belong and to be significant. This desire drives our behavior and motivates us to grow and develop as individuals. Adler believed that it was possible to achieve a sense of belonging and significance through cooperation with others, rather than competition. He also believed that we are all capable of overcoming our challenges and reaching our full potential. Adler’s ideas have had a profound influence on psychology, education, and social work, and his theory of social interest is still studied and debated today.
Who is Freud?
Freud was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialog between a patient and a psychoanalyst. Freud was born to Galician Jewish parents in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He qualified as a doctor of medicine in 1881 at the age of 25. Freud spent four years in basic research working on cerebral palsy, aphasia and microscopic neuroanatomy. He then began focusing on clinical work, hoping that it would lend itself to scientific research as well. Freud established a private practice and used hypnosis in his treatment of patients with hysterical symptoms.
Freud’s work gained recognition and he became increasingly well known, particularly after he published The Interpretation of Dreams in 1899. In 1909, Freud traveled to the United States to give a series of lectures at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. On his return to Europe he continued to face difficulties caused by World War I, as well as continued disagreements with colleagues. In 1923 Freud underwent surgery to remove a cancerous lesion from his jaw; he also had to deal with the death of his daughter Sophie from influenza.
Difference between Adler and Freud
Adler and Freud are two of the most famous names in psychology. Both Adler and Freud were born in Austria in the late 1800s, and they both began their careers as doctors. However, their approach to psychology was quite different. Adler was interested in understanding how people could achieve their potential, while Freud was more interested in understanding the role of unconscious desires in human behavior. As a result, Adler’s theory focuses on individuals’ goals and motivation, while Freud’s theory focuses on the role of the subconscious mind. Although Adler and Freud disagreed on some key points, their work has had a profound impact on psychology and our understanding of the human mind.
Conclusion
In the end, it is important to understand the key differences between Adler and Freud in order to apply the most accurate therapeutic approach for each individual patient. While they both focused on unconscious motivations, Adler believed that social interactions were more important than sexual instincts in shaping personality. He also emphasized self-efficacy and goal setting over instinctual drives. Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis has been more influential, but Adler’s holistic perspective may be more relevant in today’s society.
