How does Alder view psychopathology?

Adler's view of psychopathology is primarily centered around the concept of inferiority and compensation. He believed that individuals often experience feelings of inferiority, which can stem from various sources, including early life experiences, social interactions, and inherent limitations. In response to these feelings, people develop maladaptive behaviors and coping mechanisms as they attempt to compensate for their perceived deficiencies.

According to Adler, these maladaptive attempts manifest in various forms, such as overcompensation, where an individual might exaggerate certain traits or behaviors to mask their feelings of inadequacy. This process of striving for superiority or success, while initially a normal part of human development, can become pathological when the individual's strategies are ineffective or harmful. Thus, psychopathology, in Adler's perspective, emerges from these attempts to address real or imagined inferiorities rather than being inherent or solely driven by genetic factors.

Adler's emphasis on social relationships also underlines his belief in the importance of community and social interest. While he acknowledged the role of genetics and past experiences, he did not consider them in isolation; rather, they were contextualized within the human experience of striving for connection and superiority. This integrative approach highlights how interpersonal dynamics play a significant role in the formulation of psychopathology.