What psychological perspective does Adler challenge in his conceptualizations?

Adler's conceptualizations challenge the role of unconscious drives, which is a central tenet of Freudian psychoanalysis. While Freud emphasized the influence of unconscious motivations and instincts on behavior, Adler introduced a more holistic view that considers the individual's social context and feelings of inferiority. He shifted the focus from internal drives to the importance of social relationships and the pursuit of goals, viewing psychology through the lens of community and social interest. This represents a significant departure from the emphasis on unconscious processes, highlighting instead how neglected social and psychological influences are integral to understanding human behavior and personality development.

In doing so, Adler emphasized a proactive, goal-oriented perspective, which opposes the deterministic view of behaviors as a direct result of unconscious impulses. By challenging Freud's focus on internal, unconscious motivations, Adler laid the groundwork for more contemporary humanistic and social psychology approaches that prioritize the impact of social factors in shaping individual experiences.