Gemeinschaftsgefühl

n. social interest or community spirit: a spirit of equality, belonging, and unity (German, literally: “feeling for community”).

Adler believed that for all people there are three basic life tasks: work, friendship, and love or intimacy.

What are the foundational principles of Adlerian psychology?

The core Adlerian principles are only briefly reviewed here for context, as a more thorough explanation is readily available (Adler, 1958; Adler, 1969; Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1956; Dreikurs, 1953; Dreikurs, 1971; Ferguson, 2010; Mosak, 1973; and Mosak, 1977). Learn more about Alfred Adler.

Social interest – the ability to care for the cares of others

• Belonging (or connection) – a primal need of every individual is to succeed or to belong

• Life-Style – a term coined by Adler to describe a kind of blue print for living that each person develops

• Family Constellation – a factor of life-style referring to the child’s perception of his or her position in the family based on birth order and its impact.

• Equality and Mutual Respect – a concept emphasizing the uniqueness of each individual. According to Adler, equality does not mean sameness. Equality means that each individual is deserving of dignity and respect.

• Encouragement – a skill focusing on strengths, effort and improvement in order to build self-confidence and self-esteem.