Analysis of Individual Psychology

Analysis of Individual Psychological Theory

Individual psychological theory assumes there are numerous factors that influence an individual’s personality development (Mitchell, 2010; Boeree, 2006) These factors relate to physical influences like physical handicap or suffering from an illness. The second factor is social influences like cultural differences. The third factor is environmental influences like demographic differences (Mitchell; Boeree). Individual psychology is a reliable theory that has influenced how researchers study patients, and has proven to be stable and consistent over years of study and treatment of patients that have overcome physical limitations. It has also shown success in treatment of inferiority complex in young children by focusing on helping the patient understand various aspects of his or her life (Mitchell; Boeree).

Analysis of Analytical Psychological Theory

In contrast to individual psychological theory, analytical psychological theory assumes that human behavior and emotions develop at early childhood, and that an individual’s personality is shaped and modified with each new experience (Boeree, 2006; Edinger, 2012; McLeod, 2007). Analytical theory also assumes that individuals experience a constant conflict between the conscious and unconscious starting at childhood, and lasting through adult life. This theory is also very reliable, and was used as a basis to create the Myers-Briggs test, which is one of psychology’s most widely used assessment tests (Boeree; Edinger; McLeod).

References

 Boeree, C.G. (2006). Alfred Adler. Personality Theories. Retrieved from http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/adler.html

Boeree, C.G. (2006). Carl Jung. Personality Theories. Retrieved from http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/jung.html

Edinger, E.R. (2012) An Outline of Analytical Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.capt.org/using-type/c-g-jung.htm

McLeod, S. (2007) Psychodynamic Approach. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/psychodynamic.html

Mitchell, G. Alfred Adler and Adlerian individual psychology. Trans4mind. Retrieved 2010 from http://www.trans4mind.com/mind-development/adler.html