Audiobooks by Alfred Adler

The Practice and Theory of Individual Psychology

Though psychologist Alfred Adler (1870-1937) does not have the wider recognition accorded Freud and Jung, his work and ideas had an enduring effect on the practice and development of psychotherapy in the 20th century. This collection of 28 lectures and essays, published under the title The Practice and Theory of Individual Psychology (published in 1924), brings together many of his main ideas. Adler was initially best known for his interest in the inferiority complex and its effect on the personality and subsequent behaviour of individuals. But his focus became increasingly concerned with the particular observation that it was the social environment of individuals that had a more fundamental influence on behavioural patterns than over-arching theories on sex, symbolism, archetypes and the like. He has been described as the first ‘community psychologist.' This contributed considerably to the growth of schools of psychotherapy in the second half of the 20th century and their proliferation in the 21st. In fact, one historian has commented, “It would not be easy to find another author from which so much has been borrowed on all sides without acknowledgement than Alfred Adler.' The topics covered in this collection are varied and date from the pre- and post World War I period. It opens with Individual Psychology, its Assumptions and its Results (1914) and includes Individual-Psychological Treatment of Neuroses (1913), The Study of Child Psychology and Neurosis (1913), Nervous Insomnia (1914), Compulsion Neurosis (1918), Dreams and Dream-Interpretation (1912), and Demoralized Children (1920). His range is wide: Among them are essays such as Neurotic Hunger Strike and New Viewpoint of War Neuroses, both concerns that regularly feature in newspapers and public discussion today. As a contrast, he offers interesting observations on the writing of Dostoyevsky, and one particular case of the suicide of a prominent 19th century Austrian politician. This recording also contains (Chapter XIV) the 1918 lecture Homo-sexuality which Adler gave to the Jurististisch-Medizinische Gesellschaft of Zurich. It represents views widely held by the society of the time, which are now unacceptable. The chapter is nevertheless included here for historical purposes.

Alfred Adler (Author), Charles Armstrong (Narrator)

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The Neurotic Character: Fundamentals of a Comparative Individual Psychology and Psychotherapy

As the 20th century drew to a close, the Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler (1870-1937) was perhaps the least known of the prominent figures of his time - in particular Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung - and yet he continues to be a figure of influence in the 21st century. His school of ‘individual psychology' involved a holistic approach to the study of the individual, with a key focus on the way each person viewed the world, especially regarding their concerns of inferiority. This applied to both men and women in their different ways. The Neurotic Character is, as the editor of this modern translation states, 'Adler's magnum opus - complex, profound and brilliant in its crystallised capture of the human soul gone astray.' Written in 1911, Adler continued to expand and develop his ideas over the following decades as he assimilated experience gained from his practice. It opens with the Theoretical Part, in which he introduces ‘The Origin and Development of the Inferiority Feeling and Its Effects', as well as ‘Psychic Compensation and Its Preparation' and ‘The Accentuated Fiction as Guiding Idea in the Neurosis'. The second, major part of his work follows - the Practical Part. In this, Adler examines a wide range of issues, from ‘Greed and Distrust', to the sexual causes and effects of inferiority. In the succeeding sections, he considers how suppressing everyday feelings and habits experienced by men and women in the course of their lives - issues such as impatience and dissatisfaction, cruelty, self-reproach - can all have profound effects on the individual. The writing is clear and supported by case studies providing a strong perspective of reality. It is not surprising that, as a result, it can be seen how strongly Adlerian ideas and views have influenced the practice of psychotherapy today. And that for all the apparent dominance of Freudian and Jungian doctrine in psychological and academic circles, the work of Alfred Adler should not be underestimated. This recording presents the new translation of The Neurotic Character, commissioned and edited by the Adlerian psychotherapist, Henry Stein, who provides a useful appendix - an introduction to classical Adlerian theory and practice.

Alfred Adler (Author), Leighton Pubh (Narrator)

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Menschenkenntnis

„Wir besitzen alle nicht viel Menschenkenntnis. Das hängt mit unserem isolierten Leben zusammen. Nie dürften die Menschen so isoliert gelebt haben wie heutzutage. Schon von Kindheit an haben wir wenig Zusammenhänge. Die schwerwiegendste Folge dieses Mangel ist die, dass wir in der Behandlung unserer Mitmenschen und im Zusammenleben mit ihnen meist versagen. Es ist eine oft hervorgehobene und empfindliche Tatsache, dass die Menschen aneinander vorübergehen und vorüberreden, den Zusammenschluss nicht finden können, weil sie sich fremd gegenüberstehen, nicht nur im weiteren Rahmen einer Gesellschaft, sondern sogar im engsten Kreis der Familie.“ Alfred Adler, 1927 Nach Auffassung von Adler ist der Charakter eines Menschen nicht angeboren, sondern bildet sich in der frühkindlichen Entwicklung auf dem Wege der sozialen Interaktion heraus. Minderwertigkeitsgefühle, die sich unter anderem auf Grund körperlichen Beeinträchtigungen herausbilden können, spielen dabei eine nicht unwesentliche Rolle. Anhand konkreter Bespiele skizziert Adler wie sich die aggressiven Charakterzüge (Eitelkeit, Eifersucht, Ehrgeiz) aber auch Charakterzüge nicht aggressiver Natur (Angst und Zaghaftigkeit) in der Gemeinschaft zur Geltung bringen.

Alfred Adler (Author), Norbert Wendel (Narrator)

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What Life Should Mean To You

Adler, along with Freud and Jung, created an entirely new branch of psychology, namely psychoanalysis. What Life Should Mean to You brings his conclusions to a popular audience. The book covers adolescence, feelings of superiority and inferiority, the importance of cooperation, work, friendship, love and marriage.

Alfred Adler (Author), Chris Matthews (Narrator)

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