The Drive For Self: Alfred Adler And The Founding Of Individual Psychology

by Edward Hoffman, Kurt A. Adler (Foreword by)

Edward Hoffman presents the first major biography of the man considered the founder of individual psychology. From his early life in Vienna as a member of Freud's innermost circle, to his break with psychoanalysis and development of a new school of thought, the compelling life and work of Alfred Adler is dramatically illuminated.

Genres: Psychology, Biography, Counselling

416 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1991

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Reviews

[Shelby M. (Read and Find Out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Reading this was a slog for me, as I think that there were often entire sections that could have been cut out. It seemed like the book spent as much time discussing what was happening in the world as it did actually documenting Adler's life. That being said, I do feel renewed in my theoretical orientation, and annoyed by the many concepts that he created (which are almost never attributed to him). Adler truly was the forerunner of the humanistic and existential movements in psychology and counseling. As a future school counselor, it's no wonder that I was drawn to his theory. His emphasis on child guidance and education fit perfectly within the school counseling profession. I'm a proud Adlerian (as everyone in my cohort is well aware)! :)

[Frank Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a good chronology of Adler's life and a good summary of his work. I didn't realize that he was as popular as he was in the 1920s in the USA. It is interesting that others did so much of the writing of his books. He lectured a lot,and the lectures were turned into books by others. His success was bolstered by support by wealthy ex-clients and friends. During the last weeks of his life, his daughter was missing in Russia, and he never knew what happened to her. In his Psychodynamics course (1973!) Julian Rotter covered Adler positively and extensively. He listed him as one of four influences on his Social Learning Theory. Adler's influence on educational theory, parenting and child guidance was massive. I'll probably read some more books by and about him.