The contributions of Alfred Adler (1870–1937) to the understanding of early childhood development

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a biographical profile of Alfred Adler aiming to provide a measured overview of the impact of Alfred Adler's work on the theoretical paradigms and research avenues of contemporary developmental psychology. The key concepts of his theory are exposed: Feeling of Inferiority, Strive to Overcome, Style of Life, Superiority Complex and Social Interest. This article outlines his contributions to humanistic psychology and neo-psychoanalysis, his influence on the work of Lev Vigotsky, his key role in establishing the ecological systems models used today in developmental psychology and his educational and public health-oriented approach, which focused on how social context influences childhood development. It also describes the avenues of research he identified in developmental psychology, including the impact of sibling relations on childhood development, the importance of self-esteem and altruistic behaviour. Finally, the paper proposes the use of a holistic model to advance the study of human psychological development.

KEYWORDS:

• Alfred Adler
• developmental psychology
• early childhood development

Acknowledgement

The manuscript was translated into English by Diana Drapper.

The contributions of Alfred Adler (1870–1937) to the understanding of Early Childhood Development

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Enrique B. Arranz-Freijo

Enrique B. Arranz-Freijo is Professor of Family and Child Development. He is co-director of the HAEZI-ETXADI group focused on research in the fields of the influence family context variables on cognitive and socio emotional development, positive parenting assessment and designing of intervention programs.

Florencia Barreto-Zarza

Florencia Barreto-Zarza is a postdoctoral researcher, member of the HAEZI-ETXADI research group working on the fields of family context and executive functions development and parenting intervention programs.