Running head: ALFRED ADLER IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Alfred Adler in the LGBT Community

Michael A. Taylor
University of the Cumberlands

ALFRED ADLER IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Alfred Adler in the LGBT Community

Alfred Adler spent much of his life writing and speaking about how humans view the
world and frequently misconceive it and how humankind is a social being that depends upon
interdependence and collectivism in order to correct its misconceptions. However, Adler viewed
each person as a unique individual and believed that a person could only be known through the
examination of ones perceptions of the world (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014). His individual
psychology theory has provided an excellent theoretical framework and intervention techniques
for individuals, couples, and families since its inception. Sherman and Dinkmeyer proposed
empirical evidence that suggested that components of Adlerian therapy were an integrative
approach spanning 66 psychotherapeutic models (Dinkmeyer & Sperry, 2000). While Adler was
ahead of his time in many regards with his theories and practices, his view of homosexuality as
pathology is quite outdated. Nevertheless, Adlerian theory and techniques have a valid role in
counseling the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. This literature
review will examine the core tendencies of Adlers individual psychology as well as early
Adlerian attitudes and misconceptions about homosexuality. It will then assess the modern
applicability of Adlerian theory in the LGBT community as a whole.
Adlers Individual Psychology
The theory of individual psychology is rooted around the core belief that healthy
individuals have social interest and compassion for other people (Gladding, 2005). Adlers
concepts place emphasis on the uniqueness and unity of each individual. He believed that all
individuals strive to become successful and strive for growth. According to Adler, people are not
victims of biology or circumstance they can choose to change their goals and behaviors
(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014). Adler often examined clients family constellation, lifestyles,

ALFRED ADLER IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

cognitive fictions to help them develop insight into their lives and change their lifestyles to one
that promoted greater growth and wholeness. The ultimate goals of Adlerian counseling are to
help clients increase their social interest and reduce feelings of inferiority (Erford, Hays, &
Crockett, 2014). In this section, the major constructs of Adlers theory (i.e., inferiority, family
constellation, lifestyle, private logic, cognitive fictions, and social interest) will be examined.
Inferiority
Adler contended that all individuals have the propensity for feeling inferior to others
(Gladding, 2005). Therefore, it follows that one must strive to achieve superiority over ones
own life and to overcome these feelings of inferiority. Like Freud, Adler placed great emphasis
on the events that occur during the first five years of ones life. During this pivotal stage of
development, many children experience feelings of inferiority (e.g., not being able to make
decisions for themselves or feeling small in stature) in relation to their older siblings or parents.
Seligman (2004) noted Adlers belief that children have strong feelings of inferiority that they
strive to overcome throughout their lives by seeking achievement, mastery, pleasure, and social
acceptance. It is how these children are treated and how they deal with their feelings that shape
them and can ultimately have a great impact on a persons overall lifestyle (Seligman &
Reichenberg, 2014).
If unable to overcome these feelings of inferiority, people develop an inferiority complex,
which affects their ability to live healthy, socially interested, and goal-directed lives. For some,
feelings of inferiority can lead to overcompensation, resulting in a superiority complex. In most
individuals, these complexes are developed due to early parent/child relationships involving an
overly critical parent, physical/mental limitation or disability, or socioeconomic barriers (Erford,
et al., 2014).

ALFRED ADLER IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Family Constellation
Adler believed that one understands anothers lifestyle through an examination of the
family constellation, which includes the makeup of the family, each persons roles, and the
reciprocal transactions a person has with siblings and parents in early childhood. Each child
comes to play a role in the family that is determined by the interactions and transactions within
the family (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014). Adler also suggested that birth order has a profound
impact on development and can be used to understand clients thoughts and behaviors. He
believed that where a person falls in their family birth order influences personality development
(Erford, et al., 2014):

Firstborns are the leaders of the family the reigning monarchs (Gladding, 2005, p. 36)
before the arrival of the second child. They tend to be dependable, well-organized, wellbehaved, and responsible. They typically take over familial responsibility should a parent
be impaired, unavailable, or deceased.

Second children strive to differentiate themselves from the firstborn. As a result, they
often become competitive. They are typically more relaxed and easy going.

Middle children often feel left out and yearn for parental attention. However, according
to Adler, they are the children best able to adapt to new situations and challenges.

Youngest children are often pampered or spoiled, resulting in a difficult time of

becoming independent later in life. Adler expressed concern that these children would
experience strong feelings of inferiority (Seligman & Reichenber, 2014).

Only children are often loners and not as socially adept as other children. They are also
often pampered and spoiled and tend to focus on their own needs. However, only children
are typically successful in their endeavors.

ALFRED ADLER IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Lifestyle
Lifestyle encompasses four parts: the persons subjective worldview, goals, behavioral
strategies one uses to achieve goals, and the outcomes or consequences of those behaviors
(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014). As previously discussed, Adler proposed that a persons
lifestyle is established by the age of five years old as a result of early life experiences and
interactions with the family. However, Adler had a phenomenological philosophy, asserting that
it was not merely these early events that influenced a persons lifestyle but rather that persons
perception of those events (Erford, et al., 2014). These perceptions compose what Adler termed
private logic.
Private Logic
Private logic, another of Adlers major constructs, is the beliefs about oneself and his
place in the world (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014). It is the reasoning invented by an individual
to stimulate and justify a lifestyle. Private logic begins in childhood and provides direction in
ones life. Faulty private logic, or cognitive fiction, leads to an unhealthy view of life.
Cognitive Fictions
Cognitive fictions are peoples beliefs about themselves and others that are false (Erford,
et al., 2014). Those who are defined by fictions often lead unhealthy lifestyles. Fictions can lead
to behaviors such as the need to please and by liked by everyone, an excessive need for success,
low self-concept, and over-generalization (Gladding, 2005). Such behaviors can prevent a person
from achieving the three tasks of life (work, love, and social interest). Social interest is the key
component of developing a healthy lifestyle (Manaster, 2009).

ALFRED ADLER IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Social Interest
Another of Adlers key concepts is that of social interest. He believed that people who are
well-adjusted have a private logic that reflects common sense as well as social interest and
perceive themselves as part of a larger community (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014). Adler
theorized social interest as a feeling of community, an orientation to live cooperatively with
others, and a lifestyle that values the common good above ones own interests and desires
(Guzick, Dorman, Groff, Altermatt, & Forsyth, 2004; p. 362). To Adler, the interest in belonging
to a group and desiring to solve the problems of ones society is innate. Social interest protects
individuals against feelings of inferiority and promotes better coping as well as a healthier
attitude toward stressful situations (Crandall & Putman, 1980). A well-developed social interest
ultimately leads to the fulfillment and achievement of the three life tasks.
Early Adlerian Attitudes and Misconceptions about Homosexuality
Individual psychology in general has viewed homosexuality as pathology, having less
social interest, varying degrees of co-dependency, a hostile perception of the world, an impaired
sense of gender identity, and neurotic lifestyles (Adler, 1932; Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1964;
Fairfield & Kopp, 1993; Fischer, 1993). Adler believed that a same-gender sexual orientation in
men was caused by a sense of failure or incapability to succeed in comparison to other men,
thus diminishing an entire lifestyle to an inferiority complex (Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1964).
He believed that a gay male would utilize passive coping techniques to garner love and worship.
In addition, he viewed a gay male as a failure in his responsibility to help preserve the human
race. Fear of the opposite sex and a refusal to make the sacrifices that love often necessitates
were the catalyst for all deviations from love based in procreation (Adler, 1932). Furthermore,
Adler asserted that members of the LGBT community were not stable in their occupations. Both

ALFRED ADLER IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

gay men and lesbians were hindered in the workplace by their inability to cooperate, inordinate
ambition, and exceeding cowardice traits that resulted in frequent job changes and working
schedules that varied from their heterosexual counterparts (Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1964).
Modern Adlerian Theory in the LGBT Community
Obviously, the field of psychology has advanced since these early Adlerian attitudes were
first developed and expressed. The American Psychiatric Association first voted in 1973 to
remove the word homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry [GAP], 2011). The American
Psychological Association (APA) took an even stronger stance in 1975 affirming that
homosexuality did not impair judgment, stability, reliability, or general social/vocational
capabilities. Furthermore, the APA beckoned mental health professionals to lead the effort in
removing the stigma of mental illness that had been previously associated with a same-gender
sexual orientation (Sue & Sue, 2003).
Kivel (1983) challenged the theory that members of the LGBT community failed many of
the responsibilities and Adlerian tasks of life. He proposed that, in view of societal changes of
attitude towards homosexuals, Adlerians should revisit their views regarding same-gender sexual
orientation. Mosak (1983) responded to Kivels article by noting that some gay men and lesbians
can change their sexual orientation during therapy, and if there no constitutional bases for their
sexual orientation, many other gay men and lesbians can alter their orientation, as well. Fischer
(1983) believes that because of this belief that homosexuals could adopt a heterosexual lifestyle
through therapy that some Adlerians may have declined to provide gay men and lesbian couples
with therapeutic interventions to improve relational satisfaction. It has since been affirmed by the
APA (2014) in a 2009 resolution that same-sex sexual and romantic attractions, feelings, and

ALFRED ADLER IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

behaviors are normal and positive variations of human sexuality regardless of sexual orientation
identity and there is insufficient evidence to support the use of psychological interventions to
change sexual orientation.
Other researchers and practitioners have challenged early Adlerian views on
homosexuality. Chandler (1995) stated that the Adlerian society must be more responsive to the
needs of the homosexual and bisexual populations, and a culturally current application of
contemporary Adlerian psychology to the needs of homosexuals and bisexuals is long overdue
(p. 87).
Mansager (2008) held very strong opinions about Adlers views on homosexuality:
To the degree that Adler himself spoke and formulated categorical condemnations of
LGBT individuals, he was, by the standard of Individual Psychologys golden rule
(everything can be different), categorically wrong. While much more needs to be said, it
is patently wrong inaccurate and useless to say, for example, that all LGBT individuals
seek distance from the other sex. Of course, many, many LGBT individuals have very
creative and intimate nonsexual relations with all sexes much to the enrichment of the
individuals and to our larger society. I would like to acknowledge without equivocation
that many, many LGBT individuals do indeed meet the life tasks with courage,
commitment, caring, confidence, and in the direction of social interest. (p. 124)
Discussion
It is obvious that, by definition of his theory, Adler himself would have used his own
theory and techniques to attempt to change a homosexuals lifestyle to one that reflected greater
social interest, growth, and wholeness. However, Adlers theory also called for social justice and
movement, in which there have been great advances within the LGBT community in recent

ALFRED ADLER IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

decades. Several Adlerian concepts ring true for every member of the LGBT community: social
interest in that, just as in any collectivist society, the LGBT community has its own rituals, rites
of passage, and traditions; lifestyle, a very sensitive term to LGBT members as it encompasses
their entire way of living; feelings of inferiority as a result of years of oppression and
unacceptance; life tasks as continuing negative attitudes towards member of the LGBT
community affect their roles in the workplace and within their own relationships; and belonging,
as many feel socially isolated due to homophobia. It has even been suggested that birth order can
predict homosexuality (Miller, 1999). Private logic and cognitive fictions are not recommended
to be a focus with members of the LGBT population in regards to acceptance of lifestyle as they
may perceive that the counselor is trying to explain away their homosexual feelings and lifestyle.
However, both private logic and cognitive fictions may play a role in secondary issues within the
LGBT population, such as drug and sexual abuse and eating disorders.
In order to be successful in counseling members of the LGBT community, Adlerian
counselors must first come to terms with their own homophobia and any residual negative
attitudes or beliefs about homosexuality. They must be careful not to assume that any disorder or
mental distress is the result of ones sexual orientation. They must be willing to develop
competencies in working with the LGBT community and continue fine-tuning therapeutic tools
designed to promote the overall well-being of their clients. They must recognize that in the face
of modern social requirements, ideas concerning life tasks and social interest need to grow and
change. They must question oppressive social constructs, reinforcing homophobic and
heterosexist worldviews, and subsequently develop alternative concepts. They must continue
building on the foundational work of Chandler, Fischer, Mansager, and Kivel and integrate
recent clinical research into the framework of individual psychology. By helping the LGBT

ALFRED ADLER IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

10

community diminish minority stress, develop a positive sense of belonging, and promote
movement towards mental health, the golden rule of Adlerian theory is imminently applicable:
everything can change.

References
Adler, A. (1932). What life should mean to you. London: Allen & Uwin.
American Psychological Association. (2014). Resolution on appropriate affirmative responses to
sexual orientation distress and change efforts. Retrieved from
http://www.apa.org/about/policy/sexual-orientation.aspx.
Ansbacher, H. & Ansbacher, R. (1964). The individual psychology of Alfred Adler. New York,
NY: Harper & Row.
Chandler, C. (1995). Guest editorial: ContemporaryAdlerian reflections on homosexuality and
bisexuality. Individual Psychology: Journal of Adlerian Theory, Research, & Practice,
51(2), 82-29.
Crandall, J. & Putman, E. (1980). Relations between measures of social interest and
psychological well-being. The Journal of Individual Psychology, 36(2), 156-168.
Dinkmeyer, D. & Sperry, L. (2000). Counseling and psychotherapy: An integrated, individual
psychology approach (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Erford, B., Hays, D., & Crockett, S. (2014). Mastering the National Counselor Examination and
the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River,
NJ: Prentice Hall.

ALFRED ADLER IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

11

Fairfield, B. & Kopp, R. (1993). Response to Erwin O. Krauszs Homosexuality as a

compulsion neurosis. Individual Psychology: The Journal of Adlerian Theory, Research,
& Practice, 49(2), 214.
Fischer, S. (1993). A proposed Adlerian theoretical framework and intervention techniques for
gay and lesbian couples. Individual Psychology, 49(3), 439-449.
Gladding, S. (2005). Counseling theories: Essential concepts and applications. Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry. (2011). The history of psychiatry and homosexuality.
Retrieved from http://www.aglp.org/gap/1_history/.
Guzick, D., Dorman, W., Groff, T., Altermatt, E., & Forsyth, G. (2004). Fostering social interest
in schools for long-term and short-term outcomes. The Journal of Individual Psychology,
60(4), 361-366.
Kivel, C. (1983). Male homosexuals in a changing society. Individual Psychology: Journal of
Adlerian Theory, Research, & Practice, 47(2), 285-293.
Manaster, G. (2009). Private logic and the logic of social living. Journal of Individual
Psychology, 65, 4-12.
Mansager, E. (2008). Affirming lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Journal of
Individual Psychology, 64(2), 123-136.
Miller, E. (1999). Homosexuality, birth order, and evolution: Towards a equilibrium
reproductive economics of homosexuality. Department of Economics and Finance
Working Papers, 1991-2006. Paper 19.
Mosak, H. (1983). A range of comments on homosexuality and Kivels article. Individual
Psychology: Journal of Adlerian Theory, Research, & Practice, 39(3), 222-236.

ALFRED ADLER IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

12

Seligman, L. (2004). Diagnosis and treatment planning in counseling (3rd ed.). New York, NY:
Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Seligman, L. & Reichenber, L. (2014). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: Systems,
strategies, and skills (4th ed.). Fall Church, VA: Pearson.
Sue, D. & Sue, D. (2003). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (4th ed.).
Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.