Editing Alfred Adler (section)

=== Adler's approach to personality ===
In one of his earliest and most famous publications, "Study of Organ Inferiority and Its Psychical Compensation," Adler outlined the basics for what would be the beginning foundation of his personality theory. The article focuses mainly on the topics of organ inferiority and compensation. Organ inferiority is when one organ, or portion of the body, is weaker than the rest. Adler postulated that the body's other organs would work together in order to compensate for the weakness of this "inferior" organ. When compensation occurs, other areas of the body make up for the function lacking in the inferior portion. In some cases, the weakness may be overcompensated transforming it into a strength. An example would be an individual with a weak leg becoming a great runner later on. As his theory progressed, the idea of organ inferiority was replaced with feelings of inferiority instead. As Adler's theory progressed, he continued evolving his theory and key ideas.<ref name=":0" />

Adler's book, {{lang|de|Über den nervösen Charakter}} (''The Neurotic Character'') defines his earlier key ideas. He argued that human personality could be explained [[teleology|teleologically]]: parts of the individual's unconscious self ideally work to convert feelings of inferiority to superiority (or rather completeness).<ref>'Inferiority Complex', in Richard Gregory ed, ''The Oxford Companion to the Mind'' (1987) p. 368</ref> The desires of the self ideal were countered by social and ethical demands. If the corrective factors were disregarded and the individual overcompensated, then an inferiority complex would occur, fostering the danger of the individual becoming egocentric, power-hungry and aggressive or worse.<ref>Adler, ''Understanding'' Ch. 11 'Aggressive Character Traits'</ref>

Common therapeutic tools include the use of humor, historical instances, and paradoxical injunctions.<ref>Gerald Corey, ''Theory and Practice of Counselling and Psychotherapy'' (1991)p. 155 and p. 385</ref>