Part II    Psychodynamic Theories104
Although our final goal is relatively fixed during early childhood, we remain 
free to change our style of life at any time. Because the goal is fictional and 
unconscious, we can set and pursue temporary goals. These momentary goals 
are not rigidly circumscribed by the final goal but are created by us merely as par -
tial solutions. Adler (1927) expressed this idea as follows: “We must understand 
that the reactions of the human soul are not final and absolute: Every response 
is but a partial response, valid temporarily, but in no way to be considered a final 
solution of a problem” (p. 24). In other words, even though our final goal is set 
during childhood, we are capable of changing at any point in life. However, Adler 
maintained that not all our choices are conscious and that style of life is created 
through both conscious and unconscious choices.
Adler believed that ultimately people are responsible for their own person -
alities. People’s creative power is capable of transforming feelings of inadequacy 
into either social interest or the self-centered goal of personal superiority. This 
capacity means that people remain free to choose between psychological health 
and neuroticism. Adler regarded self-centeredness as pathological and estab -
lished social interest as the standard of psychological maturity. Healthy people 
have a high level of social interest, but throughout their lives, they remain free to 
accept or reject normality and to become what they will.
On the six dimensions of a concept of humanity listed in Chapter 1, we rate 
Adler very high on free choice and optimism;  very low on causality;  moderate 
on unconscious influences;  and high on social factors  and on the uniqueness  
of individuals. In summary, Adler held that people are self-determining social 
creatures, forward moving and motivated by present fictions to strive toward 
perfection for themselves and society.
Key Terms and Concepts
• People begin life with both an innate striving force and physical deficiencies, 
which combine to produce feelings of inferiority.
• These feelings stimulate people to set a goal of overcoming their inferiority.
• People who see themselves as having more than their share of physical 
deficiencies or who experience a pampered or neglected style of life 
overcompensate  for these deficiencies and are likely to have exaggerated 
feelings of inferiority, strive for personal gain, and set unrealistically 
high goals.
• People with normal feelings of inferiority compensate  for these feelings by 
cooperating with others and developing a high level of social interest.
• Social interest,  or a deep concern for the welfare of other people, is the sole 
criterion by which human actions should be judged.
• The three major problems of life— neighborly love, work,  and sexual love —can 
only be solved through social interest.
• All behaviors, even those that appear to be incompatible, are consistent with 
a person’s final goal.
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