Extending Individual Psychology Theory and Practice Through Empirical and Scholarly Research

Abstract

Extending Individual Psychology Theory and Practice Through Empirical and Scholarly Research Jon Sperry and Len Sperry The first article in this issue, “Feeling Equal to Others Predicts Life Satisfaction: Implications for Adlerian Neuro-Counselors,” is by Wilson and Dowda. The authors present their research on predictors of life satisfaction among adults older than age 65. They examined longitudinal data among Americans age 65 and older who completed a survey on Religion, Aging, and Health in both 2001 and 2004 (United States). Through use of logical regression they found that variables such as feelings of having worth at least equal to that of others, looking on the bright side of things, and being optimistic about one’s future predicted life satisfaction at significant levels. Another article, “Predictors of Post-Traumatic Growth: The Role of Social Interest and Meaning in Life,” by Grad and Zeligman, examines the predictive nature of social interest and meaning in life on post-traumatic growth (PTG) in a sample of 531 college students who have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives. Participants completed the BASIS-A Inventory, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and Post-traumatic Growth Inventory. The authors found that social interest and meaning in life served as significant predictors of PTG, together accounting for 8.3% of the variance. Grad and Zeligman concluded that both meaning in life and social interest are important factors that contribute to post-traumatic growth among college students. The links among social interest, adult attachment, and well-being in romantic relationships is explored in a quantitative study by Rennebohm, Seebeck, and Thoburn, “Attachment, Dyadic Adjustment, and Social Interest: An Indirect Effects Model.” From a sample of 246 university staff, faculty, and students, the authors report that social interest assists in better explaining the relationships between adult attachment and well-being in romantic relationships (dyadic adjustment). Hartshorne presents a clinical piece, “An Adlerian Looks at Challenging Behavior in Severe Disability.” The author discusses his experience after [End Page 171] 28 years of having a son with CHARGE syndrome. The article presents an Adlerian understanding of challenging behaviors when working with clients living with severe disabilities. He also discusses how Adlerian constructs, such as courage to be imperfect, psychology of use, purposefulness of behavior, and goals of misbehavior, as well as life tasks, are useful in conceptualizing and treating individuals with severe disabilities. Johansen’s article “Well-Being Therapy and Adlerian Psychology: Revisiting the Task of Self” reviews well-being therapy and how it is compatible with Individual Psychology theory and techniques. Johansen discusses how the task of self has some theoretical overlap with well-being therapy, as both seek to foster a sense of purpose and self-acceptance. Additionally, Johansen recommends applying well-being therapy in the orientation stage of treatment. The final article in the issue, by Eriksson, “Adlerian Psychology and Music Therapy: The Harmony of Sound and Matter and Community Feeling,” adds to the discussion Dreikurs started some 60 years ago when he founded the National Association of Music Therapy. The article provides a framework for how Individual Psychology informs the practice of music therapy, given that music therapy in a group setting can serve as a metaphor for social interest, communication, and community. Eriksson reviews a number of theoretical and practice implications from various Individual Psychology music therapy practitioners. In summary, all the articles in this issue add to the rich philosophical principles articulated by Alfred Adler. The authors have provided a wealth of clinical knowledge and research to extend the theory of Individual Psychology. Next, we enthusiastically welcome a new managing editor to the JIP editorial team, Ali Cunningham, PhD, an assistant professor at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. Cunningham brings great enthusiasm and various ideas to promote the growth of the journal. Last, this open issue falls between two special issues edited by the late Dr. Jon Carlson. [End Page 172] Copyright © 2017 University of Texas Press