Book Summary: Alfred Adler was one of the most influential thinkers in psychotherapy – a physician, psychiatrist, author, and professor who wanted to answer the questions that plagued people during a significant time in history. His original ideas serve as a foundation for most modern theories of counseling and psychotherapy, ideas and writings that are brought back to life in this volume. Within, contemporary experts comment and introduce Adler's work through the lens of the 21st century. In doing so, they pay tribute to, analyze, and disseminate his classic, seminal papers that have significantly impacted the therapy field. The 23 papers included were chosen because of their relevance to today's issues, and their importance in Adlerian theory and practice. They detail the core elements of his theory, the tactics he used to advocate change in individuals and systems, and emphasize how contemporary his ideas are. Alfred Adler Revisited not only plays homage to a great professional, it revives his ideas and encourages debate over fundamental human issues.

According to Alfred Adler, founder of Individual Psychology, a feeling of inferiority is in some degree common to all people. People who are unable to overcome these inferiority feelings by striving for cooperation may become discouraged. Although there are three scales to measure social interest, no scales measuring discouragement for adults was found. Additionally, Adler held basic assumptions regarding homosexuality, and the findings suggest that the assumptions should be reexamined. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, three University of North Texas candidates developed a discouragement scale for adults 18 years of age and older, known as the Discouragement Scale for Adults (DSA). Discouragement was examined relative to the five life tasks. Second, this candidate normed the instrument for the scores of gay male subjects and compared it to the scores of the other subject groups. Since the emphasis was on developing the instrument and norming it for various subject groups, no hypothesis was developed. Data was collected on three subject groups, known as the general norm subjects, the discouraged subjects, and the gay male subjects. Analyses were performed on the scores. Among the analyses, it was found that gay male subjects were slightly more discouraged than the general norm subjects, and the discouraged subjects were far greater discouraged than the other two subject groups. Initial reliability and validity was found to be high, offering support that the DSA is a reliable and valid instrument. The recommendations for further research include cultural and gender studies, predicting behavior, counseling intervention, and exploring the relationship between discouragement and stressors, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The goal of this thesis is to analyze the philosophy and pedagogy of an almost forgotten figure in Saskatchewan history, whose work has had a lasting impact on the theory and practice of adult education. Watson Thomson, who was appointed as director of the Adult Education Division (AED) by the newly elected CCF government of Tommy Douglas in 1944, initiated an ambitious program designed to animate the citizenry of Saskatchewan, bring a variety of educational services to the common person, and develop co-operative and community enterprises throughout the province. Thomsons work is significant for a number of reasons. First, I compare and contrast it with the pedagogy of Brazilian educator, Paulo Freire. Second, I show that it was influenced by the humanistic philosophy of Personalism, especially that of Emmanuel Mounier. Third, and perhaps most importantly, Watsons philosophy embodies insights from the depth psychology of Alfred Adler enabling him to advocate a distinctive, dialogical pedagogy. Fourth, his influence as director of the AED was considerable as can be gauged from the fact that within one year of its formation, the division had organized over 500 study-action groups and more than 100 cooperative enterprises. Fifth, Watsons educational achievements are important not only for historical reasons but as a model for the development of social economy enterprises today, as evidence from a recent UNESCO report shows. The thesis uses an interdisciplinary approach of intellectual biography, historical documentation, and philosophical and psychological analysis in order to establish a comprehensive account of the theory and practice of this important figure.

The goal of this thesis is to analyze the philosophy and pedagogy of an almost forgotten figure in Saskatchewan history, whose work has had a lasting impact on the theory and practice of adult education. Watson Thomson, who was appointed as director of the Adult Education Division (AED) by the newly elected CCF government of Tommy Douglas in 1944, initiated an ambitious program designed to animate the citizenry of Saskatchewan, bring a variety of educational services to the common person, and develop co-operative and community enterprises throughout the province. Thomsons work is significant for a number of reasons. First, I compare and contrast it with the pedagogy of Brazilian educator, Paulo Freire. Second, I show that it was influenced by the humanistic philosophy of Personalism, especially that of Emmanuel Mounier. Third, and perhaps most importantly, Watsons philosophy embodies insights from the depth psychology of Alfred Adler enabling him to advocate a distinctive, dialogical pedagogy. Fourth, his influence as director of the AED was considerable as can be gauged from the fact that within one year of its formation, the division had organized over 500 study-action groups and more than 100 cooperative enterprises. Fifth, Watsons educational achievements are important not only for historical reasons but as a model for the development of social economy enterprises today, as evidence from a recent UNESCO report shows. The thesis uses an interdisciplinary approach of intellectual biography, historical documentation, and philosophical and psychological analysis in order to establish a comprehensive account of the theory and practice of this important figure.

Text in English / This qualitative psychobiographical study sets out to explore and describe the life of Sir Winston Churchill within the context of his lifelong experience with depression, his ‘Black Dog’. The aim of the research is to present a case for depressive realism with Churchill as the single case study. The reconstruction of Churchill’s life as a psychological narrative is contextualised within the theoretical framework of Alfred Adler’s Theory of Individual Psychology. Data was collated via biographical and life history material. Data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. Data trustworthiness and ethical considerations were adhered to. The findings of this study reveal that Churchill’s depression had positive gains of him striving to contribute to society, potentially demonstrating that depressive realism exists as a side-effect of depression. The significance of which, conceivably substantiates the idea that positive aspects of depression do exist, enabling a potentially more encouraging and constructive outlook for individuals suffering from depression. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Text in English / This qualitative psychobiographical study sets out to explore and describe the life of Sir Winston Churchill within the context of his lifelong experience with depression, his ‘Black Dog’. The aim of the research is to present a case for depressive realism with Churchill as the single case study. The reconstruction of Churchill’s life as a psychological narrative is contextualised within the theoretical framework of Alfred Adler’s Theory of Individual Psychology. Data was collated via biographical and life history material. Data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. Data trustworthiness and ethical considerations were adhered to. The findings of this study reveal that Churchill’s depression had positive gains of him striving to contribute to society, potentially demonstrating that depressive realism exists as a side-effect of depression. The significance of which, conceivably substantiates the idea that positive aspects of depression do exist, enabling a potentially more encouraging and constructive outlook for individuals suffering from depression. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Die vorliegende Masterarbeit ist ein erster Versuch, den Beitrag Reinhold Ruthes für die biblisch therapeutische Seelsorge in Deutschland wissenschaftlich zu untersuchen. Sie erforscht, wie der christliche Psychotherapeut Reinhold Ruthe in deutschen protestantischen Gemeinden prägte. In seinem integrativen und zugleich selektiven Ansatz macht Ruthe Erkenntnisse aus der Individualpsychologie und weiterer psychologischer Schulen für die christliche Seelsorge fruchtbar. Diese Quellen werden vorgestellt. Um seine Person und sein Werk besser zu verstehen, untersucht diese Arbeit Ruthes Biografie und zeigt den zeitgeschichtlichen Kontext auf. Dies wird durch ein Interview ergänzt, das Ruthe selbst zu Wort kommen lässt. Ein Überblick seiner Publikationen wird durch die Analyse ausgewählter Werke erweitert. Neben seiner Tätigkeit als Autor, prägte Ruthe die Seelsorgepraxis durch seinen Dienst als Lehrer und Seelsorger sowie indirekt durch seine Schüler. Aus all dem stellt diese Arbeit den besonderen Beitrag von Reinhold Ruthe für die Laienseelsorge und die Integration von Psychologie und Seelsorge im Gemeindealltag heraus This master dissertation is the first attempt to academically investigate Reinhold Ruthe’s shaping and influence on biblical therapeutical counseling in Germany. It explores how the Christian psychotherapist Reinhold Ruthe shaped German Protestant churches. Through his integrative and at the same time selective approach, Ruthe identifies insights, which he obtained from the individual psychology and other psychological schools, and makes them fruitful for Christian counseling. Such sources are presented. In order to better understand his person and his work, the dissertation examines Ruthe's biography, also giving insights on his historical context. This is enriched by an interview, which gives voice to Ruthe himself. An overview of his publications is also enhanced by the analysis of selected works. Besides his work as an author, Ruthe shaped the practice of pastoral care through his activities as teacher and counsellor and indirectly through his students. The dissertation presents through all this Reinhold Ruthe’s peculiar contribution for the laymen counseling and his efforts in the integration of psychology and pastoral care in daily church life / This master dissertation is the first attempt to academically investigate Reinhold Ruthe’s shaping and influence on biblical therapeutical counseling in Germany. It explores how the Christian psychotherapist Reinhold Ruthe shaped German Protestant churches. Through his integrative and at the same time selective approach, Ruthe identifies insights, which he obtained from the individual psychology and other psychological schools, and makes them fruitful for Christian counseling. Such sources are presented. In order to better understand his person and his work, the dissertation examines Ruthe's biography, also giving insights on his historical context. This is enriched by an interview, which gives voice to Ruthe himself. An overview of his publications is also enhanced by the analysis of selected works. Besides his work as an author, Ruthe shaped the practice of pastoral care through his activities as teacher and counsellor and indirectly through his students. The dissertation presents through all this Reinhold Ruthe’s peculiar contribution for the laymen counseling and his efforts in the integration of psychology and pastoral care in daily church life / Practical Theology / M. Th. (Pastoral Theology)