Psychology

Alfred Adler had an interesting theory about birth order. Consider your birth order and the birth order of other people you know. Do Adlers ideas appear to apply? Why? Why not?

Research studies on birth order generally are limited and somewhat inconsistent as far as showing specific traits being related to specific birth order. A possible reason for the inconsistency may be the variability of years between siblings, gender of siblings, and the influences of step-siblings and half-siblings who may or may not live in the same household. This kind of research can be very complicated to carry out.

However, here is a link to a 2010 journal article that summarizes 200 previous studies on the topic and finds some consistencies:

Eckstein, et al. (2010). A review of 200 birth order studies: Lifestyle characteristics. The Journal of Individual Psychology, 66(4), 408-434.

https://houstonfamilyservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/A-Review-of-200-Birth-Order-Studies-Lifestyle-Characteristics.pdf

What do you think are some important findings from this journal article?

What are your thoughts on Adlers concepts of the inferiority and superiority complexes?

What element of Jungs theory of personality did you find most interesting? Which part of this theory do you feel may not be accurate? Why? Please make sure you are elaborating on a particular concept from Jungs theory such as archetypes, collective unconscious, or dream analysis to demonstrate your understanding of Jungs ideas.

Also, take the Myers-Briggs Personality Test https://www.16personalities.com (Jung typology test). Do you feel this is an accurate description of your personality? If so, how? If not, why not?