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An Explanation of Adolescent Delinquency Based on Adler’s Theory of Individual Psychology
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Reza Ghasemi Jobaneh1    , Mohammad Abbasi2 , Shahriar Dargahi3 |
1- Department of psychology, faculty of literature and humanities, Lorestan University. , ghasemi.r@lu.ac.ir
2- Department of psychology, faculty of literature and humanities, Lorestan University.
3- department of psychology and counseling, Farhangian University. |
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Abstract: (12 Views) |
Introduction: Delinquency has been examined across various disciplines within the human and health sciences. Adler’s Individual Psychology is a psychological theory that has significantly influenced the development and expansion of other theories. Many constructs related to the social sciences can also be explained within its theoretical framework. Accordingly, the present study aimed to explain adolescent delinquency based on Adler’s Individual Psychology.
Methods: The present study employed a narrative review approach. The review was conducted in the autumn of two thousand twenty-four. Relevant literature was searched using individual and combined keywords, including “delinquency,” “adolescents,” “Alfred Adler,” “Adler,” and “Individual Psychology.” The search covered publications available up to the end of the Iranian calendar year 1403, corresponding to 2024 in the Gregorian calendar, with no lower time limit. The databases and information resources searched included Magiran, SID, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and LibGen.
Results: The findings indicated that, from the perspective of Individual Psychology, delinquent adolescents tend to exhibit lower levels of social interest as a result of a destructive lifestyle shaped by early life experiences and an unfavorable family environment. They may also engage in delinquent behavior to defend their fragile self-esteem. From an Adlerian perspective, delinquency can be understood as a purposeful but maladaptive form of compensation for feelings of inferiority. It is associated with discouragement and an inferiority complex and interferes with the fulfillment of life tasks. On the other hand, Adler’s theory, also referred to as the psychology of courage and the psychology of use, emphasizes the potential for change, growth, and improvement at every stage of life through the creative power of the self.
Conclusions: The findings have important implications for preventing adolescent delinquency and crime and promoting social health. Actions that foster the development of a constructive lifestyle during childhood may contribute to better functioning in subsequent developmental stages, including adolescence. Furthermore, various approaches, such as self-examination, counseling, and Adlerian psychotherapy, may help promote a constructive lifestyle, improve individual functioning, and reduce individual, family, and social problems, including delinquency. |
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| Keywords: Adler, Juvenile Delinquency, Individual Psychology, Adolescent |
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Full-Text [PDF 453 kb]
(7 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review Article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/03/9 | Accepted: 2025/03/21 | Published: 2025/03/21
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