Did Adler believe that our desire to strive for perfection is influenced by our parents?

Adler believed that our desire to strive for perfection, also referred to as the "striving for superiority," is significantly influenced by our early life experiences, particularly with our parents. He posited that our family dynamics and the way our parents interact with us can shape our goals, motivations, and ambitions throughout life.

For Adler, early childhood experiences are pivotal in forming our personality and our aspirations. Parents can either support or hinder a child's drive for achievement. For example, if parents provide encouragement and foster a sense of belonging and competence, a child is more likely to cultivate a healthy desire for perfection and self-improvement. Conversely, if parents are overly critical or dismissive, a child may develop a negative self-assessment that could lead to unhealthy striving or feelings of inferiority.

Thus, Adler's emphasis on the family's role highlights that our pursuit of perfection is not solely an individual initiative but is deeply interwoven with our relational environments and the messages we receive from our parents during formative years.