What does the term "psychological birth order" refer to in Adlerian therapy?

The term "psychological birth order" in Adlerian therapy refers to how an individual perceives their family position and how that perception affects their personality and behavior. Adler believed that the order in which a person is born within a family can influence their feelings of inferiority or superiority, as well as their coping mechanisms and personality traits. For instance, firstborn children might develop a sense of responsibility and leadership, while later-born children may adopt more rebellious or social traits. This concept emphasizes the subjective experience of family dynamics rather than merely the chronological order of birth itself.

Understanding psychological birth order is crucial in Adlerian therapy as it helps therapists tailor their approaches to the individual based on their perceived family roles and the psychological impact of those roles. This perspective moves beyond objective family position to focus on the internalized meanings and social dynamics that shape an individual’s identity and behavior.