What implication does an "It's all about me" attitude have in Adlerian therapy?

In Adlerian therapy, the phrase "It's all about me" implies a lack of social interest and relational development. Adler emphasized the importance of social interest, which refers to an individual's ability to connect with and contribute to the well-being of others and society as a whole. When someone adopts an exclusively self-centered attitude, it indicates a disconnection from the community and an inability or unwillingness to engage in meaningful relationships.

This self-focused mindset can hinder personal growth and overall mental health, as it restricts the individual’s ability to empathize with others and partake in collaborative efforts that foster communal relationships. Adlerian therapy encourages clients to expand their perspective beyond themselves to foster a more profound sense of belonging, purpose, and connection with others. Thus, the implications of an "It's all about me" attitude in this therapeutic context directly correlate to a deficiency in social interest and relational development, obstructing effective therapeutic progress.