History
On
February 23, 1911, Alfred Adler (1870-1937), then 41 years of age,
together with a number of adherents, withdrew from the Psychoanalytic
Society in Vienna. He also resigned as first president because his
scientific position "incompatible … with his post in the Society." Thus
ended a decade of cooperation with Freud aimed at an increased
understanding of the neuroses.
When
leaving the Society, Adler had already published his Studie über die
Minderwertigkeit von Organen (1907) and in 1912 he published Über den
nervösen Charakter. This was followed eight years later by Praxis und
Theorie der Individualpsychologie. When he died in 1937, two years
before Freud, Adler had added eleven more books to the literature of the
new school of "Comparative Individual Psychology ." Nearly all of them
have been translated into English, French and various other languages.
Many open minded and energetic men and women, aware of the problems of
human behavior and living, came to Vienna to study Individual Psychology
with Adler and his early co-workers. Returning to their homes, they
began to apply the principles they had learned to the promotion of
democratic education and mental health. They founded groups or societies
of Individual Psychology in one country after another; and, at the time
of Adler`s death, the society's number was over a score.
In 1910,
at a Congress for Psychoanalysis in Weimar, Germany, Adler and Wilhelm
Stekel (+ 1940) were entrusted by the Psychoanalytic Society with
editing a monthly journal. Adler withdrew also from this editorship in
1911 and founded the Zeitschrift für Individualpsychologie in 1914 as
the first Adlerian periodical. Carl Furtmüller, Ph.D. (1880-1951), an
educator, joined the physician Alfred Adler as editor. The new journal
cultivated a fruitful relationship between psychotherapy and education,
serving both the practical and theoretical needs of therapists and
educators.
The July/August
issue (Nos.4/5) of the journal announced that Dr. Charlot Strasser of
Zurich (+ 1951) had become the third editor. World War I having broken
out, he and his wife Vera published Nos. 6-9, in September 1916, in
neutral Switzerland. But the war, revolution and inflation silenced the
journal for the next seven years.
After
the war, several Individual Psychology groups were formed, in addition
to the one in Vienna. One was founded in Munich in 1919 under Dr.
Leonhard Seif (+ 1949); one in Berlin in 1924 under Dr. Fritz Künkel (+
1956) and Manès Sperber (1905-1984); and one in Dresden in 1924 by Otto
and Alice Rühle (both + 1943) and Dr. Hugo Freund (+ 1974). These groups
were called "sections" of the "International Society for Individual
Psychology." Isolated adherents also supported the movement in various
countries. In September 1923, Adler founded a new international journal
which was edited by Ladislaus Zilahi. The journal published regular
reports of the various groups' activities and the growing literature of
Individual Psychology. Besides theoretical and practical papers in
German, which were summarized in English, occasionally it contained
papers in English and French, which were summarized in German. Later,
this impressive international periodical published six issues annually
in Leipzig, and, after 1934, in Vienna. The last issue appeared in 1937
and contained commemorative papers on Adler along with a collection of
articles from the world press which had announced the founder's
unexpected and premature death in Aberdeen, Scotland, on May 28, 1937,
in the 68th year of his life.
This
Internationale Zeitschrift für Individualpsychologie in its original
form was revived in Vienna from 1947 to 1951 (volumes 1620), sponsored
by Dr. Alexandra Adler, Dr. Ferdinand Birnbaum (+ 1947), Dozent Dr. Karl
Nowotny and Professor Oskar Spiel (+1961). Unfortunately it did not
survive. The center of Individual Psychology had moved from Europe to
the United States of America.
From
1926 until his death, Adler lived the greater part of each year in the
United States where he taught at Columbia University and at the Long
Island Medical College. He held the chair of Medical Psychology at the
latter institution until his death. During his stay in the USA, he
founded the International Journal of Individual Psychology, which was
published from 1935 to 1938.
In 1940,
with Europe at war, Dr. Rudolf Dreikurs (1897-1972), who had emigrated
from Vienna to Chicago, brought out a small magazine named The
Individual Psychology News. It served as an organ of communication
between the Individual Psychology groups and workers. In its fourth year
of publication, it became a well printed quarterly called Individual
Psychology Bulletin. After the founding of the American Society of
Adlerian Psychology in 1952, it grew into the official scientific organ
of the Society under the title The American Journal of Individual
Psychology. It aimed to serve as a forum for Adlerians and to relate
Individual Psychology with other schools, stressing the uniqueness of
Individual Psychology while helping to integrate Individual Psychology
into the general development of psychlology as a whole.
In 1958,
Heinz L. Ansbacher, Professor of Psychology at the University of
Vermont, took over the editorship and renamend the periodical the
Journal of Individual Psychology - much to the satisfaction of Adlerians
outside the USA. Under his editorship it maintained high academic
standards and was devoted to "a holistic, phenomenological, teleological,
field theoretical, and socially oriented approach to psychology and
related fields" endeavoring to "continue the tradition of Alfred Adler`s
Individual Psychology". In 1974, Raymond Corsini, Ph.D. succeeded Dr.
Ansbacher as editor. In 1976, Guy J. Manaster became editor of the
Journal. In 1982 the Journal became a quarterly with Guy J. Manaster and
Jon Carlson as editors. They edited the Journal until 1995 when Gerald
J. Mozdzierz and James Robert Bitter became editors. Roy M. Kern and
William L. Curlette assumed the editorship in 1999.
In
Europe periodicals are published by Individual Psychology organizations
in various countries. From 1962 on, Herbert Schaffer (+ 1978) published
the Bulletin of the Societe Francaise de Psychologie Adlerienne in
Paris. In 1973, the Rivista di Psicologia Individuale was founded by
Prof. Francesco Parenti (1925-1990) together with other colleagues in
Italy. Prof. Rudolf Kausen (1920-1983) was the initiator of the
Zeitschrift für Individuapsychologie which has been published in German
since 1976. The Individual Psychology News Letter (IPNL), founded in
1950 by Paul Rom (+ 1982) in London, became the official organ of
International Association of Individual Psychology (IAIP) and served as
a link between Adlerians groups and friends the world over. After Paul
Rom's death, in 1984, Horst Gröner took charge of editing (later
assisted by Colin R.Brett) until 1990.. Both of them published the IPNL
again, in Gotha,Germany, from 1993 to 1996. Since 2000, Jane Manaster
has taken over the task of again establishing the IPNL as a circular of
the IAIP.
Besides
various series of pamphlets published between the two World Wars, the
two volumes of the Handbuch für Individualpsychologie (München, 1926)
edited by Erwin Wexberg (1881-1957) were important milestones in the
growth of Individual Psychology. They served a purpose similar to the
earlier works of Adler and others whose publication of a volume of
papers in 1913 had given Individual Psychology an identity as a new
school of thought. In recent years, similar collections of papers and
essays have been published in Europe and America.
Having
surveyed the history of the journals of the school of Individual
Psychology and some significant publications, let us now look at the
history of international congresses. The first Congress took place in
Munich December 8-10, 1922 under the title of Kongress der
Internationalen Gesellschaft für Vergleichende Individualpsychologie.
There was a modest meeting in Salzburg in 1924, when Adlerians from
Vienna, Munich, Dresden and Nürnberg assembled. They received a written
invitation from their Berlin colleagues to hold the 2nd International
Congress. It took place in 1925, and was followed by congresses in
Düsseldorf (1926) and Vienna (1927). The 5th International Congress met
in Berlin in 1930 with over 1000 participants and was, in every respect,
an impressive event.
After
World War II, several groups were revived and new ones founded making it
possible to hold the 6th International Congress for Individual
Psychology in 1954 at Zurich. This was followed by a Delegates' Meeting
which replaced the rather informal International Society of Individual
Psychology with the present International Association of Individual
Psychology. Dr Alexander Müller (+ 1968) became its first Secretary. In
1957, the 7th Congress meeting in Holland elected Dr. Victor Louis (+
1991) to replace Dr. Müller who had resigned. Dr. Louis was re-elected
as Secretary General by the 8th Congress which met in Vienna in August,
1960. This Congress proved Individual Psychology to be a spiritual and
organized power of no small importance.
During
all these years, Dr. Alexandra Adler (1901-2001) was President of the
International Association and the Delegate's Meeting elected men and
women of different countries to serve on its Council. The 9th
International Congress was held in Paris in 1963, and Dr. Kurt Adler was
elected President to succeed his sister Alexandra who was made Honorary
President. Dr. Knut Baumgärtel (+ 1992) was elected Secretary General.
Both were re-elected to the same offices during the 10th International
Congress held in Salzburg in 1966. The 11th International Congress was
held in New York City in 1970, and it was timed to coincide with the
celebration of Alfred Adler's centenary. Dr. Bernhard Shulman was
elected to be the new President and Dr. Marvin Nelson became the
Secretary General. The Societa Italiana di Psicologia Individuale, a new
society, was host to the 12th International Congress which met in
Milano, Italy in 1973. Dr. Shulman and Dr. Nelson were re-elected to be
President and Secretary General respectively. In a fine demonstration of
the spirit of cooperation, this Congress, through the newly elected
Council, agreed to sponsor and cooperate with the International
Committee for Adlerians Summer Schools and Institutes (ICASSI) which was
founded by Dr. Rudolf Dreikurs in 1962.
When the
13th Congress of the IAIP convened in Munich July 29, 1976, the rapid
growth of interest in Adler`s psychology was apparent. The Kongresshalle
was filled to capacity during most of the sessions. While the Deutsche
Gesellschaft für Individualpsychologie provided the largest number of
attendants, there were participants present from many countries.
Communication was facilitated by simultaneous translations in four
languages. The Delegates' Congress re-elected Dr. Shulman as President
and Dr. Nelson as Secretary General.
In his
study of Man, Science and Society, Floyd M. Watson stated: "Despite the
charges of superficiality always hurled at him by Freudians, the
influence of Adler upon psychoanalysis and psychology in general seems
in retrospect to have been scarcely less extensive than that of Freud
himself. The lonely course he embarked upon in 1910 has either
anticipated or encouraged such vigorous developments as neo-Freudianism
(or "neo-Adlerianism"), psychoanalytic ego psychology, client-centered
therapy, existentialist psychology and contemporary personality theory.
From the perspective of our own day, it might even be argued (with
conscious heresy) that it was the turn taken by Adler some fifty years
ago which has come to be the 'mainstream'of the psychoanalytic movement
and that taken by Freud which been in fact the 'deviation'."
The 14th
Congress was held in Zurich, August 10-13, 1979, under the able
leadership of Dr. med. Victor Louis with the able assistance of members
of the Swiss Society of Individual Psychology. Bernhard Shulman was
reelected to his fourth term as President, Harold V. McAbee (+ 1993) was
elected as Secretary-General to replace Marvin Nelson who had served
nine years and resigned.
The 15th
Congress was held in Vienna, August 2-6, 1982, under the auspices of the
Austrian Individual Psychology Association, Walter Spiel President.
Anton Reinelt served as Congress Organizer. The theme of the Congress -
The Encounter of Individual Psychology with other Psychologies - proved
to be an exciting challenge and attracted many outstanding speakers.
Viktor Frankl, Rudolf Ekstein, Manes Sperber, and Erwin Ringel were
among the renowned presenters. The various presentations proved to be
most stimulating. These were augmented by exhibits, films, and
videotapes. The Congress program came to the theoretical grips between
Individual Psychology and other schools.
Walter
Spiel was elected President with Bernhard Shulman retiring after 12
years of service. President Spiel offered an initiative to the Council
of appointing three (3) committees to pursue the work of the IAIP in the
period between triennial congresses. The three committees were: the
Scientific Committee, Committee on Education and Training, and a
Committee on Organization. The Committees were charged with specific
tasks and asked to report to the Council and Delegates Congress at the
16th International Congress.
The 16th
International Congress was held in Montreal, Canada, July 7-11, 1985.
Secretary-General Harold V. McAbee served as Congress Organizer. Frank
and Liliane Bensinger, leaders of the Alfred Adler Institute of Quebec,
served ably as local chairpersons. Theme of the congress was the "Future
of Individual Psychology". The congress was a financial success. Several
changes were made in the Constitution. A third Vice-President was added,
an Assistant Secretary-General and an Assistant Treasurer were added.
The committee structure, initiated by President Spiel was continued on
an permanent basis, and the constitution was amended to reflect these
changes. Walter Spiel was re-elected President. A highlight of the 16th
International Congress was a reception honoring the Honorary Presidents
Alexandra Adler and Heinz Ansbacher. Kurt Adler was similarly honored by
acclamation of the Delegates Congress to Honorary President. In a
gracious acceptance, Dr. Adler quoted a lyric from a Meistersingers aria
by Hans Sachs: "You make it easy for yourself, but difficult for me if
you give me, poor one, so much honor."
The 17th
International Congress was held July 12-16, 1987 at the University of
Munster, West Germany. Theme of the Congress was "Fifty (50) Years After
the Death of Alfred Adler - Individual Psychology in the Reality of Our
Time". The Congress, which was attended by almost 800 participants, was
held by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Individualpsychologie under the
general direction of Rainer Schmidt, Chairperson and Horst Gröner,
Congress Organizer. Both the scientific and social programs were
outstanding during the five day program.
The
three Commissions matured in their functioning. The Commission on
Education and Training, Bernhard Shulman, Chairperson, reported plans
for certificate programs designating levels of competency for
individuals practicing psychotherapy, counseling, and/or education
programs. Discussion in the Scientific Commission was spirited as
members strove for common understanding of principles of Individual
Psychology. Two new members were approved by the Delegates Congress.
These were the Aubildungs zentrum für Individualpsychlogische
Psychotherapie (AZIP) in Zurich and the Istituto Alfred Adler di
Psicologia Individuale di Torino. Proposals were made to initiate
planning for an International Journal and a permanent secretariat.
At the
18th International Congress which took place from July 29 to August 2,
1990, in Abano, it was decided to publish the International Journal of
Individual Psychology and Comparative Studies as a trial. However, due
to insurmountable difficulties as far as the organization was concerned,
the publication had to be discontinued again as early as edition No.1/1991.
Francesco Parenti from the Societa Italiana di Psicologia Individuale
conducted that Congress; shortly afterwards he died in a car accident.
Donatella Zavalloni served as Congress Organizer. Thanks to her there
was a stimulating atmosphere so that there was given an opportunity for
cooperative talks.
As new
members were approved by the Delegate's Congress the Alfred Adler
Institute of Quebec in Montreal as well as the Societa Adleriana
Italiana Gruppi e Analisi in Torino. The three Commissions continued
their intensive work. Especially the Commission on Education an Training
is still working on international standards on an minimum for the
different kinds of training programs. Harold V. McAbee was elected
President and Horst Gröner Secretary-General.
After
Harold V. McAbee had died in May 1993, Rainer Schmidt took over the
leadership of the IAIP as 1st Vice President until Prof. Gian Giacomo
Rovera from Torino was elected President at the 19th International
Congress in Budapest (August 1-5, 1993). Horst Gröner was confirmed in
his office as Secretary-General. From then on, The Adlerian Society of
British Columbia, Vancouver, The Hungarian Society of Individual
Psychology as well as the Alfred Adler Institutes of Aachen-Köln and
München belonged to the new members, while the membership of the AZIP in
Zurich was revoked. Several projects were passed by the Delegates
Congress, among others preparatory work for an international dictionary
of Individual Psychology, the assistance for young societies for
Individual Psychology (above all in Central and East Europe) and the
foundation of an Ad hoc Committee to change the constitution of the IAIP
as well as a committee that is to prepare the 20th International
Congress in Oxford, U.K. Time and again, we felt there was a desire to
intensify the communication within the IAIP and to further concretize
the objectives of its work.
At the
19th International Congress, presided by Dr. Otto Arato (+1999) from
Budapest, more than 320 participants came together. In various panel
meetings and many further speeches, people exchanged scientific
knowledge. Thus, this congress set a general mark for the organization
of the further international meetings.
The 20th
International Congress, from August 4-8, 1996 in Oxford, U.K., and under
the topic of "To preserve and to change Individual Psychology in a
network of recent developments" scientifically was a great success. But
financially it became a great disaster to the IAIP due to less than 230
participants. The Delegate's Assembly which acted according to the new
constitution decided on extraordinary payments of the member
organizations to cover the loss. The five sections (Business &
Organizations; Counseling; Education; Science: Theory & Research;
Therapy) started to establish by-laws and guidelines for their work.
Prof. Gian Giacomo Rovera as President and Horst Gröner as
Secretary-General again were confirmed in office.
In 1999,
when the 21st International Congress was held in Oak Brook/Chicago, IL,
from August 4-7, the main topic "The science of living: Tasks,
contributions & solutions" gathered about 180 participants. Although
enormously supported by the Adler School of Professional Psychology from
Chicago, IAIP again had to bear another immense financial burden. An
outstanding donation from the Japanese Society of Individual Psychology
helped to recover from that situation and to enable IAIP to continue on
substantial work. The Lëtzebuerger Gesellschaft fir
Individualpsychologie nom Alfred Adler A.s.b.l. (LGIPA) became a new
member to the IAIP. Prof. Guy Manaster from Austin, TX, was elected
President, Horst Gröner again re-elected in his office as
Secretary-General.
In 2002
the 22th International Congress was held in München, Germany, from
August 4-10. 80 years before in this town was held the 1st International
Congress: it wasthe 1922. The main topic of the congress was: "Self and
society - development, process and quality". The Deutsche Gesellschaft
für Individualpsychologie (DGIP) acted as organizer. 230 participants
attended coming from 14 different Countries. During the Congress the
Lithuanian Association of Individual Psychology has been accepted as new
member. Prof Guy Manaster from Austin, Texas, was re-elected as
President and dr. Giansecondo Mazzoli, from Reggio Emilia, Italy, was
elected General Secretary. The position of treasures was held by Horst
Gröener, from Gotha, Germany.
The
Council of IAIP then decided to hold the 23th International Congress
from 26-29 May 2005 in Torino, Italy. The Società Italiana di Psicologia
Individuale (SIPI) by support of Istituto A.Adler and SAIGA of Torino
will act as Congress organizer. The main topic of the Congress will be:
"Power and Cultural Living"
by
Paul Rom
Copyright ©
2005 International Association of Individual
Psychology
