Which statement best describes Adler's view of social interest?

Which statement best describes Adler's view of social interest?

• A. Be cooperative.
• B. Be socially useful.
• C. Have a sense of community.
• D. All of the above.

Answer: (D)

Social interest, or Gemeinschaftsgefühl, is the tendency to relate positively to others and to contribute to the welfare of the group. Adler saw healthy functioning as rooted in this social connectedness, not in isolated individual achievement. Being cooperative is a natural expression of social interest—working with others toward shared goals. Being socially useful reflects using one’s abilities to benefit others and the community. Having a sense of community captures the emotional side—the feeling of belonging and solidarity with others. Together, these aspects represent the full scope of Adler’s view, so all of the above best describes social interest.

Social interest, or Gemeinschaftsgefühl, is the tendency to relate positively to others and to contribute to the welfare of the group. Adler saw healthy functioning as rooted in this social connectedness, not in isolated individual achievement. Being cooperative is a natural expression of social interest—working with others toward shared goals. Being socially useful reflects using one’s abilities to benefit others and the community. Having a sense of community captures the emotional side—the feeling of belonging and solidarity with others. Together, these aspects represent the full scope of Adler’s view, so all of the above best describes social interest.