Discuss the personality descriptors described by Adler and their association with birth order. What are your thoughts about how accurate they may be both in general and with people you know, in your own family of origin; and how this theory relates to a family systems approach.

Some psychological literature has explored Adlerian thought regarding the importance of treating young children with the same respect one would offer an adult, or as an equal member of the family and of society (Ferguson, 2020). This reflects subsequent Adlerian thinking which identifies the desire for improved success and superiority, and the desire for community and social belonging as a valuable and contributing member, as the two primary motivations of behaviour (Wedding & Corsini, 2019). It also reflects the claim that cultivating the 'goodness' of children may lead to greater social interest and a more cooperative society (Overholser, 2010).

This social embeddedness among one's equals supports life satisfaction into adulthood. Some research identifies a positive relationship between social belonging and feelings of equality with life satisfaction, which is described as cumulative satisfaction in terms of religion/spirituality, community/social belonging, and overall health (Wilson & Dowda, 2017). This illustrates the implications of Adlerian theory which posit that treatment of the child as an equal significantly benefits their long-term well-being.

How does Adlerian theory explain how some children have their 'goodness' cultivated, yet still struggle to achieve social belonging?