“The test of one’s behavior pattern is their relationship to society, relationship to work and relationship to sex.”
- February 7, 1870 – May 28, 1937
- Austrian
- Psychotherapist, Medical Doctor, Founder of Individual Psychology
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Quote
“The test of one’s behavior pattern is their relationship to society, relationship to work and relationship to sex.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Alfred Adler’s belief that a person’s mental health and character are best evaluated through their engagement with three core life tasks: society, work, and love (here expressed as sex). These domains represent the fundamental arenas of human existence, and how an individual approaches them reveals the health, maturity, and social interest of their personality. Rather than judging a person by isolated traits, Adler focused on how well they function in real-life relationships and responsibilities.
Adler developed this triad in contrast to Freud’s more intrapsychic focus. He believed that psychological growth must be understood in a social context, and that fulfilling these tasks requires the development of empathy, cooperation, and courage. Struggles in any of these areas—alienation from others, lack of purpose in work, or dysfunctional intimate relationships—can indicate underlying issues such as an inferiority complex or maladaptive private logic.
In contemporary psychological practice, these dimensions remain central. Therapists often assess a person’s social connections, vocational fulfillment, and relational intimacy as indicators of psychological well-being. For example, someone who avoids social contact, feels disconnected from meaningful work, or has recurring romantic difficulties may be struggling with identity, confidence, or unresolved conflict. Adler’s insight encourages a holistic view of human behavior, grounded in the real demands of life and the individual’s ability to meet them constructively.
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