Does Trauma Exist? An Adlerian Perspective on Past Trauma in Our Lives

This thinking can be controversial because it diverges from the popular psychology many of us learned in school. I encourage you to consider this work as a new way of understanding the impact of past experiences on our current lives. Alfred Adler, a pioneering figure in psychology, introduced a holistic approach to understanding human behavior that emphasizes social interest, community feeling, and goal orientation. One of the intriguing aspects of Adlerian psychology is its interpretation of human behavior through the lens of teleology—the idea that behavior is purpose-driven and aimed at achieving specific goals. From this perspective, trauma can be understood not as a fixed reality but as a construct that individuals might use to achieve specific life goals. This view challenges the conventional understanding of trauma and provides a unique framework for exploring human behavior.

Understanding Adlerian Psychology

Adlerian psychology, also known as Individual Psychology, posits that individuals are motivated by their goals and aspirations. Unlike Freud's emphasis on the unconscious and past events, Adler focused on the purposeful nature of behavior. He believed that individuals strive to overcome feelings of inferiority and achieve a sense of superiority or success. This striving is often expressed through personal goals, which shape and direct behavior.

Adler introduced the concept of "fictional finalism," which refers to the imagined life goals that guide an individual's actions. These fictions are not necessarily accurate or actual but serve as guiding principles for behavior. In this context, trauma can be seen as a fictional construct that individuals might adopt to navigate their current life situations.

Trauma as a Construct (something we make up)

In popular thinking, trauma is a psychological response to a stressful or disturbing event. It is often associated with long-lasting effects on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. However, from an Adlerian perspective, trauma is viewed differently. Rather than being an objective reality, trauma may be a subjective construct that individuals use to achieve specific goals.

Goal-Oriented Behavior and Trauma

According to Adlerian psychology, behavior is teleological and oriented towards achieving specific goals. When individuals experience difficulties or challenges in life, they may construct a narrative of trauma to serve a particular purpose. This narrative can help them make sense of their experiences and navigate their current circumstances. Here are several ways in which trauma can be understood as a goal-oriented construct:

• Seeking Attention and Validation: One possible goal of constructing a trauma narrative is to seek attention and validation from others. By presenting oneself as a victim of trauma, an individual may elicit sympathy, support, and understanding from their social circle. This attention can provide a sense of belonging and validation, essential components of social interest and community feeling in Adlerian psychology.
• Gaining Control and Agency: Constructing a trauma narrative can also be a way for individuals to regain a sense of control and agency in their lives. By identifying a specific traumatic event as the source of their difficulties, individuals can externalize their problems and attribute them to an external cause. This externalization can help them feel more in control of their situation and empowered to make changes.
• Justifying Avoidance and Withdrawal: Trauma narratives can justify avoidance and withdrawal from challenging situations. By framing their behavior as a response to trauma, individuals can avoid tasks or responsibilities that they find overwhelming. This avoidance can be a way to protect themselves from feelings of inferiority and failure.
• Facilitating Personal Growth and Change: In some cases, constructing a trauma narrative can catalyze personal growth and change. By acknowledging and addressing their perceived trauma, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. This process can lead to developing new skills, insights, and strengths that help them achieve their goals.

Critiques and Considerations

While the Adlerian perspective offers a unique and valuable framework for understanding trauma as a construct, it is essential to consider some critiques and limitations of this view.

• Subjectivity and Relativity: Viewing trauma as a construct emphasizes its subjective nature. This perspective can be empowering for individuals who use their trauma narratives to achieve their goals. However, it can also be problematic if it leads to the invalidation of genuine suffering and distress. It is vital to balance the recognition of trauma as a construct with empathy and support for those who experience it.
• Potential for Misuse: The idea that trauma gets created for goal-oriented purposes raises the possibility of misuse. Some individuals may exaggerate or fabricate trauma narratives to manipulate others or avoid responsibilities. This activity can undermine genuine efforts to address and heal from trauma.
• Importance of Context: The Adlerian perspective emphasizes the importance of social context in shaping behavior. We must understand trauma narrative within the broader context of an individual's life and relationships. This understanding includes considering the impact of cultural, societal, and environmental factors on the construction and expression of trauma.

Practical Implications for Therapy

Understanding trauma as a construct within the Adlerian framework has practical implications for therapy and counseling. Therapists can use this perspective to help clients explore the goals and purposes behind their trauma narratives. This work can involve:

• Identifying Underlying Goals: Therapists can work with clients to determine the underlying goals and motivations behind their trauma narratives. This work can help clients gain insight into their behavior and develop new, more adaptive ways of achieving their goals.
• Empowering Clients: By viewing trauma as a construct, therapists can enable clients to take control of their narratives and make purposeful changes in their lives. This help can involve reframing trauma experiences as opportunities for growth and development.
• Promoting Social Interest and Community Feeling: Therapists can encourage clients to build social interest and community feeling by fostering supportive relationships and engaging in meaningful activities. This encouragement can help clients develop a sense of belonging and purpose, supporting their well-being.

Adlerian psychology offers a unique perspective on trauma, viewing it as a made-up thing that individuals use to achieve their goals. This teleological approach emphasizes the purposeful nature of behavior and the importance of understanding the goals and motivations behind trauma narratives. While this perspective challenges conventional views of trauma, it also provides valuable insights for therapy and personal growth. By recognizing the subjective nature of trauma and exploring its underlying goals, individuals can gain greater control over their narratives and work towards achieving their aspirations.