The relevance of the psychosocial perspective in the Adlerian view of sexuality

Abstract

Adler's Individual Psychology offers a revolutionary interpretation that differs from Freud's libido theory. While for Freud sexuality stems from the pleasure principle, for Adler it represents one of the fundamental components of being human, as it expresses the goals and vital tasks of love and affection towards others. In this sense, Adler's preferred field is no longer just the unconscious, intrapersonal dimension of man, the theater of various ego and super-ego libidinal drives, but that of interpersonal tensions and dynamics. Sexuality therefore belongs to a unique, unrepeatable, and creative way of encountering others