North American Society of Adlerian Psychology
The North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP) is a professional organization founded in 1952 by Rudolf Dreikurs to foster the research, knowledge, training, and application of Adlerian psychology, also known as Individual Psychology.[1][2] Originally named the American Society of Adlerian Psychology, it was renamed in 1977 to reflect its expanding influence across North America.[1][3] NASAP promotes Adler's theories, which diverged from Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis in emphasizing social factors, unity of the personality, and goal-oriented behavior over instinctual drives.[1]
| North American Society of Adlerian Psychology | |
|---|---|
| Organization details | |
| Type | Professional society |
| Founded | 1952 |
| Founder(s) | Rudolf Dreikurs |
| Key figures | Rudolf Dreikurs, Harold Mosak, Bernard Shulman |
| Orientation | Adlerian |
| Institutional context | |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Operations | |
| Headquarters | Chicago, United States |
| Geographic scope | North America |
| Training function | Conferences, seminars, training centers |
| Publications | Journals, newsletters |
NASAP holds significance in the history of psychology as a key institution preserving and disseminating Alfred Adler's breakaway school of thought, influencing fields such as education, counseling, and community mental health.[2][4]
History
Precursors and Origins
The society's roots trace to the efforts of Rudolf Dreikurs, a colleague of Alfred Adler who emigrated to the United States after Adler's death in 1937 and advocated for Adlerian principles in Chicago.[4][1] Adler himself had split from Freud's circle in 1911, developing Individual Psychology with eight colleagues, focusing on the indivisible unity of the person and social interconnectedness.[1]
Founding (1952)
NASAP was established in 1952 in Chicago as the American Society of Adlerian Psychology by Rudolf Dreikurs, with early support from figures like Bernard Shulman and Harold Mosak.[1][2][3] It emerged alongside the Institute for Adlerian Psychology, founded by Dreikurs the same year, which later became Adler University and served as NASAP's training site.[4]
The society grew through annual conferences, publications, and affiliations, expanding globally with members in Europe, Asia, and South America by the 2020s.[1]
Organizational Structure
NASAP operates as a membership-based society open to professionals in psychology, education, counseling, social work, and related fields, as well as parents and community members.[2] It is governed by a board including a president, with past presidents such as Bernard Shulman (1962–1964).[4][5]
Governance
The organization supports a network of local and regional affiliates across Canada and the United States, along with training centers and educational programs.[2]
Membership
Membership encourages participation from diverse professionals and laypersons interested in Adlerian applications.[2]
Training and Formation
NASAP promotes training through annual conferences, seminars, workshops, and affiliated institutes such as Adler University.[2][4] It develops counseling, psychotherapy, parent education, and family programs based on Adlerian principles, emphasizing short-term, solution-oriented approaches.[1][2]
Dreikurs also founded the International Committee of Adlerian Summer Schools and Institutes (ICASSI) in 1962 for global training.[4]
Key Concepts / Theoretical Orientation
NASAP centers on Adlerian psychology's core ideas, including:
- Unity of the individual (Individualpsychologie)
- Social interest (Gemeinschaftsgefühl)
- Inferiority feelings and compensation
- Goal-directed behavior and lifestyle[1]
These concepts shape institutional practices, prioritizing community engagement, prevention, and collaborative relationships in education and mental health.[4][2]
Notable Members
Publications
NASAP publishes journals, newsletters, books, and materials promoting Adlerian psychology, including conference proceedings and research.[2][5]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "Adler Curious - North American Society for Adlerian Psychology". alfredadler.org.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 "About NASAP". alfredadler.org.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "American Society of Adlerian Psychology records". loc.gov.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 "History of Adler University". adler.edu.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "NASAP newsletter 1980" (PDF). adlerpedia.org.