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What is an example of Adler's Safeguarding Tendency?

User Lsheng
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Final answer:

An example of Adler's safeguarding tendency is a superiority complex, where an individual exaggerates their success to protect their self-esteem. In acting, avoiding risky feelings or actions can also reflect a safeguarding tendency to prevent potential failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

An example of Adler's safeguarding tendency can be seen in the behavior known as a superiority complex, where an individual may exaggerate their achievements and importance to protect their self-esteem from feelings of inferiority. Adler's theory of individual psychology suggests that when people feel inferior, they compensate by creating an illusion of superiority. This is seen as a defense mechanism to safeguard an individual's fragile self-esteem. For instance, a student who feels insecure about their intellectual abilities might consistently brag about the one time they outperformed their peers in a test, thus safeguarding their self-worth.

In the context of acting mentioned in the question, a young actor's hesitation to embrace a risky or unsafe feeling or action might be interpreted as a safeguarding tendency. This reluctance to proceed can be a way for the actor's ego to protect itself from potential failure or embarrassment.

User Hannes De Jager
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