Humanistic theories stemming from Adlerian aim to accomplish what?

• A. To change basic mistakes and assumptions; focus on beliefs as expressed by behavior
• B. To study genetic determinants
• C. To uncover unconscious conflicts
• D. To modify behavior through conditioning

Answer: (A)

Adlerian, or humanistic, approaches view change as arising from recognizing and reshaping the beliefs that drive behavior. People operate with guiding beliefs about themselves, others, and how the world works. These beliefs—often called basic mistakes—shape patterns of behavior and goals in life. The therapy aims to identify these mistaken beliefs and modify them so actions reflect healthier, more adaptive thinking and a greater sense of belonging and purpose.

This differs from genetics-focused explanations, unconscious conflict theories, or conditioning-based approaches. Genetics looks at inherited traits, unconscious conflicts come from psychoanalytic ideas about repressed material, and conditioning emphasizes learned responses from environment. Because Adlerian work centers on conscious beliefs and their influence on behavior, the goal described—changing basic mistakes and the underlying beliefs manifested in behavior—best fits.