Which term describes the negative feeling one has about oneself, which can be real or imagined?

• A. Immediacy
• B. Fictional Finalism
• C. Inferiority Feelings
• D. Motivational Modification

Answer: (C)

Inferiority feelings describe a negative view of oneself that can be based on real shortcomings or imagined defects. In Adlerian psychology, this sense of inadequacy often motivates people to compensate through striving for superiority, approval, or success, and it shapes how they behave and relate to others. Recognizing these feelings helps a counselor understand a client’s motivations and defense patterns, guiding effective support. The other terms don’t fit as well: immediacy concerns addressing the here-and-now in the therapeutic relationship, fictional finalism refers to an imagined goal that guides behavior rather than the feeling of inadequacy itself, and motivational modification isn’t a standard term for this concept.