THEORIES

Adler’s Neo-Analytical Theory:

“Life is what you make it.”

Inferiority vs. Superiority

Socially useful type

Big 5:

Extroversion

Agreeableness

Conscientiousness (Lack of Impulsivity)

Neuroticism (Emotional Instability)

Openness to Experience (Culture or Intellect)

CHARACTERS PLOT
YouTube - The Pursuit of Happyness Trailer (:09-:40 sec)
In 1981, Chris Gardner was a struggling salesman in little
needed medical bone density scanners while his wife toiled
in double shifts to support the family including their young
Christopher Gardner Jr.
son, Christopher. In the face of this difficult life, Chris has the
desperate inspiration to try for a stockbroker internship
where one in twenty has a chance of a lucrative full time
career. Even when his wife leaves him because of this choice,
Chris clings to this dream with his son even when the odds
Linda: Christopher’s Wife
become more daunting by the day. Together, father and son
struggle through homelessness, jail time, tax seizure and the
overall punishing despair in a quest that would make
Christopher Gardner
Gardner a respected millionaire.

Chisholm, Kevin. "The Pursuit of Happiness". IMDB. 11/26/07 <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454921/plotsummary>.

CHRISTOPHER GARDNER & ADLER CHRIS & ADLER CONT’
“Behavior is designed to overcome feelings of inferiority

Creative Power of Self: Chris places the
and move towards feelings of superiority” – Adler
responsibility of his personality into his own hands.

Inferiority: Persistent feeling that one does not measure

Chris decides to break the chain of bad parenting.
up to expectations.
And this tendency to not follow through with his dreams.

Inability to sell Bone Density Scanners = No Money

Chris is the perfect example of a person moving

Inability to pay bills, parking tickets, rent, etc.
towards superiority through feelings of inferiority.

Homeless

Abandoned by wife

Car impounded

CHRISTOPHER GARDNER CHRIS AS THE

AND THE SOCIALLY USEFUL TYPE:

Video Clip: Interview Scene
Adler’s Socially Useful Type:

High in Extroversion 1. Meets problems realistically

Sociability, warmth, assertiveness 2. Cooperative and Caring

High in Agreeableness
Video Clip: Basketball Scene (45 sec)

Straightforwardness, trust, altruism, modesty

Teaches son to reach for his dreams.

High in Openness to Experience
“Life is what you Make it.”

Imagination, aesthetic sense, curiosity
 LINDA &
LINDA: CHRISTOPHER’S WIFE & ADLER THE
Adler’s theory focuses on the importance of

Low in Agreeableness
social interest and each person’s perceived

Straightforwardness, trust, altruism, modesty
social niche.

High in Neuroticism (Emotional Instability)

Linda abandons her basic social roles:

Mother
Anxiety, hostility, depression, vulnerability

Wife

Low in Openness to Experience
Upon leaving she admits to not being able to take care of

Imagination, aesthetic sense, curiosity
her son properly, there for, Chris stays with their son.

“I hold one thing dearer than

all else, my commitment to my
son.” –Chris Gardner