In Adlerian psychology, what term describes people's beliefs about themselves and others that are false?

• A. Fictions
• B. Fantasies
• C. Delusions
• D. Illusions

Answer: (A)

In Adlerian psychology, people’s beliefs about themselves and others that aren’t true are described as fictions, specifically the idea of fictional finalisms. These are private, guiding stories that people create to make sense of life and to motivate their actions, even though these beliefs aren’t based on reality. They shape how someone strives for significance and connection, acting as lenses through which experiences are interpreted and choices are made. This concept is broader than fantasies (which are daydreams or imagined scenarios), delusions (fixed false beliefs tied to mental illness), or illusions (misperceptions of real stimuli). Fictions capture the way guiding, often unrealistic beliefs steer behavior in everyday life, which is why they’re the best fit here.