Freude - jenseits von Ach und Weh?

The contributions in this volume concern the central meaning of joy and the pursuit of happiness as important motivational factors in both child and adult development. The theory of Alfred Adler that experiencing powerlessness, helplessness and dependence lead to natural reverberations in the pursuit to overcome these states of affairs has often formed the basis to study the question of how maldevelopments occur; how they can be treated and healed (or at least mitigated) through (analytical) psychotherapy and counseling; how they can be avoided altogether; and what factors play a major role in furthering a healthy development, good mental health, well-being and happiness. In this sense, positive experiences cannot be seen completely apart from stressful and painful experiences – from the aches and pains of human existence. Yet it should not be underestimated in how essential they are to human development, as was often the case in the past.