Adler’s Approach to Development The difference between encouragement and praise is one of Adler’s most practical contributions, yet it is consistently misunderstood. Most people use the terms interchangeably, assuming they both mean saying positive things to people. But for Adler, the distinction is fundamental. Praise is conditional recognition based on achievement. Encouragement is unconditional recognition based on effort and inherent worth. Praise says ‘you are good because you succeeded.’ Encouragement says ‘you are valuable regardless of outcome, and your effort matters.’ This distinction seems subtle, but it produces completely different psychological effects. Praise creates dependence on external validation, anxiety about...