While he was a neo-Freudian, meaning he was influenced by Sigmund Freud's work, he diverged from Freud in some key ways. Adler emphasized the importance of social factors and the individual's striving for superiority, rather than focusing solely on unconscious drives and sexuality.
The inferiority complex, according to Adler, arises from feelings of inadequacy and insecurity that stem from childhood experiences. He believed these feelings motivate individuals to strive for competence and achievement in order to overcome them.