Humanistic psychology

Humanistic psychology

A psychology major or approach called Humanism refers to a specific school of thought within psychology that emphasizes the study of the whole person, focusing on individual potential, self-actualization, and personal growth. Humanistic psychology developed as a response to both the behaviorist and psychoanalytic schools of thought, which were seen by some as too deterministic and reductionist.

Key characteristics of humanistic psychology include:

1. Emphasis on the Individual: Humanistic psychologists believe that each person is unique and has the potential for personal growth and self-improvement. They emphasize personal choice, freedom, and responsibility.
2. Self-Actualization: One of the central ideas in humanism is that people have an inherent drive to reach their full potential and become the best version of themselves, often referred to as “self-actualization.” Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a key framework in this regard, where self-actualization is the highest level of psychological development.
3. Positive View of Human Nature: Humanistic psychology is optimistic, viewing humans as inherently good and capable of making rational choices that enhance personal well-being. This contrasts with other schools of thought that may focus more on pathology or unconscious drives (such as psychoanalysis).
4. Holistic Approach: Humanistic psychologists see individuals as holistic beings, not just a collection of behaviors or unconscious drives. They emphasize the importance of understanding the person in their entirety, including their thoughts, feelings, and social context.
5. Therapeutic Focus: In therapy, humanistic psychologists emphasize empathy, active listening, and the importance of a genuine, non-judgmental therapist-client relationship. Carl Rogers, a key figure in humanistic psychology, developed client-centered therapy, which is based on these principles.

Notable Figures in Humanistic Psychology:

• Abraham Maslow: Known for developing Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which outlines the stages of human development, culminating in self-actualization.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (from bottom to top):

1. Physiological Needs (Basic Needs)
   • These are the fundamental biological requirements for human survival.
     • Food, water, warmth, rest, shelter, sleep, etc.
2. Safety Needs (Basic Needs)
   • Once physiological needs are met, people seek safety and security.
     • Personal security, employment, resources, health, property, etc.
3. Love and Belonging Needs (Psychological Needs)
   • Humans are social beings, and once basic safety needs are satisfied, they seek relationships and connection with others.
     • Friendships, intimacy, family, social groups, sense of belonging.
4. Esteem Needs (Psychological Needs)
   • After social needs, people seek self-esteem and the esteem of others.
     • Confidence, achievement, respect from others, status, recognition.
5. Self-Actualization (Self-Fulfillment Needs)
   • At the top of the hierarchy, self-actualization refers to realizing one’s full potential and becoming the best version of oneself.
     • Personal growth, creativity, spontaneity, pursuing inner potential, peak experiences.

• Carl Rogers: Known for developing client-centered therapy, focusing on the therapeutic relationship and the importance of unconditional positive regard.

Client-Centered Therapy (also known as Person-Centered Therapy) is a therapeutic approach developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940s and 1950s. It emphasizes a non-directive, empathetic, and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship, where the therapist creates a supportive environment in which the client can explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences freely.

In the context of a psychology major, students studying humanistic psychology would learn about these ideas and how they apply to therapy, personal growth, and understanding human behavior. Although humanism is no longer the dominant school of thought in contemporary psychology (with approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy, evolutionary psychology, and neuroscience becoming more prominent), its influence can still be seen in areas like positive psychology and person-centered therapy.