The Humanistic Perspective The “Third Force”

Prior to the 1960s, psychologists were divided into 2 main camps-psychoanalysts & behaviorists; Humanism came along & became the “third force”!!! Humanistic psychologists focused on the ways “healthy” people strive for self-determination & self-realization; Emphasized human potential & people are basically good Two theorists: Abraham Maslow & Carl Rogers

Abraham Maslow’s Self-Actualizing Person We are motivated by a hierarchy of needs; physiological, safety, love, self-esteem and ultimately self-actualization: the process of fulfilling our potential & self-transcendence: meaning, purpose, & communion beyond the self. i.e.: Lincoln, Jefferson, E. Roosevelt Studied the “healthy” individual rather than troubled clinical cases The self-actualized person is self-aware & self- accepting, open & spontaneous, loving & caring, & not paralyzed by others’ opinions; Energy focused on life mission; Moved by spiritual/peak experiences

Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Perspective Unless in an unhealthy environment that will stunt personal growth, we are all primed for growth & fulfillment; *sunflower seed Growth promoting climate required 3 conditions: genuineness, acceptance & empathy -by being genuine or open w/ own feelings, dropping facades can one grow -by being accepting – what Rogers called unconditional positive regard:an attitude of grace in which we are free to be ourselves w/ those we love. -by being empathic-sharing & mirroring our feelings

-A central feature of personality is one’s self- concept-all the thoughts & feelings we have in response to “Who am I?”; positive self- concept=positive views on environment

Assessing the Self Humanistic psychologists assessed personality by asking people to fill out questionnaires that would evaluate self-concept. –Describe yourself as both who you would ideally like to be & as you actually are. Others viewed these types of assessments depersonalizing & prefer interviews & intimate conversations to provide a better understanding of each person’s unique experiences.

The Critics Concepts are vague & subjective; i.e. Maslow’s description of a self actualized person as open, spontaneous, loving, etc…these are Maslow’s own ideals & values. The individualism encouraged by humanists can lead to self-indulgence, selfishness & an erosion of moral restraints. i.e. “Is the way I’m living deeply satisfying to me?” It fails to appreciate the reality of our human capacity for evil & thus a naïve theory; encourages the needed hope but not the equally necessary realism about evil.