The Evolution of Personality Theory: Humanistic Psychology

The Evolution of Personality Theory: Humanistic Psychology Third-force Psychology In the early 1960’s, a group of psychologists led by Abraham Maslow started a movement referred to as third- force psychology. This was a reaction to the shortcomings (as they saw them) of behaviorism and psychoanalysis to deal fully with the human condition. Humanistic psychology: emphasized human strengths, positive aspirations, conscious experience, free will, the fulfillment of human potential, and a belief in the wholeness of human nature Influenced by: Zeitgeist: anti-establishment counter culture

Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) Been called the spiritual father of humanistic psychology Initial proponent of behaviorism Series of personal experiences led him to believe behaviorism was too limited to encompass enduring human issues Also influenced by Adler, Horney, Koffka, and Wertheimer Deeply affected by parade after Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Forced U.S. into WWII Led Maslow to begin study of development of psychology that would focus on the highest of human ideals

Abraham Maslow (1908–1970) Driven to understand the greatest achievements of which we are capable Studied a small sample of psychologically outstanding people to determine how they differed from those of average or normal mental health Self-actualization: the full development of one’s abilities and the realization of one’s potential We must first satisfy needs that stand lower in an innate hierarchy Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hdSLiHaJz8&in dex=17&list=PL8dPuuaLjXtOPRKzVLY0jJY-uHOH9KVU6

Self- actualized characteristics Some characteristics of the self-actualized: An objective perception of reality A full acceptance of their own nature A commitment and dedication to some kind of work Simplicity and naturalness of behavior A need for autonomy, privacy, and independence Intense mystical or peak experiences Empathy with and affection for all humanity Resistance to conformity A democratic character structure An attitude of creativeness

Carl Rogers (1902–1987) Person-centered therapy: Also proposed a personality theory based on a singular motivational factor Unconditional positive regard: the unconditional love of a mother for her infant Responsibility for improvement on the person or client rather than on the therapist Personality is shaped by the present and how we consciously perceive it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nEL44QkL9w&index=35&list =PL8dPuuaLjXtOPRKzVLY0jJY-uHOH9KVU6

Carl Rogers (1902-1987) Received PhD in clinical and educational psychology Worked extensively with delinquent and disadvantaged youngsters During teaching career, developed and refined theory of psychotherapy After failure to help severely disturbed patient, Rogers experienced “nervous breakdown” Self-confidence shattered, Rogers felt: Certain of inadequacy as a therapist Worthlessness as a person Lacking any future in field of psychology

Self-Actualization Believed that drive to actualize the self greatest motivating force in personality Urge is innate, but may be helped/hindered by childhood experiences and learning Emphasis on mother-child relationship Positive regard: if mother satisfies infant’s need for love, infant will tend to develop healthy personality Conditional regard: child will develop conditions of worth

Carl Rogers (1902–1987) (cont’d.) Qualities of psychologically healthy persons: An openness to, and a freshness of appreciation of, all experience A tendency to live fully in every moment The ability to be guided by their instincts rather than by reason or the opinions of others A sense of freedom in thought and action A high degree of creativity The continual need to maximize their potential

The Fate of Humanistic Psychology Humanistic psychologists offered a definition of psychology distinct from the other two forces in the field (behaviorism and psychoanalysis) Separated from mainstream psychology: Most humanistic psychologists were in clinical practice and not at universities Timing of the humanist movement was poor Strengthened the idea within psychoanalysis that people can shape their lives

Positive Psychology Recent development from humanist psychology Focus on happiness, excellence, and optimal human functioning subjective well-being; the science of happiness, love and life Research on satisfaction, interventions for enhanced well- being, leisure, peak performance, positive affectivity, emotional creativity, optimism, hope theory, goal-setting for life and happiness

Martin Seligman (1942--) Introduced the science of happiness into American psychology Call for positive psychology received enthusiastic response 2005 Harvard “Positive Psychology” had highest enrollment (855 students) Today’s textbooks reference positive psychology topics: Subjective well-being and science of happiness Love and life satisfaction Interventions for enhanced well-being Peak performance and positive psychology on the job Positive affectivity, emotional creativity, optimism, goal-setting

Martin Seligman (1942-) Does money make you happy? Are certain variables more/less affected? What about health and age? Marriage? Personality? Big 5 traits? https://www.ted.com/talks/martin_seligman_on_the_state_of_psycholo gy?language=en

The Psychoanalytic Tradition in History Much diversity within psychoanalysis following its introduction Contemporary positions bear little resemblance to Freud’s views and can be labeled “psychoanalytic” Psychoanalysis was more divided by its revisionist theorists than was behaviorism Many of Freud’s followers agreed that the focus of study should remain on unconscious biological forces or that people are motivated by sex and aggression

Discussion Questions What factors have been shown to affect subjective well- being? What factors can you list that influence your own happiness?