Humanistic Perspective: Exploring The Humanistic Approach In Psychology
The humanistic perspective in psychology tends to focus on empathy and the importance of goodness within the conduct of human beings. From a philosophical level, humanism focuses on the value of equality and human rights. In psychology and during humanistic therapy applications, the humanistic perspective may help people improve their self-image by focusing on the positive aspects of being human.
Understanding the humanistic perspective and human behavior
Positive aspects of humanity
Humanistic perspective psychology offers existential therapy and client-centered therapy, with a strong emphasis on the positive aspects of humanity. A person who is going through a challenging time and working with a humanistic-focused specialist will likely be encouraged to consider certain hopeful aspects of life. For instance, if a person feels that their life is lacking meaning or purpose, their therapist may work with them to determine what's missing. This could be a relationship, a recreational interest, or something else altogether. The general idea, however, is to find a solution that will generate personal fulfillment and meaning for the whole person as an individual. Part of the goal of a humanistic psychologist may be to help their client become a fully functioning person in life.
Many humanistic psychologists consider Carl Rogers to be among the most influential figures in studying human existence through humanistic psychology. This perspective believes in free will among human beings, differentiating it from existential psychology. By focusing on personal growth, humanistic psychology highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in therapy.
Innate human potential
An individual's innate potential as a human being is another fundamental belief within the humanistic perspective. Hardship, suffering, and other plights that people face are often viewed as manifestations of one deviating from the path of their natural potential in life. To remedy this issue, a therapist may encourage clients to pursue avenues that allow them to grow as human beings. In many regards, this closely relates to the theme of positive humanity.
From a humanistic approach, people are seen as inherently capable of growth and transformation, reflecting a compassionate view of human nature in humanistic psychology. Many therapists use a qualitative method to examine how free will shapes the pursuit of an ideal self. By integrating principles from positive psychology, human beings can become more fully self-actualized in line with the values of humanistic psychology.
Humanistic theory: History and key concepts
There are a series of now standard themes and concepts in society that were brought about by the humanistic perspective. Free will, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and self-concept are some of the important aspects of this theory that are now commonly discussed and employed because of the humanistic perspective. Free will pertains to the human ability to make choices and decisions on one’s own accord. In psychology, there are countless studies devoted to understanding the underlying factors that motivate people to make given choices.
Humanistic theory has significantly influenced academic psychology, prompting new ways of examining personal development through humanistic psychology. Scholars have used various research methodology techniques and psychological research designs to explore Maslow's theory on self-actualization. By challenging preconceived notions, this perspective in humanistic psychology has broadened our understanding of individual motivation.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs was created by Abraham Maslow, one of the key theorists of the movement, and is one of the most well-recognized tools born of humanistic psychology. Put simply, Maslow’s hierarchy maintains that each person has a series of needs in life that build toward the goal of being a self-actualized, fully functioning person. The most basic needs exist at the lower end of the hierarchy and serve as the most important. As the hierarchy increases, the needs become more psychological and dependent upon healthy interactions with society. The essentials listed in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs are physiological needs, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization, with self-actualization being the highest on the hierarchy from Maslow’s perspective.
In this hierarchy, self-concept pertains to how each person views themselves, their actions, and their abilities. The quality of a person’s self-concept can have a significant impact on their lives and the decisions they make. An individual who has a low self-concept may be more likely to make destructive decisions than someone who enjoys a positive self-concept and values who they are.
Humanistic approach in therapy
The humanistic perspective is applied in various types of therapy. Individuals who participate in this form of therapy are often encouraged to focus on their strengths and the ways their strengths can improve their lives. Furthermore, humanistic therapists aim to work with clients in such a way that they do not feel judged and are given a sense of self-worth.
Humanistic approach and person-centered therapy
Humanistic psychology uses a Gestalt therapy approach, which means that an individual’s behavior and any negative feelings are explored from the perspective of the now, not as a result of past events that led them to this point. In this type of person-centered therapy, some approaches may differ; there are three key factors that are followed:
- Unconditional positive regard. The concept of unconditional positive regard means that the therapist will remain non-judgmental during client statements and offer understanding and trust. Regardless of what the client tells them, the therapist will generally maintain a positive regard for them as a person.
- Empathetic understanding. This type of understanding has the therapist accept a client’s full experience with a focus on guiding them toward their ideal self and helping them reach their full potential as a fully functioning person.
- Genuineness, or congruence. This means that the therapist offers a transparent and non-superior demeanor that makes a client feel safe.
The Journal of Humanistic Psychology is a psychological review publication that offers a multidisciplinary forum for contributions and research methods, looking at both the philosophy and subjective reality of humanity, as well as how methods can be tested through the scientific method. It is the official journal of the Association for Humanistic Psychology, the professional organization dedicated to the study of this perspective of the human mind. This professional association also supports academic psychology standards for therapists.
Drawing on the humanistic approach, Carl Rogers developed what is called person-centered therapy, an evolution of humanistic therapies that highlights personal growth in humanistic psychology. Practitioners in this field often integrate insights from transpersonal psychology, helping a person become more self-actualized and align with their ideal self. One professional association dedicated to advancing these methods fosters self-worth and free will, reflecting the core values shared by humanistic psychologists and explored in humanistic psychology, forming a broader professional association network.
Criticism of the humanistic perspective
Despite the benefits and contributions of humanistic psychology to the world, there are still some detractors. One of the most common criticisms against the humanistic perspective asserts that it fails to explain the dark side of human nature and focuses too heavily on the positive side of humanity.
For all the good that the humanistic perspective has done, it doesn't currently provide a strong framework for an in-depth analysis of human motivation in psychopaths, sociopaths, and others who engage in devious behavior. Emphasizing the good sides and strengths of human beings is important, but the ability to understand the reasoning behind the darker side of humanity can be equally as critical. In some cases, it may not be helpful to look at a person who has been extremely harmful to others with unconditional positive regard.
Additional criticisms of the humanistic perspective have stated that this psychological outlook ultimately fails to address the reasons behind various personality traits and the underlying contributors to the human psyche. Some critics view the humanistic perspective as nothing more than a description of already existing abilities within individuals.
Although the humanistic approach focuses on the development of people, critics point out the tragic aspects of behavior it may overlook in clinical psychology. Some argue it misses the shadow potential of human existence, limiting its reach beyond encouraging self-worth or pursuing one's ideal self. Another professional association dedicated to advancing novel perspectives also examines cosmic ecology, expanding discussions on the complexity of human motives.
Takeaway
If you’re interested in learning more about humanistic psychology, you can talk to a licensed therapist near you, or you can try online therapy, which research has demonstrated to be just as effective as in-person therapy. With online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, you can talk to a therapist from the comfort of your own home or from anywhere with an internet connection. You can talk to them via phone, video chat, or in-app messaging at a time that fits into your schedule.
With BetterHelp, you can be matched with an online therapist with knowledge and experience in the various facets of humanistic psychology. You can also change therapists if needed until you find the right match. Take the first step to learning more about humanistic psychology and reach out to BetterHelp today.
What is an example of the humanistic approach in psychology?
An example of utilizing the theory of humanistic psychology is someone who experiences low self-esteem and finds ways to feel fulfilled in life. By working with a therapist utilizing humanistic psychology, the person can take a look at themselves and realize that they have an inherent need to feel wanted, appreciated, and good about themselves. Once they achieve this self-realization, the individual can then take the steps to change themselves and improve their overall well-being.
Humanistic psychologists also emphasize client-centered therapy, which involves focusing on the importance of acknowledging human nature in every session. According to the humanistic approach, human beings can tap into their personal agency to pursue authentic personal growth.
Many humanistic psychologists practice humanistic therapies that emphasize client-centered therapy and respect for an individual's free will, reflecting the principles of humanistic psychology. In this humanistic approach, cultivating self-worth and striving for the ideal self are primary goals in humanistic psychology, often explored through a qualitative method. Some practitioners even adapt student-centered techniques from student-centered learning, reinforcing personal agency and active participation.
What do humanistic psychologists and theorists believe?
Proponents of humanistic psychology tend to believe that all humans have innate physical and emotional needs that must be fulfilled. They believe that everyone has a desire to feel like they have their basic needs fulfilled, such as food, water, and shelter; to feel like they belong to a group; and to strive for self-actualization and accomplish meaningful things. These are just a few examples, and some people place more importance on certain aspects of self-fulfillment than others. However, humanistic psychologists like Abraham Maslow believed in this consistent pattern in human behaviors.
This perspective emerged as part of the broader humanistic psychology movement, distinguishing itself from mainstream psychology and psychoanalytic theory. Some scholars also connect humanistic and transpersonal psychology with positive psychology, underscoring shared interests in fostering well-being.
What is humanistic psychology in simple terms?
Humanistic psychology is a school of thought that tends to emphasize that humans should be treated as individuals by mental health professionals. According to the humanistic perspective, all people are self-motivated and have their unique feelings and needs that must be tended to and realized, all of which are humanistic values.
Many humanistic psychology ideas also overlap with Gestalt therapy, reflecting a holistic view of the individual’s experiences. Modern student-centered learning approaches draw inspiration from humanistic and positive psychology, encouraging respect for personal autonomy.
What is Maslow's humanistic theory?
In humanistic psychology, Abraham Maslow is known for his Hierarchy of Needs, which is often illustrated as a pyramid. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs contains a set of five human values or human motivations that are ranked from fundamental needs to higher-level needs at the top.
At the foundation of the pyramid are basic needs, such as food, water, and sleep. Above this level are health and safety needs, which can also include employment.
Next, humans have a need for supportive friends and family as well as sexual intimacy. Second to last are aspects related to self-esteem and self-respect, as well as the desire to feel respected by others.
Finally, at the top of the pyramid, people have the need for self-fulfillment. This may involve morals, creativity, and other aspects related to one’s potential. This final step is known as self-actualization, and according to Maslow’s humanistic approach, all of these other basic needs must be met before one reaches the upper level of self-motivation.
His contributions are often featured in the historical and biographical sourcebook of clinical psychology, reflecting his enduring influence. During the phenomenological movement, Maslow’s work showcased the importance of understanding the whole human experience beyond simple behaviors.
Who are some well-known humanistic psychologists and key figures in the history of humanistic psychology?
The humanistic perspective and its theories are associated with multiple figures. Carl Rogers is known as one of the founders, but Abraham Maslow made significant contributions to humanistic psychology as well.
Most humanistic psychologists view Carl Rogers as a key figure in the intellectual renaissance that reshaped psychotherapy. They emphasized acknowledging human choice and personal agency as vital to realizing each person's inherent potential.
What did Carl Rogers believe about human behavior?
As the founder of humanistic psychology, American psychologist Carl Rogers was responsible for developing the theory that all people have an innate desire for personal growth and self-actualization. This American psychologist also championed self-actualization needs, believing that people become self-actualized through a nurturing environment. Rogers focused on how one's subjective reality shapes personality theory, underscoring the significance of individual experiences.
What are the differences between Maslow’s and Rogers’s theories on humanistic perspective?
Although Maslow and Rogers both agreed that self-actualization is an important need that all humans have, one of the key differences between their approaches was the means of reaching it.
Maslow believed that self-actualization was the highest level of human development and that only a small percentage of people are able to reach it, particularly those who are older. In contrast, Rogers argued that everyone has the potential for self-actualization but that this potential may not be realized if an individual is not in a supportive environment. Maslow also emphasized the role of the hierarchy of needs in human development, whereas Rogers placed more emphasis on the individual's unique experiences to achieve this psychological growth.
Unlike the medical model, which often views human existence as purely biological, they believed in free will as a key factor in shaping one's own behavior. Their emphasis on self-worth also helped challenge transactional analysis, steering the field toward a more holistic view of human life.
What are the three humanistic personality theories?
The three main theories utilized in humanistic psychology are as follows:
People have free will and the personal agency to exercise it.
People are inherently good.
People have an innate need for self-actualization.
Several humanistic therapies, such as humanistic psychotherapy, employ a research methodology that respects subjective reality while acknowledging each person's unique ideal self. Through student-centered approaches, practitioners encourage clients to consider future events without losing sight of their current human experience.
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