HUMANISTIC THEORY

Psychoanalysis was focused on understanding the unconscious motivations that drive behavior while behaviorism studied the conditioning processes that produce behavior. 

Humanistic psychology emerged during the 1950s as a reaction to psychoanalysis and behaviorism

Humanistic psychology was instead focused on each individual's potential and stressed the importance of growth and self-actualization. People have Free WillThe fundamental belief of humanistic psychology is that people are innately good and that mental & social problems result from deviations from this natural tendency.

ABRAHAM MASLOWMaslow is considered the founder of Humanistic psychology

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs basically states that humans need to "satisfy their most basic needs FIRST before attempting to satisfy more sophisticated needs" At the top of this hierarchy is self-actualization It refers to the desire of fulfilling one’s own potential and becoming all that you are capable of being.

Maslow came up with a five step pyramid as to what he thought were the most basic needs and goes up to the highest needs.

Basic Needs

Psychological Needs

Self-fulfillment Needs

At a time when most psychologists focused aspects of human nature that were considered abnormal, Abraham Maslow shifted his focus to look at the positive sides of mental health.. 

SIGNIFICANCE

His interest in human potential, seeking peak experiences & improving mental health by seeking personal growth had a lasting influence on psychology

Carl Rogers agreed with the main assumptions of Abraham Maslow, but added that for a person to "grow", they need an environment that provides them with:

CARL ROGERS

• genuineness

• acceptance (unconditional positive regard)• and empathy (being listened to and understood)

Without these, relationships and healthy personalities will not develop as they should, much like a tree will not grow without sunlight and water.

CLIENT-CENTERED THERAPY• creates a warm environment in which clients can

express themselves freely without fear of judgement

• therapist plays a small role in interpreting patients problems for them. This allows clients to explore and discover issues on their own

SIGNIFICANCE: With his emphasis on human potential, Carl Rogers had an enormous influence on both psychology and education. Beyond that, he is considered by many to be one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century. More therapists cite Carl Rogers as their primary influence than any other psychologist!