Humanistic Theory
Overview
The Humanistic Theory, also known as humanistic psychology, is a perspective that emphasizes looking at the whole individual and stresses concepts such as free will, self-efficacy, and self-actualization. Rather than concentrating on dysfunction, humanistic psychology strives to help people fulfill their potential and maximize their well-being. This approach to psychology emerged in the 1950s as a reaction to both behaviorism and psychoanalysis, the two schools of thought that dominated psychology at the time.
History
The humanistic approach in psychology developed as a rebellion against what some psychologists saw as the limitations of the behaviorist and psychodynamic psychology. The humanistic approach seeks to view the whole person, not just fragmented parts of the personality or isolated cognitive processes. This perspective focuses on the role of human nature and the nature of the individual in shaping behavior.
Key Concepts
Humanistic theory is based on several fundamental concepts.
Self-Actualization
The term self-actualization refers to the intrinsic growth of what is already in the organism, or more accurately, of what the organism is. It is a drive present in every life form to realize and fulfill its potential. In humans, self-actualization refers to the desire to become everything one is capable of becoming.
Hierarchy of Needs
The hierarchy of needs is a model that outlines the different levels of human needs, from basic physiological needs to self-actualization. This model was proposed by Abraham Maslow and is often presented as a pyramid, with basic needs at the bottom and self-actualization at the top.
Free Will
Humanistic psychology emphasizes the concept of free will. It suggests that individuals have an inherent worth and that they possess the ability to make choices that will lead to their personal growth.
Major Theorists
Several key theorists have significantly influenced the development of humanistic theory.
Carl Rogers
Carl Rogers was one of the founders of humanistic psychology. He believed that humans have an inherent tendency toward growth and that they can fulfill their potential under the right conditions.
Abraham Maslow
Abraham Maslow is best known for creating the hierarchy of needs, a theory of psychological health predicated on fulfilling innate human needs in priority, culminating in self-actualization.
Rollo May
Rollo May was a existential psychologist who emphasized the human search for meaning, and he believed that the first step in resolving a problem is confronting it.
Criticisms
While humanistic theory has been influential and has led to a number of therapeutic techniques, it has not been without criticism. Critics argue that the theory lacks empirical evidence, is too subjective, and places too much emphasis on individualism and self-actualization at the expense of societal or communal values.