Humanistic Psychology

Humanistic Psychology Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers

What is Humanistic Psychology? • It emphasizes an optimistic view of human beings, as persons who have the ability to grow (human potential) • Though it does not deny the effect of the environment, it sees human beings as able to transcend it to some degree • It stresses health and actualization • It is a reaction against a deterministic view of human beings

Humanistic Psychology: the Third Force • Psychoanalysis has sometimes been called the "first force" in psychology • Behaviorism was the second force • Both first and second forces are deterministic in their view of people • Humanistic psychology saw itself as the third force, stressing human freedom and human potential

The Human Potential Movement • Both Maslow and Rogers were part of the "human potential movement" • Part of the 1960's mindset, emphasizing the realization of individual potential, was much more open to spiritual perspectives than classical psychoanalysis or behaviorism • In addition to individual therapy, this movement led to the use of encounter groups, team training etc.. • It also fostered a holistic approach to health and was sympathetic to techniques like massage, meditation, proper nutrition, exercise etc…

Esalen: the “home” of the human potential movement • One of the places that became very important in this movement, due to the fact that a lot of experimentation around the human potential movement took place there is Esalen. • As part of this unit, you will be taking a virtual fieldtripthere.

Abraham Maslow 1908-1970 • Born in Brooklyn, New York in a Russian Jewish family, the oldest of 7 children • Had a painful childhood, and especially very poor mothering. He also experienced much anti-Semitism. • Had some college teachers he especially admired: Ruth Benedict and Max Wertheimer --they are the inspiration for his concept of "self-actualizing person. • He sought to attach himself to eminent people and studied them.

Maslow is known for his Hierarchy of Needs • Maslow proposed 5 levels of need: from basic to more advanced, they are: • Physiological (food, water, sex) • Safety (security, order, stability • Belongingness and love • Esteem (from self and others) • Self-actualization • The more basic needs have to be at least partly satisfied before one can move up.

Self Actualized People (the top of the hierarchy) • Are in touch with their spirituality (peak experiences) • Are accurate in their perception of reality • Are comfortable with themselves & others • Are open, direct, spontaneous, independent, playful, creative • Focus on problems outside themselves, are concerned w/ society, the world • Need aloneness and privacy • Establish deep intimate relationships • Are non-conformists but highly ethical

Self actualized people are not perfect • They are, however experiencing a high level of well being and personal integration • They are still growing • Do any of the characteristics surprise you?

What is a peak experience? • A special moment when everything seems to fall into place • People transcend the self and are at one with the world • Similar to a religious, or mystical experience • A transformative experience • A part of the process of self-actualization

Can self-actualization be measured? • The Personal Orientation Inventory (Shostrum, 1974) measures self-actualizing characteristics, along with dimensions like inner-outer orientation, ability to function in the present etc… • A research article using the POI to look at the relationship between humanism and religion can be found in the course Bb library.

Why doesn’t everyone live up to his/her potential? • The Jonah complex: fear of growth because growth may lead to new situations we would not know how to handle • Psychological and/or spiritual growth requires courage (in addition to grace) • Here is an interesting blog about the Jonah complex, from a business perspective.

Carl Rogers 1902-1987 • Born in Oak Park, Illinois, fourth of six children, evangelical background. • As a sophomore in college, went to an international Christian student conference in Beijing. Moved away from conservative Christianity to very liberal beliefs. • Studied at Union Seminary in NY, then transferred to Columbia to study psychology • Then worked both in academic and clinical settings.

According to Carl Rogers • Important issues must be defined by the individual: importance of an autonomous self: self-insight is what predicts later behavior. • Actualizing tendency: people tend to develop in a positive direction, toward self-actualization • The way we perceive our environment determines how it affects us. (Roger's theory emphasizes phenomenology) • Incongruence between our self-concept and our experience leads to pathology

Rogerian Therapy isClient-Centered Therapy Necessary conditions from therapist to client: • Unconditional positive regard for the client • Accurate empathy with the client • Congruence in relations between the therapist & client, authenticity

In Rogerian therapy, the client • Moves from talking about externals to talking about personal issues • Moves from talking about the past to dealing with the present • Becomes closer to and more comfortable with his/her feelings • Becomes more open to new experiences, experiences more freedom

The Fully Functioning Person, for Rogers • Is aware of all experiences • Lives in the moment • Trusts in his/her self • Experiences freedom in choices • Is creative and adapts well • Is still growing and experiencing difficulties

The End

Humanistic Psychology