Humanistic psychology arose in response to psychoanalysis and behaviorism, which were seen as too simplistic. It focused on the potential of human beings to be inherently good. The founders of humanistic psychology, including Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, rejected theories that treated humans as driven only by instincts or observable behavior. They developed client-centered and person-centered psychotherapy approaches and emphasized empathy, acceptance and honesty between therapist and client. Maslow also proposed a hierarchy of needs that motivates human behavior.
Humanistic psychology arose in response to psychoanalysis and behaviorism, which were seen as too simplistic. It focused on the potential of human beings to be inherently good. The founders of humanistic psychology, including Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, rejected theories that treated humans as driven only by instincts or observable behavior. They developed client-centered and person-centered psychotherapy approaches and emphasized empathy, acceptance and honesty between therapist and client. Maslow also proposed a hierarchy of needs that motivates human behavior.
Humanistic psychology arose in response to psychoanalysis and behaviorism, which were seen as too simplistic. It focused on the potential of human beings to be inherently good. The founders of humanistic psychology, including Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, rejected theories that treated humans as driven only by instincts or observable behavior. They developed client-centered and person-centered psychotherapy approaches and emphasized empathy, acceptance and honesty between therapist and client. Maslow also proposed a hierarchy of needs that motivates human behavior.
Humanistic psychology arose in response to psychoanalysis and behaviorism, which were seen as too simplistic. It focused on the potential of human beings to be inherently good. The founders of humanistic psychology, including Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, rejected theories that treated humans as driven only by instincts or observable behavior. They developed client-centered and person-centered psychotherapy approaches and emphasized empathy, acceptance and honesty between therapist and client. Maslow also proposed a hierarchy of needs that motivates human behavior.
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Humanistic psychology
Humanistic psychology arose in the mid-20th century in answer to two main
trends: psychoanalysis and behaviorism. Humanists disagreed with the creators of earlier trends, considering their theories too simplistic. They acused Sigmund Freud, the creator of psychoanalysis, of focusing on instincts and primal, unconscious desires, that make a human inherently evil and hostile. They believed that it was a mistake to underestimate the potential that lies dormant in a human being. The creators of humanistic psychology also disagreed with the behaviorists, who treated psychology as a science of behavior and denied the existence of human consciousness and phenomena mental. Humanists believed that the human being is a homogeneous whole with the psyche and the body. Human beings are inherently good and make intentional decisions considering the consequences of their actions. They are guided by their own experiences and pursue their goals. Humanistic psychologists in psychotherapy focused on dialogue based on acceptance, empathy and honesty, and rejected effective manipulation. The therapists were supposed to take into account the perspective of the examined person, his or her interior, and not only the perspective of the researcher. Therapy is about creating an atmosphere of security and trust. The therapist is open, listens without judgement or giving advices, and focuses on the person, their experiences, feelings and self- perception. Sincere interest in the client has a therapeutic effect, which is of great importance not only on the psychotherapist's couch, but everywhere, where there is a relationship between the doctor and medical staff and the patient. Humanistic approach puts the person in the center, not a specific case or disease.
Founders of humanistic psychology
Unlike psychoanalysis and behaviorism, contributed to the breakthrough in
psychology were research of many people from various fields, for example psychiatry, philosophy, pedagogy and neurology. Its main creators are considered to be: Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.
Carl Rogers (zdjęcie Rogersa)
American psychologist and psychotherapist. He created a trend called "client-
centered psychotherapy", later "person-centered psychotherapy". His theories, empathy, personal commitment and positive vision brought about huge changes in psychotherapy. He was always focused on a person first of all, and encouraged to take responsibility for oneself and openly to new experiences. He believed that the role of the therapist is to create conditions in which the client can listen to himself, understand the reasons for his suffering and find the direction of change. He encouraged to give up the "mask" of an expert and a professional, and to coherence and acceptance and empathy. Rogers believed in the uniqueness of the individual and his experiences.
Abraham Maslow (zdjęcie Maslowa)
American psychologist. One of the most important representatives of the trend of
humanistic psychology. Creator of the theory of the hierarchy of needs. Called the "father" of humanistic psychology. He believed that human behavior is governed by needs that are innate, and every human being is inherently good and creative, and problems come from disregarding one's own needs. The human being strives for personal development and self-realization, but first the needs necessary for survival must be met. The author noted that the early childhood period is extremely important, and development is influenced by upbringing and social conditions. Children need to feel a sense of safety, respect and love. Maslow believed that our lower needs must come first satisfied, so that we can move on to the higher ones and reach a level of self-actualization. He believed that higher needs give a person a sense of happiness and are conducive maintaining mental health. His theory of the hierarchy of needs gained great publicity in the world of psychology, marketing and business.
Hierarchy of needs
(obrazek piramidy)
1. The physiological needs: breathing, food, water, sleep, homeostasis.
2. The safety and security needs: security of body, employment, resources,
morality, the family, health, property.
3. The love and belonging needs: friendship, family, children.
4. The esteem needs: confidence, respect of others, fame, glory reputation.
5. Self- actualization: morality, creativity, lack of prejudice.
Opponents of humanistic psychology accused its creators of the lack of
transparent theories, definitions of specific disorders and models of human behavior. They were afraid of abuse by therapists, which therapy gives a lot of freedom.