Title: Humanistic Psychology
1Humanistic Psychology
- Abraham Maslow
- and Carl Rogers
2What 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
3Humanistic 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
4The 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
5Esalen 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 fieldtrip there.
6Abraham 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.
7Maslow 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.
8Self 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
9Self 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?
10What 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
11Can 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.
12Why doesnt 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.
13Carl 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.
14According 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
15Rogerian 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
16In 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
17The 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
18The End