What is Humanistic psychology?

What is Humanistic psychology?

Humanistic psychology is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the individual’s subjective experience and their capacity for self-determination and growth. It emerged as a reaction to the dominant behaviorist and psychoanalytic schools of thought in psychology in the mid-twentieth century.

Humanistic psychology focuses on the uniqueness of the individual, and the importance of subjective experiences such as personal growth, self-awareness, and self-actualization. It emphasizes the value of understanding and accepting individuals for who they are, rather than trying to fit them into preconceived categories or diagnostic labels.

Some key figures in the development of humanistic psychology include Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, Rollo May, and Erich Fromm. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is one of the most well-known models of humanistic psychology, and Rogers’ person-centered therapy is a widely used therapeutic approach based on humanistic principles.

Overall, humanistic psychology is concerned with understanding the whole person, including their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and experiences, and helping individuals to achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

Shervan K Shahhian