Humanistic psychology is the necessary “third force” in psychology:

Humanistic psychology is the necessary “third force” in psychology:

Humanistic psychology is often referred to as the “third force” in psychology, emerging as a reaction to the dominant schools of thought at the time — behaviorism and psychoanalysis. Developed in the mid-20th century, humanistic psychology sought to provide a more holistic and person-centered approach to understanding human behavior and experience.

The term “third force” was coined by psychologist Abraham Maslow to highlight the need for a new perspective that focused on human potential, growth, and self-actualization. While behaviorism emphasized external behaviors and psychoanalysis delved into unconscious processes, humanistic psychology aimed to study and appreciate the subjective experiences, values, and aspirations of individuals.

Humanistic psychology emphasized the unique qualities and inherent worth of each person. It emphasized the importance of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal responsibility for one’s choices and actions. Key figures in the development of humanistic psychology include Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, Rollo May, and Erich Fromm.

One of the central ideas in humanistic psychology is self-actualization, which refers to the innate drive of individuals to fulfill their highest potential and achieve personal growth. According to humanistic psychologists, people have an inherent desire for self-improvement, meaning, and a sense of fulfillment. They believed that individuals possess the ability to make choices and control their own lives, rather than being determined solely by external factors or unconscious processes.

Humanistic psychology also emphasized the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the role of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity in facilitating personal growth and psychological well-being. Carl Rogers, in particular, developed a therapeutic approach known as client-centered therapy, which focused on providing a supportive and nonjudgmental environment for individuals to explore and express their true selves.

While humanistic psychology made significant contributions to the field, it did face criticism. Some argued that its ideas were too idealistic and lacked empirical rigor. Additionally, its emphasis on subjective experiences and personal growth often made it difficult to formulate precise and testable hypotheses.

Despite these criticisms, humanistic psychology had a lasting impact on the field of psychology. Its focus on the individual’s subjective experience, personal agency, and the pursuit of self-actualization influenced subsequent branches of psychology, such as positive psychology, existential psychology, and transpersonal psychology. It also had broader societal implications, shaping approaches to education, counseling, and personal development.

Shervan K Shahhian