Humanistic PerspectiveBy the 1960s, psychologists became discontent

with Freud’s negativity and the mechanistic psychology of the behaviorists.

They developed an approach that emphasizes personal growth, resilience, and achievement.

Abraham Maslow(1908-1970)

Carl Rogers(1902-1987)

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Self-Actualizing PersonMaslow proposed that we as individuals are motivated by a hierarchy of needs. Beginning with physiological needs, we

try to reach the state of self-actualization—fulfilling our potential.

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Growth and FulfillmentCarl Rogers also believed in an individual's self-

actualization tendencies.

He believed in the force of Client Centered Therapy where they were free to develop their own goals in a genuine, accepting and empathetic environment.

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Carl Rogers said that Unconditional Positive Regard is an attitude of

acceptance of others despite their failings.“That’s Ok son, you’re

just being creative!”

Conditional Positive Regard is acceptance and love that are extended only

when a person behaves in a certain way or fulfills certain conditions (part-time love?)

“I don’t like you when you behave like that!”

Rollo May’s Existentialism

Shared the view of humanism that we all have free will and choice.

However, Rollo believed our personalities reflect the ways we cope with the

struggles to find meaning in existence.

Evaluating the Humanistic Perspective

1. Humanistic psychology has a pervasive impact on counseling, education, child-rearing, and management.

2. Concepts in humanistic psychology are vague, subjective and lack scientific basis.