Verified Document

Theories Of Humanistic Psychology History Essay

Related Topics:

Humanistic PsychologyHumanistic psychology has made a tremendous impact on the overall field of psychology and the social sciences in general. Since Rogers first introduced the concepts of unconditional positive regard, the ideals of professional competence in psychotherapy have changed towards client-centered perspectives and practices (McArthur & Cooper, 2017). However, humanistic psychology often eschews quantitative research methods, diverges considerably from the views in cognitive psychology, psychoanalysis and behaviorism, and has been occasionally perceived or portrayed of as too soft to be relevant to the social sciences (Wong, 2017). More recently, humanistic psychologists have gained ground in acquiring greater credibility for the contributions of their paradigm. In particular, humanistic psychology has a greater potential to offer multimodal interventions than other approaches to psychology, For example, psychological wellness is conceived of in a broad-minded manner encompassing multiple domains of life including the interpersonal, community, occupational, psychological, physical, and economic (Duff, Rubenstein & Prilleltensky, 2016). Because humanistic psychology values self-actualization, transpersonal care, and cross-cultural understanding, it has a valuable role to play in the social sciences.

In fact, Wong (2017) suggests a second wave of humanistic psychology that can remedy the problems extant in the realms of cognitive-behaviorism...

Parts of this document are hidden

View Full Document
svg-one

Moreover, humanistic psychology calls upon practitioners to operate with strong ethical standards that respect client autonomy and the interest in pursuing a future-oriented, solution-focused plan for client healing or life coaching. Humanistic psychological interventions can also be integrated well with other healing modalities, combined with other psychological interventions as well as with pharmacological or medical treatments.
Humanistic Psychology Theory

Humanistic psychology has been driven by a set of core theories that have defined the field. The luminary theorists in early humanistic psychology include Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, Rollo May, and Erich Fromm. Car Rogers is most known for his contributions in developing what is known as client-centered therapy. Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs model has practically defined humanistic psychology, and remains one of the most influential contributions overall in the social sciences. Coinciding with other developmental theories, the Maslow needs hierarchy presents growth and development in terms of existential longings and the motivation to fulfill needs through functional or dysfunctional behaviors (Rowan, 2015). Maslow also contributed the theory of self-actualization. The focus of humanistic psychology since Rogers and Maslow has remained on the future, rather than on the past as with Freudian…

Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now