Humanistic psychology is a school of thought that emphasizes the uniqueness and worth of the individual, and the fundamental capacity for personal growth and self-actualization. This approach emphasizes the subjective experiences of individuals and the importance of personal choice, responsibility, and free will.
Humanistic psychology emerged in the 1950s and 1960s in response to what its founders saw as the limitations of the dominant psychological theories of the time, such as behaviorism and psychoanalysis. These earlier theories were seen as overly focused on external factors such as rewards and punishments or early childhood experiences, and not sufficiently attentive to the individual's own experience, values, and subjective interpretation of the world.
Humanistic psychology emphasizes the importance of personal experience, including subjective feelings, emotions, and consciousness. It values the uniqueness of each individual and emphasizes that people have an innate capacity for growth and self-improvement. Humanistic psychologists believe that people have a deep desire for personal growth and fulfillment, and that this drive towards self-actualization is a fundamental aspect of human nature.
One of the key figures in the development of humanistic psychology was Abraham Maslow, who proposed a hierarchy of needs that humans must satisfy in order to achieve self-actualization. Maslow's theory of self-actualization suggested that individuals must satisfy their basic physiological and safety needs before they can move on to satisfying their higher-level needs for love, esteem, and self-actualization.
Another important figure in humanistic psychology was Carl Rogers, who developed a client-centered approach to therapy that emphasized empathy, unconditional positive regard, and active listening. Rogers believed that people have an innate drive towards self-actualization, and that therapy can help individuals overcome obstacles to achieving their potential by providing a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which they can explore their feelings, beliefs, and goals.
Today, humanistic psychology has evolved into a broad range of approaches to therapy and counseling that emphasize the importance of personal growth and self-actualization. These approaches often focus on helping individuals become more self-aware and accepting of themselves, and encouraging them to take responsibility for their own thoughts, feelings, and actions. Some examples of humanistic therapy include person-centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, and existential therapy.