HUMANISTIC SCHOOL OF THOUGHT

1. HUMANISTIC SCHOOL OF THOUGHT Sandra Venugopal Dept.of Psychology

2. Humanistic School • Known as the third force of psychology. • Grew in opposition to 2 schools of thought. Behaviorism Psychoanalysis Thus, reduction of humanistic elements led to dehumanizing. Also, these schools did not focus on the choices made by individuals.

3. Theme • Focuses on study of whole person. • Uniqueness of each individual. • SELF: Focal point for most of them. • i.e individuals perceive the world through their own experiences. • Freewill: Freedom to live according to their own choice. • Humans are internally directed & motivated to fulfil their own potential. • Freedom to choose their own path.

4. Abraham Maslow • Co-founder of Humanistic Psychology with Carl Rogers. • Believed we are biologically driven to achieve self-actualization. • Came up with Heirarchy of Needs theory that is most important humanistic theory.

5. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs • Depicts a pyramid of human needs, progressing from basic to advanced. • Human beings are continuously in the phase of exploration. • Individuals strive for achieving one’s full potential- self actualization.

6. Physiological Needs • Basic survival needs: food, water, shelter, sleep. • Foundation for other levels. • Safety Needs • Security and protection: personal safety, financial stability, health, and well-being. • Love and Belonging • Social connections: friendships, family, relationships, and a sense of belonging. • Esteem Needs • Self-respect, recognition, and achievement. • Divided into self-esteem (confidence) and esteem from others (status). • Self-Actualization • Achieving personal potential, growth, creativity, and self-fulfillment. • Lower levels must typically be met before higher-level needs become a priority. • Use in Practice: Helps understand motivation in personal development, workplaces, and social behavior.

7. Carl Rogers • Co-founder of Humanistic Psychology with Carl Rogers. • Main contribution was in clinical therapy and applications if Humanism. • Started person centered theory.

8. Person-Centered Theory • A humanistic approach focused on individual growth and self-actualization. • Key Concepts: • Self-Concept • How individuals perceive themselves. • Includes real self (who you are) and ideal self (who you want to be). • Greater alignment = higher well-being. • Conditions for Growth:Rogers emphasized three core conditions for personal development: • Empathy: Understanding and sharing another’s feelings. • Unconditional Positive Regard: Accepting a person without judgment. • Congruence: Authenticity and genuineness in interactions.

9. Fully Functioning Person: • A person who is open to experience, lives in the present, trusts themselves, and strives for fulfillment. • Focus on the Client: • Therapy is non-directive; the client leads the process. • Emphasizes creating a safe, supportive environment for self-exploration. • Applications: • Widely used in therapy, education, and personal development. • Promotes autonomy, self-awareness, and emotional growth.

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