Is positive psychology a humanistic psychology?
Within the past two decades, #positivepsychology and #humanisticpsychology have been at odds over their philosophical foundations and approaches to human well-being. Briefly discuss the historic development of positive psychology and humanistic psychology. Which perspective do you endorse and why?The historical rift between these two psychological perspectives stemmed from its difficulty in identifying common grounds despite the similarity of their objectives. Their relationship is marked with tension and ambivalence as one claims more importance than the other. Humanistic psychology insists that it is the forerunner of positive psychology, as the latter’s work covers much of the humanist’s perspective. Whilst positive psychology admits that its area of psychology may have originated from all the other psychologies in the past, but it is by no means a version 2.0 of humanistic psychology. Waterman (2013) in dissecting the great divide between the two, pointed several differences in their philosophical groundings that should make every proponents of the differing psychological perspectives take stock of their views and consider. Show
Looking at the philosophical foundations for humanistic and positive psychology reveals, that there is almost total lack of overlap in their philosophical influences, which suggests that they view human nature quite differently (Waterman, 2013). In line with humanist’s views on existential and phenomenological orientation, humanistic psychologists rely on the works of Buber, Heidegger, Husserl, Merleau-Ponty, Kierkegaard and Satre (Waterman, 2013). It may mention the work of Aristotle but only to allude its relationship with positive psychology. Which makes the stark difference glaring, as positive psychology anchors its philosophical background in the works of Aristotle, Democritus, among other Hellenic philosophers and Christian philosophers of the middle ages (Waterman, 2013). Further, their take on the “nature of being” is massively different that one cannot even make a slight comparison. Humanistic psychology’s association with existentialism is quoted under Satre’s dictum “existence precedes its form”, which means that people must define themselves through their actions. That is to say, it is up to the individual to decide what it is that he or she will do to its existence, and no essential individual nature determines what destiny each individual is to fulfill (Waterman, 2013). A deviation from positive psychology’s belief which states that there is no existence without form. For positive psychologists, there is not only a generic nature but also an individual nature, and that individual nature reflects one’s best potential of becoming what they truly are (Waterman, 2013). It is along these lines why positive psychologists do not deal with tragic and absurdities in life as the mind-body conundrum of the humanists’ perspective is seen as insolvable and not worthy of attention (Waterman, 2013). Personally, I would endorse positive psychology over the humanistic principles as I find it complicated and tedious. As it is, living is already complicated, and to add the task of finding the meaning of my existence through purposeful actions to fulfill my destiny makes life unbearable. It is as if, I had to make conscious effort to live holly every waking moment of my life so that all of my concerted effort will result to a glorious end. Although, in positive psychology I still need to make a choice to make life worth living, but its stands on the premise that my existence is already predetermined and not void. That to achieve a full life of my predetermined existence, I must be optimistic, self-determined and possess a happy disposition to counter the absurdities in life. References Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5–14. Waterman, A. (2013). The humanistic psychology - positive psychology divide: Contrasts in philosophical foundations. American Psychologist, 68(3), 124–133. Driving forces, such as morality, ethical values, and good intentions, influence behavior, while deviations from natural tendencies may result from adverse social or psychological experiences, according to the premise of humanistic psychology. What does it mean to flourish as a human being? Why is it important to achieve self-actualization? And what is humanistic psychology, anyway? Humanistic psychology has the power to provide individuals with self-actualization, dignity, and worth. Let’s see how that works in this article. Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Meaning and Valued Living Exercises for free. These creative, science-based exercises will help you learn more about your values, motivations, and goals and will give you the tools to inspire a sense of meaning in the lives of your clients, students, or employees. What Is the Humanistic Psychology Approach?Humanistic psychology is a holistic approach in psychology that focuses on the whole person. Humanists believe that a person is “in the process of becoming,” which places the conscious human experience as the nucleus of psychological establishment. Humanistic psychology was developed to address the deficiencies of psychoanalysis, psychodynamic theory, and behaviorism. The foundation for this movement is understanding behavior by means of human experience. This entity of psychology takes a phenomenological stance, where personality is studied from an individual’s subjective point of view. Key focus of humanistic psychologyThe tenets of humanistic psychology, which are also shared at their most basic level with transpersonal and existential psychology, include:
In sum, the focus of humanistic psychology is on the person and their search for self-actualization. Brief History of Humanistic Psychology
At this time, humanistic psychology was considered the third force in academic psychology and viewed as the guide for the human potential movement (Taylor, 1999). The separation of humanistic psychology as its own category was known as Division 32. Division 32 was led by Amedeo Giorgi, who “criticized experimental psychology’s reductionism, and argued for a phenomenologically based methodology that could support a more authentically human science of psychology” (Aanstoos et al., 2000, p. 6). The Humanistic Psychology Division (32) of the American Psychological Association was founded in September 1971 (Khan & Jahan, 2012). Humanistic psychology had not fully emerged until after the radical behaviorism era; however, we can trace its roots back to the philosophies of Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger. Husserl spurred the phenomenological movement and suggested that theoretical assumptions be set aside, and philosophers and scientists should instead describe immediate experiences of phenomena (Schneider et al., 2015). Who founded humanistic psychology?The first phase of humanistic psychology, which covered the period between 1960 to 1980, was largely driven by Maslow’s agenda for positive psychology. It articulated a view of the human being as irreducible to parts, needing connection, meaning, and creativity (Khan & Jahan, 2012). The original theorists of humanistic theories included Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and Rollo May, who postulated that behaviorism and psychoanalysis were inadequate in explaining human nature (Schneider et al., 2015). Prior to these researchers, Allport, Murray, and Murphy had protested the reductionist movement, including the white laboratory rat as a method for comparing human behavior (Schneider et al., 2015). Influential women in the development of this branch of psychology included Frieden and Criswell (Serlin & Criswell, 2014). Carl Rogers’s workCarl Rogers developed the concept of client-centered therapy, which has been widely used for over 40 years (Carter, 2013). This type of therapy encourages the patient toward self-actualization through acceptance and empathetic listening by the therapist. This perspective asserts that a person is fully developed if their self is aligned with their organism (Robbins, 2008). In other words, a fully functioning person is someone who is self-actualized. This concept is important, as it presents the need for therapy as a total experience. Rogers’s contribution assisted the effectiveness of person-centered therapy through his facilitation of clients reaching self-actualization and fully functional living. In doing so, Rogers focused on presence, congruence, and acceptance by the therapist (Aanstoos et al., 2000). 10 Real-Life Examples in Therapy & EducationThe human mind is not just reactive; it is reflective, creative, generative, and proactive (Bandura, 2001). With this being said, humanistic psychology has made major impacts in therapeutic and educational settings. Humanistic psychology in therapyThe humanistic, holistic perspective on psychological development and self-actualization provides the foundation for individual and family counseling (Khan & Jahan, 2012). Humanistic therapies are beneficial because they are longer, place more focus on the client, and focus on the present (Waterman, 2013). Maslow and Rogers were at the forefront of delivering client-centered therapy as they differentiated between self-concept as understanding oneself, society’s perception of themselves, and actual self. This humanistic psychological approach provides another method for psychological healing and is viewed as a more positive form of psychology. Rogers “emphasized the personality’s innate drive toward achieving its full potential” (McDonald & Wearing, 2013, p. 42–43). Other types of humanistic-based therapies include:
Humanistic psychology has developed a variety of research methodologies and practice models focused on facilitating the development and transformation of individuals, groups, and organizations (Resnick et al., 2001). The methodologies include narrative, imaginal, and somatic approaches. The practices range from personal coaching and organizational consulting through creative art therapies to philosophy (Resnick et al., 2001). Humanistic approach in educationThe thoughts of Dewey and Bruner regarding the humanistic movement and education greatly affect education today. Dewey proclaimed that schools should influence social outcomes by teaching life skills in a meaningful way (Starcher & Allen, 2016). Bruner was an enthusiast of constructivist learning and believed in making learners autonomous by using methods such as scaffolding and discovery learning (Starcher & Allen, 2016). Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences (Resnick et al., 2001) asserts that there are eight different types of intelligence: linguistic, logical/mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist. In education, it is important for educators to address as many of these areas as possible. These psychologists soon set the tone for a more intense focus on humanistic skills, such as self-awareness, communication, leadership ability, and professionalism. Humanistic psychology impacts the educational system with its perspectives on self-esteem and self-help (Khan & Jahan, 2012; Resnick et al., 2001). Maslow extended this outlook with his character learning (Starcher & Allen, 2016). Character learning is a means for obtaining good habits and creating a moral compass. Teaching young children morality is paramount in life (Birhan et al., 2021). Popular Humanistic Theories of Wellbeing
In concentrating on these aspects, the focus is placed on the future, self-improvement, and positive change. Humanistic psychology rightfully provides individuals with self-actualization, dignity, and worth. Silvan Tomkins theorized the script theory, which led to the advancement of personality psychology and opened the door to many narrative-based theories involving myths, plots, episodes, character, voices, dialogue, and life stories (McAdams, 2001). Tomkins’s affect theory followed this theory and explains human behavior as falling into scripts or patterns. It appears as though this theory’s acceptance led to many more elements of experience being considered (McAdams, 2001). Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs has contributed much to humanistic psychology and impacts mental and physical health. This pyramid is frequently used within the educational system, specifically for classroom management purposes. In the 1960s and 1970s, this model was expanded to include cognitive, aesthetic, and transcendence needs (McLeod, 2017). Maslow’s focus on what goes right with people as opposed to what goes wrong with them and his positive accounts of human behavior benefit all areas of psychology. Humanistic Psychology and Positive PsychologyAlthough humanistic psychology and positive psychology share the basic ideas of psychological wellbeing – the intent to achieve individual human potential and a humanistic framework – their origins are quite different (Medlock, 2012). Humanistic psychology adds two important elements to the establishment of positive psychology: epistemology and its audience (Taylor, 2001). Humanistic psychology and positive psychology share many overlapping thematic contents and theoretical presuppositions (Robbins, 2008). Much of the work in positive psychology was developed from the work in humanistic psychology (Medlock, 2012). Positive psychology was also first conceived by Maslow in 1954 and then further discussed in an article by Martin Seligman (Shourie & Kaur, 2016). Seligman’s purpose for positive psychology was to focus on the characteristics that make life worth living as opposed to only studying the negatives, such as mental illness (Shrestha, 2016). 4 Techniques for Humanistic Therapists
CongruenceCongruence refers to both the intra- and interpersonal characteristics of the therapist (Kolden et al., 2011). This requires the therapist to bring a mindful genuineness and conscientiously share their experience with the client. Active listeningActive listening helps to foster a supportive environment. For example, response tokens such as “uh-huh” and “mm-hmm” are effective ways to prompt the client to continue their dialogue (Fitzgerald & Leudar, 2010). Looking at the client, nodding occasionally, using facial expressions, being aware of posture, paraphrasing, and asking questions are also ways to maintain active listening. Reflective understandingSimilar to active listening, reflective understanding includes restating and clarifying what the client is saying. This technique is important, as it draws the client’s awareness to their emotions, allowing them to label. Employing Socratic questioning would ensure a reflective understanding in your practice (Bennett-Levy et al., 2009). Unconditional positive regardUnconditional positive regard considers the therapist’s attitude toward the patient. The therapist’s enduring warmth and consistent acceptance shows their value for humanity and, more specifically, their client. 4 Common Criticisms of Humanistic PsychologySome may assert that humanistic psychology is not exclusively defined by the senses or intellect (Taylor, 2001). Humanistic psychology was also once thought of as a touchy-feely type of psychology. Instead, internal dimensions such as self-knowledge, intuition, insight, interpreting one’s dreams, and the use of guided mental imagery are considered narcissistic by critics of humanistic psychology (Robbins, 2008; Taylor, 2001). Further, studying internal conditions, such as motives or traits, was frowned upon at one time (Polkinghorne, 1992). Aanstoos et al. (2000) note Skinner’s thoughts concerning humanistic psychology as being the number one barrier in psychology’s stray from a purely behavioral science. Religious fundamentalists were also opposed to this new division and referred to people of humanistic psychology as secular humanists. Humanistic psychology is sometimes difficult to assess and has even been charged as being poor empirical science (DeRobertis, 2021). That is because of the uncommon belief that the outcome should be driven more by the participants rather than the researchers (DeRobertis & Bland, 2021). Fascinating Books on the TopicIf you find this topic intriguing and want to find out even more, then take a look at the following books. 1. Becoming an Existential-Humanistic Therapist: Narratives From the Journey – Julia Falk and Louis HoffmanIf you’re interested in becoming an existential-humanistic psychologist or counselor, you may want to refer to this collection of therapists and counselors who have already made this journey. Perhaps you are a student who is considering pursuing this direction in psychology. Regardless, this book contains reflective exercises for individuals considering pursuing a career as an existential-humanistic counselor or therapist, as well as exercises for current therapists to reflect on their own journey. Find the book on Amazon. 2. On Becoming a Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy – Carl RogersIf your intent is to explore client-centered therapy more in depth, you may want to pick up this book by one of humanistic psychology’s founders. In this text, Rogers sheds light on this important therapeutic encounter and human potential. Find the book on Amazon. 3. Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor FranklAlso by one of humanistic psychology’s founders, Man’s Search for Meaning provides an explanation of Logotherapy. With his actual horrific experiences in Nazi concentration camps, Frankl declares that humans’ primary drive in life is not pleasure, but the discovery and pursuit of what they personally find meaningful. Find the book on Amazon. More Resources From PositivePsychology.comIf you’re interested in learning more about the history of humanistic psychology, our article The Five Founding Fathers and a History of Positive Psychology would be an excellent reference, as the roots of humanistic and positive psychology are entangled. In humanistic psychology, self-awareness and introspection are important. Try using our Self-Awareness Worksheet for Adults to learn more about yourself and increase your self-knowledge. Journaling is an effective way to boost your internal self-awareness. Try using this Gratitude Journal and Who Am I? worksheet as starting points. Perhaps you would benefit from our science and research-driven 17 Meaning & Valued Living Exercises. Use them to help others choose directions for their lives in alignment with what is truly important to them. A Take-Home MessageHumanistic psychology is a total package because it encompasses legends of the field, empirical research, strong philosophical foundations, and arts and literature connections (Bargdill, 2011). Some may refute this statement, but prior to humanistic psychology, there was not an effective method for truly understanding humanistic issues without deviating from traditional psychological science (Kriz & Langle, 2012). Humanistic psychology offers a different approach that can be used to positively impact your therapeutic practice or enhance your classroom practice. We hope you find these theories and techniques helpful in facilitating self-actualization, dignity, and worth in your clients and students. We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Meaning and Valued Living Exercises for free. What is the difference between humanistic psychology vs positive psychology?Humanistic and positive psychology both focus on similar concerns, but have differences regarding methodology and epistemology. In terms of method- ology, humanistic psychologists tend to prefer qualitative over quantitative approaches, whereas positive psychologists tend to hold the opposite prefer- ence.
What type of psychology is positive psychology?Positive psychology is a branch of psychology focused on the character strengths and behaviors that allow individuals to build a life of meaning and purpose—to move beyond surviving to flourishing. Theorists and researchers in the field have sought to identify the elements of a good life.
What type of psychology is humanistic?humanistic psychology, a movement in psychology supporting the belief that humans, as individuals, are unique beings and should be recognized and treated as such by psychologists and psychiatrists. The movement grew in opposition to the two mainstream 20th-century trends in psychology, behaviourism and psychoanalysis.
What does positive psychology fall under?Positive psychology is a scientific approach to mental health, wellbeing, and optimal functioning that focuses on the strengths people possess that can be developed and used to create a life worth living.
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