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Humanistic Psychology

In its early days, psychology established its credentials by mimicking the 'hard sciences', such as physics and biology. There was thus an emphasis on experimentation, measurement and objectivity. While this approach led to dramatic increases in understanding about human behaviour, its reductionist thrust also had a somewhat dehumanising effect. However, more recently, and particularly since the 1960's, there has been the development of a more subjective, person-centred 'human psychology', now commonly referred to as humanistic psychology. Here the emphasis is on self-growth, life-long learning and what Abraham Maslow refers to as self-actualisation, i.e. the process of becoming everything we are capable of becoming. The present sub-track is concerned with some techniques and theoretical approaches which have grown out of this humanistic psychology perspective. The following are some of the key features which they exhibit:

• A concern with growth and increased self-responsibility (see the Personal Development track for an elaboration of what this approach might entail)
• Life-long learning and self-fulfilment
• Emphasis on the affective (or feeling) side of human experience
• The development of good relationships with other people, especially in potential conflict situations

Particular Techniques and Approaches

The following are the particular items which are included on the Humanistic Psychology sub-track:

Personality

• Methods of assessing personality, and specifically the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Transactional Analysis

• The popular 'I'm OK, you're OK' self-development system, enabling people to improve their relationships and become more assertive

NVC

• Nonviolent communication (NVC), a process which can help people to relate compassionately with others and resolve conflicts

To find out more about any of the above items, click on the appropriate heading.

Further Information

For further information about humanistic psychology see:

Association for Humanistic Psychology
Humanistic Psychology on the Web

 

	Page last modified: 9 February 2006