Humanistic Psychology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes humanistic psychology from the earlier psychodynamic and behaviourist approaches?

Neglect of consciousness

Focus on human capacity for self-determination (correct)

Emphasis on unconscious drives

Application of physical science methods to human behavior

According to humanistic psychology, what are the key psychological forces determining human behavior?

Physical science methods

Unconscious drives

Consciousness

Intentionality and ethical values (correct)

Why did early humanistic psychologists react against behaviourism and psychoanalysis?

Emphasis on unconscious drives

Neglect of crucial subjective data and relegation of consciousness (correct)

Overemphasis on intentionality

Strong focus on ethical values

How does humanistic psychology view the capacity of individuals?

To become more aware, free, responsible, life-affirming, and trustworthy Signup and view all the answers

What did humanistic psychologists seek to restore in reaction to behaviourism and psychoanalysis?

The importance of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of existential therapy?

Encouraging the client to make present and future choices Signup and view all the answers

In humanistic psychology, what is the main purpose of using unconditional positive regard and empathy in client-centred therapy?

To help build trust between the client and therapist Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes gestalt therapy from other approaches in terms of patient feelings?

Understanding what patients are feeling and how they are feeling Signup and view all the answers

Which psychologist is credited with introducing person or client-centred therapy?

Carl Rogers Signup and view all the answers

How does humanistic psychology differ from psychoanalysis in terms of self-focus?

Psychoanalysis focuses on self-reflection, while humanistic psychology focuses on choices in the present and future Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes humanistic psychology from psychodynamic and behaviourist psychology?

Focus on intentionality and ethical values Signup and view all the answers

Why did humanistic psychology emerge as a distinct force in psychology in the late 1950s?

To restore the importance of consciousness and offer a holistic view Signup and view all the answers

In what way does humanistic psychology differ from psychoanalysis regarding the mind's influence?

Emphasizes personal competence and self-respect Signup and view all the answers

What key qualities do humanistic psychologists strive to enhance in individuals?

Choice and creativity Signup and view all the answers

How does humanistic psychology view the capacity of individuals compared to behaviourism?

Individuals have substantial capacity for self-determining Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea behind person or client-centred therapy introduced by Carl Rogers?

Fostering clients' capacity for self-direction and empathy Signup and view all the answers

In humanistic psychology, what is the role of unconditional positive regard and empathy in client-centred therapy?

To build trust by creating a nonjudgmental and supportive environment Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes existential therapy from psychoanalysis in terms of focus?

Existential therapy emphasizes choices in the present and future Signup and view all the answers

According to gestalt therapy, what is more important when working with patients?

Understanding how patients are feeling rather than why they feel that way Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of humanistic psychology in relation to personal development?

Fostering personal growth and self-actualization Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Distinctions of Humanistic Psychology

Humanistic psychology differs from psychoanalytic and behaviorist approaches in its focus on individual growth, self-actualization, and subjective experience.
It emphasizes the individual's inherent worth, dignity, and capacity for self-directed change.

Key Psychological Forces

Humanistic psychology identifies three key psychological forces determining human behavior: biological, psychological, and social-cultural forces.

Reaction against Behaviorism and Psychoanalysis

Early humanistic psychologists reacted against behaviorism's focus on external controls and psychoanalysis's emphasis on unconscious motivations.
They sought to restore a more holistic, person-centered approach that values human dignity and subjective experience.

Capacity of Individuals

Humanistic psychology views individuals as capable of self-directed change, growth, and self-actualization.
It focuses on enhancing personal responsibility, autonomy, and self-awareness.

Restoration in Reaction to Behaviorism and Psychoanalysis

Humanistic psychologists sought to restore a more optimistic view of human nature, emphasizing human dignity, freedom, and responsibility.

Existential Therapy

The primary focus of existential therapy is the individual's existence, freedom, and responsibility in the present moment.

Unconditional Positive Regard and Empathy

The main purpose of using unconditional positive regard and empathy in client-centered therapy is to create a non-judgmental, supportive environment that fosters personal growth.

Gestalt Therapy

What distinguishes gestalt therapy is its focus on the present moment, awareness, and the therapist-patient relationship.
In gestalt therapy, the therapist focuses on the patient's present feelings and experiences rather than their past or unconscious motivations.

Carl Rogers and Person-Centered Therapy

Carl Rogers is credited with introducing person-centered therapy, which emphasizes empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard.
The central idea behind person-centered therapy is that individuals have the capacity for self-directed growth and change when provided with a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

Humanistic Psychology vs. Psychoanalysis

Humanistic psychology differs from psychoanalysis in its focus on conscious experience, self-awareness, and personal growth, whereas psychoanalysis emphasizes unconscious motivations and past experiences.
Humanistic psychology also differs from psychoanalysis in its view of human nature, emphasizing human dignity, freedom, and responsibility.

Key Qualities and Personal Development

Humanistic psychologists strive to enhance key qualities such as self-awareness, autonomy, and personal responsibility in individuals.
The primary focus of humanistic psychology is on personal development, emphasizing growth, self-actualization, and self-directed change.

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Description

Explore the fundamental principles and beliefs of humanistic psychology, the third major perspective in psychology. Learn about its emphasis on human potential, free will, creativity, and ethical values.