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Psychology of Wellness | Psychology Definitions | Humanistic Psychology
Psychology Definitions

Humanistic Psychology

BY: T. Franklin Murphy | August 3,  2021
Happy Lady wearing white shirt. A Flourishing Life Society article on Humanistic Psychology
Adobe Stock Images

Humanistic Psychology:

Humanistic Psychology is sometimes considered the "third force" in psychology in the 1950's, breaking from the other two popular branches: psychoanalyst and behaviorist.

Humanistic psychology emphasizes the whole individual and stresses concepts such as free will, self-efficacy, and self-actualization. Humanist strive to help people fulfill their potential and maximize well-being.

​The new brand of psychology felt that both psychoanalysis and behaviorism were pessimistic, more concerned with dysfunction, and in behaviorism's case, undermining the importance of personal choice.

In 1957 and 1958, Abraham Maslow and Clark Moustakas established a professional association that emphasized a more positive and humanistic approach. The associations discussions revolved around topics such as:
​
  • Self-Actualization
  • Creativity
  • Health
  • Individuality
  • Intrinsic nature
  • Self
  • Being
  • Becoming
  • Meaning

Flourishing Life Society's articles and research are heavily influenced by humanism principles.

The Humanism Impact

Humanistic psychology added another dimension to psychological thought, adding to the established fields.  Humanisms influence on the field of psychology includes:

  • Humanistic therapy: A number of different types of psychotherapy have emerged that are rooted in the principles of humanism. These include client-centered therapy, existential therapy, and Gestalt therapy. 
  • Personal development: Because humanism stresses the importance of self-actualization and reaching one's full potential, it can be used as a tool of self-discovery and personal development.

Humanistic psychology (humanism) begins with the assumption that people are innately good, believing that morality, ethical values, and good intentions are the driving forces of behavior, while adverse environments and disrupting psychological experiences impact natural tendencies.

Some fundamental assumptions of humanistic psychology include: 
​
  • Experiencing, a combination of thinking, sensing, perceiving, feeling, remembering, is central to understanding human behavior.
  • A Person's subjective experience is the primary indicator of behavior.
  • Studying animals misses many of critical aspects of the human experience.
  • Free will exists. Individuals should take personal responsibility for self-growth and fulfillment.
  • Self-actualization (a person's potential) is natural when surrounding environments are kind.
  • People are inherently good and experience growth when given suitable conditions.
  • Each person and each experience is unique.

Major Contributors to Humanistic Psychology

  • Carl Rogers
  • Gordon Allport
  • James Bugental
  • Charlotte Buhler
  • Rollo May
  • Gardner Murphy
  • Henry Murray
  • Fritz Perls
  • Kirk Schneider
  • Louis Hoffman
  • Paul Wong.

Major Psychological  Principles that Emerged from Humanism

  • Hierarchy of needs
  • Person-centered therapy
  • Unconditional positive regard
  • Free will
  • Self-concept
  • Self-actualization
  • Peak experiences
  • Fully-functioning person
Unconditional Positive Regard
Self Actualization
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T. Franklin Murphy
T. Franklin Murphy
Wellness. Writer. Researcher.
​T. Franklin Murphy has a degree in psychology. He is dedicated to the science of wellness. In 2010, he began publishing his findings.
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​Other Flourishing Life Society articles of interest on this topic:

Personalization. A Psychological Definition. A Flourishing Life Society definition link
A Flourishing Life Society article image link. Self Determination
We are engaged in a constant work of becoming, satisfying needs, entertaining wants, and creating meaning. We can do this purposely or haphazardly.
FLS link. Passionate Purpose. We need passionate purpose to energize our flat lives, giving fire to existence and joy to routines.
Belongingness. Our Emotional and Psychological Need to Belong. A Flourishing Life Society article link
I Choose to Grow. A Flourishing Life Society article link
We don't spontaneously grow. We need the necessary ingredients. Our souls need to be fed and protected.
FLS Link. Realistic Optimism: Optimism brings energy to action, motivating persistence in the face of difficulty. Our wellness benefits most from optimism when it is based in reality.
A wave of pop psychology, suggesting happiness is paramount,often neglects the importance of others. We can improve the feeling states. But science is clear, rich and fulfilling lives include healthy connections with others.
Childhood Development and Life Trajectories. A Flourishing Life Society article link
Flourishing Life Society article link. Facing the Consequences
FLS Link. Fredrickson's Broaden and Build: Positive emotions promote growth by encouraging approach and observation.
Person Centered Therapy. A Flourishing Life Psychology definition
Whole Person Wellness. A Flourishing Life Society article link
Freedom of Choice. Choosing the Direction of Our Lives. A Flourishing Life Society image link
FLS Link. Courage to Change.
Humanistic Psychology definition link
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