Humanistic Psychology

Psychology Definitions
BY: T. Franklin Murphy | August 3,  2021 (modified January 13, 2023)
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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:
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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: 
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  • 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.


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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.
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Major Psychological  Principles that Emerged from Humanism
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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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