Existential Versus Humanistic Psychology

Question 1

Existential Psychology

Answer 1

• This is a branch of contemporary psychology that was influenced by existential philosophy.
• The key concepts in existential psychology included: freedom, individuality, responsibility, anxiety, guilt, thrownness and authenticity.
• Epitomized by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus , stated that human existence precedes essence.
• Individuals are born with absolute freedom to define their own essence through the choices they make.

Question 2

Humanistic Psychology

Answer 2

• This branch of psychology assumes that humans are basically good.
• This means that negative environments do not stifle human life and that humans will live their humane lives.
• Humanists are concerned with examining more positive aspects of human nature that behaviorism and psychoanalysis had neglected.
• Championed by figures like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, presents a more optimistic view of human nature.

Question 3

Similarities

Answer 3

• Existential and humanistic psychology share a commitment to the principles of human freedom, responsibility, and the importance of subjective experience.

Question 4

Differences

Answer 4

• Humanistic: Humans possess an inherent tendency towards growth and self-actualization, driven by their innate inclination towards fulfilling their potential.
• Elaboration: They believe that, given the right conditions, people will naturally strive for personal development and harmony with others.
• Existential: Humans are essentially neutral at birth, devoid of any predetermined essence or purpose.
• Elaboration: The quest for meaning is central to human existence, and individuals must actively engage in decision-making to create their own sense of purpose and significance.

Question 5

Differences

Answer 5

• Humanistic: Humanistic psychologists tend to downplay the significance of mortality in shaping human behavior.
• Elaboration: They focus on the pursuit of self-fulfillment and the realization of one’s potential.
• Continuing:Humanists emphasize the importance of creating supportive environments that nurture individual growth and foster positive relationships, advocating for a holistic approach to understanding human nature that embraces both individual uniqueness and interconnectedness.
• Existential: Existentialists often confront the stark reality of human mortality, viewing the awareness of one’s finite existence as a crucial aspect of living authentically.
• Elaboration: They emphasize personal responsibility and the weight of individual choices, rejecting external determinants of fate and advocating for the acceptance of personal agency in shaping one’s life.

Question 6

Differences

Answer 6

• Humanistic: Humanism celebrates the inherent goodness and potential for growth within each person.
• Existential: Existentialism emphasizes the individual’s struggle to find meaning and authenticity in a world devoid of inherent purpose.