Lecture 20 - Humanistic psychology

Question 1

Other names

Answer 1

“The 3rd Psychology”
“Rogerian Psychology”
“Humanistic-Existential Psychology”

Question 2

History

Answer 2

Existentialism:
Soren Kierkegaard
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Jean-Paul Sartre
Friedrich Nietzsche
A search for:
- the meaning of existence
- selfhood and uniqueness
- freedom of choice and control over destiny

Soren Kierkegaard 1813 - 1855
Danish philosopher, theologian, poet
Three modes (dimensions) of existence:
Aesthetic (sensory  abstract)
Ethical (attachment  detachment)
Religious (temporary  eternal)
We live forward; we understand
backward.

Phenomenalism
Martin Heidegger (1889 -1976), Ludwig Binswanger, Fritz Pearls
Existence defined by the way it is
experienced, as it appears to
the person immersed in the:
- world around (Umwelt)
- social world (Mitwelt) and
- personal world (Eigenwelt)
Da-Sein-Analysis: Focus on the existence as
experienced Here and Now

Post-war fascinations and revolts:
hippies (drugs, alcohol), pseudo-religious sects, utopian
socialists, radical Marxists, and extremists
The end of war and political fascism, but not the end of fascination
with another type of leader:
(a) Soft version – fascination with the pseudo-religious guru.
Naïve “love-and-peace” movements (e.g., pop-stars John Lennon)
Attracted by utopian naïve socialism
(b) Hard version – fascination with radical movements
(communists,
Marxists, Red Army in Germany) to fight capitalist and
traditional
social institutions, religions, and traditional values.

Question 3

Abraham Maslow 1908 - 1970

Answer 3

Self-actualization - a remedy for existential dilemma
Respecting the natural, inborn potentials: talents, values, and
preferences that constitute a core basis for the growth
(maturation) of the selfhood.
* Psychologists should encourage the client to restore the
awareness of genuine feelings and needs and reduce the
discrepancy between thinking, acting and communicating.
* Maslow’s classification of needs: D = deficiency needs
and B = being needs

Two modes of existence: deficiency vs. being
D-mode (deficiency needs): objects are treated as something reducing a deficit;
the materialistic, manipulative, and selfish attitude
D-love, a possessive & instrumental relationship
B-mode (being needs): Objects are appreciated for themselves;
non-judgmental contemplation, no cash-value
perception or attitude.
B-love is a non-possessive, respectful romantic
Appreciation of the spiritual aspects of life
The list of characteristics of self-actualizers (see list)

Question 4

CARL ROGERS 1902 - 1987

Answer 4

Self-actualization, trust and a congruence between
feelings, awareness and communication
The Real Self
“Conditions of worth”
Client-centered therapy. Counseling Psychology
Group therapy; sensitivity groups, training groups,
marathon session.