1. Humanistic Psychology
Abraham Maslow
and Carl Rogers

2. What is Humanistic Psychology?
It emphasizes an optimistic view of human beings, as persons who have the ability to grow (human potential)
Though it does not deny the effect of the environment, it sees human beings as able to transcend it to some degree
It stresses health and actualization
It is a reaction against a deterministic view of human beings

3. Humanistic Psychology: the Third Force
Psychoanalysis has sometimes been called the "first force" in psychology
Behaviorism was the second force
Both first and second forces are deterministic in their view of people
Humanistic psychology saw itself as the third force, stressing human freedom and human potential

4. The Human Potential Movement
Both Maslow and Rogers were part of the "human potential movement"
Part of the 1960's mindset, emphasizing the realization of individual potential, was much more open to spiritual perspectives than classical psychoanalysis or behaviorism
In addition to individual therapy, this movement led to the use of encounter groups, team training etc..
It also fostered a holistic approach to health and was sympathetic to techniques like massage, meditation, proper nutrition, exercise etc…

5. Esalen: the “home” of the human potential movement
One of the places that became very important in this movement, due to the fact that a lot of experimentation around the human potential movement took place there is Esalen.
As part of this unit, you will be taking a virtual fieldtrip there.

6. Abraham Maslow
Born in Brooklyn, New York in a Russian Jewish family, the oldest of 7 children
Had a painful childhood, and especially very poor mothering. He also experienced much anti-Semitism.
Had some college teachers he especially admired: Ruth Benedict and Max Wertheimer --they are the inspiration for his concept of "self-actualizing person.
He sought to attach himself to eminent people and studied them.

7. Maslow is known for his Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow proposed 5 levels of need: from basic to more advanced, they are:
Physiological (food, water, sex)
Safety (security, order, stability
Belongingness and love
Esteem (from self and others)
Self-actualization
The more basic needs have to be at least partly satisfied before one can move up.

8. Self Actualized People (the top of the hierarchy)
Are in touch with their spirituality (peak experiences)
Are accurate in their perception of reality
Are comfortable with themselves & others
Are open, direct, spontaneous, independent, playful, creative
Focus on problems outside themselves, are concerned w/ society, the world
Need aloneness and privacy
Establish deep intimate relationships
Are non-conformists but highly ethical

9. Self actualized people are not perfect
They are, however experiencing a high level of well being and personal integration
They are still growing
Do any of the characteristics surprise you?

10. What is a peak experience?
A special moment when everything seems to fall into place
People transcend the self and are at one with the world
Similar to a religious, or mystical experience
A transformative experience
A part of the process of self-actualization

11. Can self-actualization be measured?
The Personal Orientation Inventory (Shostrum, 1974) measures self-actualizing characteristics, along with dimensions like inner-outer orientation, ability to function in the present etc…
A research article using the POI to look at the relationship between humanism and religion can be found in the course Bb library.

12. Why doesn’t everyone live up to his/her potential?
The Jonah complex: fear of growth because growth may lead to new situations we would not know how to handle
Psychological and/or spiritual growth requires courage (in addition to grace)
Here is an interesting blog about the Jonah complex, from a business perspective.

13. Carl Rogers
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, fourth of six children, evangelical background.
As a sophomore in college, went to an international Christian student conference in Beijing. Moved away from conservative Christianity to very liberal beliefs.
Studied at Union Seminary in NY, then transferred to Columbia to study psychology
Then worked both in academic and clinical settings.

14. According to Carl Rogers
Important issues must be defined by the individual: importance of an autonomous self: self-insight is what predicts later behavior.
Actualizing tendency: people tend to develop in a positive direction, toward self-actualization
The way we perceive our environment determines how it affects us. (Roger's theory emphasizes phenomenology)
Incongruence between our self-concept and our experience leads to pathology

15. Rogerian Therapy is Client-Centered Therapy
Necessary conditions from therapist to client:
Unconditional positive regard for the client
Accurate empathy with the client
Congruence in relations between the therapist & client, authenticity

16. In Rogerian therapy, the client
Moves from talking about externals to talking about personal issues
Moves from talking about the past to dealing with the present
Becomes closer to and more comfortable with his/her feelings
Becomes more open to new experiences, experiences more freedom

17. The Fully Functioning Person, for Rogers
Is aware of all experiences
Lives in the moment
Trusts in his/her self
Experiences freedom in choices
Is creative and adapts well
Is still growing and experiencing difficulties

18. The End