2.3 Humanistic and Existential Theories

Humanistic theories focus on personal growth and self-actualization. They emphasize our innate drive to reach our full potential, viewing humans as fundamentally good. These theories take a holistic approach, considering the whole person and the interconnectedness of thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Unconditional positive regard plays a crucial role in humanistic approaches. It involves accepting individuals without judgment, creating a safe space for growth. This fosters self-exploration, boosts self-esteem, and helps develop emotional intelligence and healthy relationships.

Humanistic Theories

Principles of humanistic theories

Top images from around the web for Principles of humanistic theories

• 

  File:Maslow's hierarchy of needs.png - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Maslow's Humanistic Theory of Personality View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Archivo:Maslow.png - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Maslow's hierarchy of needs.png - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Maslow's Humanistic Theory of Personality View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Principles of humanistic theories

• 

  File:Maslow's hierarchy of needs.png - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Maslow's Humanistic Theory of Personality View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Archivo:Maslow.png - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Maslow's hierarchy of needs.png - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Maslow's Humanistic Theory of Personality View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Emphasizes self-actualization, the innate drive to reach one's full potential through ongoing personal growth and development (Maslow's hierarchy of needs)
• Asserts the inherent goodness of human nature, believing that individuals are fundamentally good and capable of positive change, while negative behaviors result from external factors or unmet needs
• Takes a holistic view of the person, considering the whole person, not just specific behaviors or symptoms, and recognizing the interconnectedness of thoughts, feelings, and actions (mind-body connection)
• Adopts a person-centered approach that focuses on the individual's subjective experiences and perceptions and emphasizes the importance of self-concept and self-awareness (Rogers' client-centered therapy)

Impact of unconditional positive regard

• Involves accepting and valuing individuals without judgment, creating a safe and supportive environment for personal growth (therapist-client relationship)
• Encourages self-exploration and self-acceptance, promoting self-esteem and self-worth
• Facilitates the development of self-awareness and emotional intelligence by helping individuals feel heard, understood, and validated
• Supports the development of healthy relationships and communication skills, encouraging authenticity and congruence between thoughts, feelings, and actions (genuine self-expression)

Existential Theories

Personal responsibility in existentialism

• Asserts that individuals are responsible for their actions and decisions, and accepting responsibility for one's life leads to a sense of empowerment and control
• Emphasizes the freedom to choose one's actions and attitudes, acknowledging that choices shape one's life experiences and create meaning (Sartre's concept of radical freedom)
• Values authenticity, being true to oneself and living in accordance with one's values and beliefs, which requires self-awareness and the courage to make authentic choices
• Recognizes existential anxiety as a natural part of confronting the inherent uncertainties and challenges of life, which can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world (Kierkegaard's concept of angst)

Comparison of humanistic theorists

• Abraham Maslow

1. Developed the hierarchy of needs, which includes physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization
2. Viewed self-actualization as the highest level of human development, representing the fulfillment of one's potential (peak experiences)

• Carl Rogers

1. Developed person-centered therapy, which emphasizes unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship
2. Believed in the individual's capacity for self-directed growth and change, given a supportive environment (fully functioning person)

• Viktor Frankl

1. Developed logotherapy, which focuses on the search for meaning in life, even in the face of suffering (tragic optimism)
2. Emphasized the importance of finding purpose and meaning, asserting that meaning can be found in work, relationships, and personal growth (self-transcendence)

• Similarities among theorists include an emphasis on the individual's subjective experiences and perceptions and a belief in the human capacity for growth, change, and self-determination
• Differences include Maslow and Rogers' focus on the inherent goodness of human nature, while Frankl emphasizes the importance of finding meaning in life, even in difficult circumstances (Holocaust survivor)