Humanistic Psychology

What is Humanistic Psychology?

A psychological movement initiated in the 1950s by Abraham Maslow, focusing on individual potential and the importance of human values, rejecting the negative focus of behaviorism and psychoanalysis.

Who is considered the founder of Humanistic Psychology?

Abraham Maslow, who referred to it as the 'third force' in psychology.

What were the main criticisms of psychoanalysis and behaviorism by Humanistic psychologists?

Psychoanalysis was criticized for its focus on pathology and the past, while behaviorism was criticized for its robotic view of humans.

What societal issues influenced the development of Humanistic Psychology?

Concerns about enforced conformity, social ills like racism, and the impact of advertising and corporate culture in post-War America.

What is the goal of Humanistic Psychology?

To emphasize the uniqueness of the individual, human potential, and achievement.

What are the major tenets of Humanistic Psychology?

1. Little can be learned about humans by studying animals. 2. Subjective reality guides human behavior. 3. Studying individuals is more valuable than studying groups.

What philosophical movements influenced Humanistic Psychology?

Existentialism and Romanticism.

Who were key philosophers that contributed to the foundations of Humanistic Psychology?

Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche.

What was Martin Buber's concern regarding modern society?

He feared that meaningful life was being lost due to homogenization through the organizational state, advertising, and consumerism.

What role did Martin Heidegger play in the development of Humanistic Psychology?

Heidegger's work bridged existential philosophy and psychology, focusing on the totality of human existence.

What is Dasein according to Heidegger?

Dasein refers to the concept of 'being' and the importance of understanding what it means to exist.

What was Heidegger's relationship with Nazism?

Heidegger was a member of the Nazi party and did not strongly oppose Nazism, despite his academic background.

What was the significance of Heidegger's work 'Being and Time'?

Published in 1927, it established Heidegger's international reputation and explored the concept of existence.

How did urbanization and industrialization contribute to the development of Humanistic Psychology?

They were seen as factors leading to alienation and malaise in modern society.

What did Humanistic Psychology reject about the view of human nature?

It rejected the idea that humans are merely products of their past experiences and instead emphasized innate drives toward wholeness and connection.

What is the critique of studying groups in Humanistic Psychology?

Humanistic Psychology values individual experiences over generalizations about groups.

What was the impact of Cold War culture on Humanistic Psychology?

It fostered a fear of conformity and a desire to address the social ills arising from it.

What did Maslow believe about human nature?

He believed humans are innately driven to achieve their potential and connect with others.

What is the relationship between Humanistic Psychology and childhood experiences?

While humanistic psychology acknowledges that pathologies can arise from poor parenting, it emphasizes the potential for growth beyond childhood experiences.

What was the philosophical shift represented by existentialism in relation to Humanistic Psychology?

Existentialism shifted focus from rationality to the emotional and subjective aspects of the human condition.

What was the primary focus of Humanistic Psychology in contrast to previous psychological schools?

It focused on positive aspects of human experience rather than pathology.

What is the significance of subjective reality in Humanistic Psychology?

Subjective reality is seen as the primary guide to understanding human behavior.

What did Humanistic Psychology suggest about the nature of identity in modern society?

It suggested that modern identities were often unhealthy and shaped by societal pressures and advertising.

What does the term 'Dasein' refer to in Heidegger's philosophy?

Dasein refers to 'being-in-the-world' and emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the world.

How did Heidegger believe the concept of 'being' was misunderstood?

He believed that the West, tracing back to Plato, failed to ask what 'being' truly is, which is an elemental question.

What is a prerequisite for living an authentic life according to Heidegger?

Coming to terms with death is essential for embracing freedom and engaging in the process of becoming.

What is 'thrownness' in Heidegger's philosophy?

Thrownness refers to the circumstances of life that individuals cannot change, which shape the context for exercising freedom.

What does Rollo May argue is necessary for individuals to find meaning?

May argues for an 'ethics of inwardness,' where individuals find meaning within themselves rather than from societal norms.

What significant influence did Paul Tillich have on Rollo May?

Tillich stressed the importance of being, which influenced May's philosophical and psychological views.

What was the title of Rollo May's dissertation and its subsequent book?

The dissertation was titled 'The Meaning of Anxiety,' published as a book in 1950.

What was Rollo May's view on existentialism?

May saw existentialism as the balance between fear of nonexistence and the drive for existential freedom.

What was the impact of May's work 'Man's Search for Himself'?

It was intended for the popular market and became a bestseller, emphasizing the importance of individual identity.

How did Rollo May's personal experiences shape his views on anxiety?

His battle with tuberculosis and the fear of dying young led him to study anxiety deeply, influencing his later work.

What did Rollo May believe modern psychology had stripped from individuals?

He believed it stripped people of the inner resources needed to cope with despair.

What is the significance of authenticity in human existence according to Heidegger?

Authenticity involves the ability to choose and engage in a dynamic process of becoming, which is challenged by societal regimentation.

How does Heidegger's view of existence differ from mere survival?

He emphasizes that humans do more than exist; they actively choose, reject, and expand their existence.

What does Heidegger suggest about the relationship between humanity and the world?

He suggests that humanity and the world are interdependent; neither can exist without the other.

What was Rollo May's educational background?

He attended Oberlin College and Union Theological Seminary, later earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University.

What did May mean by the 'point of balance' in existentialism?

It refers to the negotiation between fear of nonexistence and the desire for existential freedom.

What was the focus of May's later writings and lectures?

They centered on the importance of being and the individual's search for meaning.

What challenge does urban industrial life pose to authenticity, according to Heidegger?

It challenges the ability to live authentically due to its regimentation and conformity.

What role does anxiety play in May's philosophy?

Anxiety is a central theme that individuals must confront to find meaning and authenticity in life.

How did Rollo May view the relationship between psychology and spirituality?

He wished to reunite psychology with its spiritual and philosophical foundations.

What is the essence of May's call for an 'ethics of inwardness'?

It emphasizes the need for individuals to assert their identity and find meaning from within.

What did May believe about the nature of truth?

He believed that truth is subjective and varies for each individual.

What was Rollo May's stance on the role of psychotherapy?

He believed psychotherapy should focus on the act of choosing meaning in life.

What did Rollo May mean by the 'human dilemma'?

The 'human dilemma' refers to the dual aspect of human nature where humans are both objects in their physical existence, studied scientifically, and subjects in their interpretations of life events, which gives meaning to their lives.

What are the two types of anxiety according to Rollo May?

Normal anxiety, which is conducive to personal growth and involves freedom and responsibility, and neurotic anxiety, which results from fear of freedom and leads to conformity and self-alienation.

What are the four purposes of myths according to Rollo May?

1) They provide a sense of identity. 2) They provide a sense of community. 3) They support moral values. 4) They explain the mysteries of creation.

How did Rollo May differentiate between love and sex?

May believed many people confuse sex with love, positing that love is directed at a person and encompasses deeper connections, while sex is merely physical.

What are the five types of love identified by Rollo May in 'Love and Will'?

1) Sex - lust, 2) Eros - procreative, 3) Philia - brotherly love, 4) Agape - unselfish love, 5) Authentic love - a love that incorporates all other loves.

What was Abraham Maslow's background?

Abraham Maslow was the son of Russian Jewish immigrants who faced an abusive upbringing, which influenced his later work in psychology.

What was Maslow's educational journey?

Maslow attended City College of New York and Brooklyn College, then transferred to Cornell University, and finally earned his BA, MA, and PhD from the University of Wisconsin.

Who were some influential figures in Maslow's academic career?

William Sheldon, who developed a behaviorist approach with body types, and Harry Harlow, who supervised Maslow's dissertation and developed the animal laboratory.

What was Maslow's opinion of Titchener's psychology course?

Maslow did not care for Titchener's course, believing it promoted 'bloodless' and socially irrelevant doctrines.

What impact did Maslow's experiences with wealthier students have on him?

The disdain he faced from wealthier students while working as a waiter contributed to his feelings of alienation and influenced his academic journey.

What did Rollo May believe about the culture of the 1960s regarding love?

May feared that the culture of free sex in the 1960s separated reason from emotion, denying people the chance to experience true love.

What is the significance of myths in Rollo May's therapy practice?

Myths serve as a major vehicle for meaning in life, helping individuals find identity, community, and moral values.

What does neurotic anxiety lead to according to Rollo May?

Neurotic anxiety leads to self-alienation, characterized by feelings of guilt, apathy, and despair.

How did May view the relationship between creativity and human tendencies?

May believed that both positive and negative tendencies exist in all humans, and there is creativity in the tension between the two.

What is the role of community in relation to myths according to Rollo May?

Being part of a community involves sharing its myths, which fosters a sense of belonging and identity.

What was Maslow's experience at the University of Wisconsin?

Maslow enjoyed the intellectual atmosphere at Wisconsin, where he earned his degrees and was influenced by notable psychologists.

What did May suggest about personal growth and freedom?

May suggested that to be fully actualized, individuals must embrace freedom, which includes the responsibility to challenge traditions and expectations.

What is the relationship between normal anxiety and personal growth?

Normal anxiety is seen as a necessary condition for personal growth, pushing individuals to confront challenges and seek freedom.

What did May believe about the conflict between good and evil?

May viewed the conflict between good and evil as eternal, reflected in myths and human consciousness.

What did Rollo May believe about the importance of love in human relationships?

May believed that love is essential for true connection and that reducing relationships to mere sexual encounters diminishes the joy of love.

What was the significance of Maslow's marriage during his time at Wisconsin?

Maslow married his cousin, Bertha Goodman, during his time at the University of Wisconsin, which was a personal milestone in his life.

How did Rollo May's views on anxiety differ from traditional perspectives?

May emphasized the constructive role of normal anxiety in personal growth, contrasting it with neurotic anxiety that leads to conformity.

Who were two influential figures in Maslow's early academic life?

Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler.

What behavior did Maslow observe in monkeys that reflected his interests?

Sexuality and dominance/submission.

What psychological perspective was Maslow initially infatuated with?

Behaviorism, particularly the ideas of John Watson.

What significant test did Edward Thorndike administer to Maslow?

An IQ test, where Maslow scored 195.

What was the outcome of Maslow's post-doctoral work with Thorndike?

Thorndike supported Maslow's career and gave him considerable freedom in research despite their clashes.

What was the intellectual environment of NYC like during the 1930s and 1940s?

It was vibrant, with many intellectuals fleeing Hitler and settling in the region.

Name three intellectuals who influenced Maslow during his time in NYC.

Erich Fromm, Max Wertheimer, and Karen Horney.

What was Maslow's view on human nature in relation to evil?

He rejected the idea that people are born bad and sought answers in the environment.

What is Maslow's Need Hierarchy?

A theory developed by Maslow that outlines a hierarchy of human needs, first presented in 1943.

What did Maslow believe about self-actualizing people?

He believed they possess an innate tendency toward self-actualization and represent less than 1 percent of the population.

What early life conditions did Maslow believe were important for self-actualization?

Feeling secure and confident in early childhood, especially the first two years.

What characteristics did Maslow identify in self-actualizing individuals?

Optimism, efficiency, kindness, generosity, acceptance of self and others, spontaneity, creativity, and problem-centered focus.

Which historical figures did Maslow analyze for his concept of self-actualization?

Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Albert Einstein, William James, and Baruch Spinoza.

How did Maslow identify self-actualizing individuals?

Through a hunch rather than rigorous scientific methods.

What criticism did Maslow face regarding his work on self-actualization?

Colleagues claimed it was 'not psychology' and suggested a cultural bias due to his examples being primarily from Europe and America.

How did Maslow end up at Esalen?

He arrived by chance in 1962 while visiting the Western Behavioral Sciences Institute.

What was Maslow's teaching position during his visits to Esalen?

He was teaching at Brandeis University.

What was the duration of Maslow's connection with Esalen?

Seven years, traveling twice a year from Brandeis University.

What was the title of Maslow's paper presented in 1950?

'Self-Actualizing People'.

What did Maslow believe about the relationship between environment and human behavior?

He believed that changing the environment could change humans.

What was the main focus of Maslow's Need Hierarchy?

To outline the different levels of human needs, culminating in self-actualization.

What was the impact of Maslow's first daughter's birth on his academic focus?

It further challenged his interest in behaviorism and deepened his belief in self-actualization.

What did Maslow mean by 'problem-centered' individuals?

Individuals who focus on solving problems rather than being centered on their own egos.

What is a notable characteristic of self-actualizing people regarding relationships?

They prefer a few close relationships over many superficial ones.

Who founded the Journal of Humanistic Psychology and in what year?

Abraham Maslow founded the Journal of Humanistic Psychology in 1961 with Anthony Sutich.

What was Maslow's opinion on Gestalt therapists at Esalen?

Maslow believed their techniques led to people 'getting clobbered or getting defeated rather than achieving anything.'

What did Maslow express about his experience at Esalen in 1969?

He felt there were too many selfish, narcissistic, non-caring types and decided to detach himself from it.

What position did Maslow hold in 1968?

He was elected president of the American Psychological Association (APA).

What doubts did Maslow have regarding his theories?

He felt they were insufficiently supported by research and that he had ignored the importance of connectivity with groups.

What was Maslow's situation at Saga Administrative Corporation?

He was offered a Mercedes-Benz, a salary, and a private office with no duties for four years.

What famous quote is attributed to Maslow?

'If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.'

What was Carl Rogers' birth year and place?

Carl Rogers was born in 1902 in Oak Park, Illinois.