The humanistic perspective does not suggest that psychoanalytic, behaviorist, and other points of view are incorrect. Instead, it argues that these perspectives fail to recognize the depth and meaning of human experience, as well as the innate capacity for self-directed change and transforming personal experiences.

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As the “third force” in psychology, the humanistic movement emerged as a reaction against the pessimistic determinism of psychoanalysis, which emphasized psychological disturbance, and the deterministic core of behaviorism, which viewed humans as passively reacting to their environment—criticized as making people out to be personality-less robots. Humanism developed to emphasize an innate predisposition for good.

Rise of Humanism as a Response to Behaviorism and Psychoanalysis

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Humanism is a highly influential perspective in psychology that focuses on the growth potential of healthy individuals and their innate capacity for good. Championed by key figures like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, this approach posits that people are driven by a desire for self-actualization. It highlights concepts such as free will and self-determination, asserting that individuals actively strive to become the best version of themselves, which has significantly contributed to the psychological understanding of the self.

Humanism in Psychology

Psychologists who later formed the humanistic movement objected to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic perspective, particularly its pessimism and determinism. They were uncomfortable with the idea that all human actions are entirely driven by the unconscious mind, viewing this as an overly limited and negative perspective on human behavior.

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