PSYC2014 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Abraham Maslow, Humanistic Psychology, Radical Behaviorism
27 Dec 2018
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Document Summary
Humanistic psychology opposes what it regards as the bleack pessimism and despair inherent in the psychoanalytic view of humans on the one hand and the robot conception of humans portrayed in radical behaviourism on the other hand. Humanistic psychology is more hopeful and optimistic about humans; always an emphasis on personal growth. It believes that any person contains within him or herself the need for healthy and creative growth (instinctoid tendencies) These positive instinctoid tendencies were conceptualised by maslow as being weak and easily overcome by negative environmental influences. If the instinctoid tendencies in children are fostered, they will have the capacity to display honest, trust, kindness, love and generosity and will develop constructively into healthy individuals. The focus in humanistic theories is on the here and now. Individuals are discouraged from focusing on the past. While the past may have helped to shape the person you are, you are seen as being able to change.
